Lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus is a fragrant, versatile herb used for centuries in various cuisines. With its distinctive citrusy aroma, this tall, stalky plant offers many benefits. Here, we'll explore the many advantages of lemongrass and share some delicious recipes to help you incorporate this wonderful herb into your daily life.
A Natural Boost for Wellness
Beyond its culinary applications, lemongrass supports overall health and wellness. It may help maintain healthy digestion and support a balanced gut. Additionally, lemongrass can contribute to maintaining a strong immune system, potentially helping your body stay resilient against everyday germs. Its soothing properties may also aid in supporting a sense of calm, making it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind after a long day.
Incorporating lemongrass into your cooking routine can be a simple yet effective way to explore new flavors while potentially supporting your body's natural functions. Whether simmering it in a fragrant soup, steeping it in tea, or using it as a flavorful garnish, lemongrass can be a delightful addition to your kitchen table.
Enhance Your Cooking with Lemongrass
The following recipes—generously shared by ACHS Dean of Herbal Medicine, Dr. Judith Thompson—are delicious ways to feature this incredible herb. Each recipe offers a unique way to incorporate lemongrass into your culinary repertoire, allowing you to experience its wonderful flavor.
Vegan Coconut Curry
This Vegan Coconut Curry is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a cozy night. The lemongrass infuses the curry with a refreshing citrusy note that complements the rich coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons lemongrass paste
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 14 oz coconut milk
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 4 oz tenderstem broccoli
- 10 oz firm tofu, diced
- 3 oz frozen edamame
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Cooked rice to serve
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Once hot, add the garlic, spring onions, red pepper, and chili. Cook gently for approximately five minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften. (If you're using garlic and chili pastes instead of fresh ingredients, add them in the next step.)
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the lemongrass, ginger pastes (and the garlic and chili pastes if you’re using them), garam masala, and turmeric. Cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Incorporate Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the coconut milk and crumble in the stock cube. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the tenderstem broccoli and edamame to the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the broccoli becomes tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Tofu: Place the cornflour and a pinch of salt in a bowl while the curry simmers. Add the cubed tofu and toss to coat. (Coating the tofu with cornflour is optional.)
- Cook the Tofu: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the tofu cubes and cook over medium heat, occasionally turning until golden on all sides.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked tofu into the curry. Serve hot with rice.
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken 
For a taste of Vietnam, try this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. The lemongrass marinade adds a delightful citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 large stalks lemongrass
- 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweetener, maple syrup, or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil, avocado, or any neutral oil
- 4 small garlic cloves
- 1 medium shallot
Directions:
- Make the marinade. You can toss all the marinade ingredients (lime juice, garlic/shallot/lemongrass/fish sauce/sweetener) into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. But that said, if you would like to make the marinade by hand, you can finely dice the garlic/shallot/lemongrass and then whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl until combined. Up to you!
- Marinate the chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if you are cooking it on skewers, as I have photographed here. Or, if using whole breasts or thighs, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to even thickness. Then, toss the chicken with the marinade in a large bowl until evenly coated, and let the chicken rest for about 30 minutes.
- Cook. Once the chicken is all marinated and ready to go, grill, bake, or sauté the chicken until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes afterward before serving.
- Serve. Then, serve it nice and warm, garnished with green onions plus an extra squeeze or two of lime juice. Delicious!
Thai Lemongrass Soup
This Thai Lemongrass Soup is a classic, comforting, and invigorating dish. The lemongrass adds a bright, aromatic touch to the rich broth.
Ingredients
- 2 (4-6 inch) lemongrass stalks
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups stemmed and sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 7 ounces extra firm tofu
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Soy or tamari sauce, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Indonesian chili sauce, or to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Lemongrass: Lightly press the lemongrass stalks with a large knife to release their aroma, and cut each stalk into 4 pieces. Set them aside for later use.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about a minute. Then, add the broth, lemongrass, chili paste, shiitake mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft.
- Prepare the Tofu: While the broth is simmering, cut the tofu into ½ inch cubes. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for about 5 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Turn the cubes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the tofu to the broth mixture along with cilantro and lime juice. Stir everything well and season with soy sauce to taste. Remove and discard the lemongrass pieces before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
Lemongrass Tea
Enjoy this refreshing tea, hot or iced, for a soothing and aromatic beverage that's perfect any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups hot boiling water
- ¼ cup fresh lemongrass stalk, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or sweetener to taste
Directions:
- Combine hot water, chopped lemongrass, lime juice, ginger, and honey in a small saucepan.
- Stir everything and bring it up to a boil.
- Reduce to low heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- If adding green tea leaves, remove from heat, add in the tea, cover with a lid, and let it steep for an additional 5 minutes.
- Strain the lemongrass tea through a sieve and enjoy hot, or let it cool completely to enjoy iced.
- Tip: Don't discard the lemongrass, lime, and ginger just yet -- throw it into a large pot and fill it with cold water. Bring it to a low simmer, infusing your home with an all-natural scent.
Get Your Lemongrass Fix at ACHS
Exciting news for lemongrass enthusiasts! You can find responsibly sourced, pesticide-free, organic lemongrass essential oil at the Apothecary Shoppe. As a trusted source of premium quality products, education, and safe usage guidance, the Apothecary Shoppe is proud to serve not only ACHS students and graduates but also a growing community of health-conscious individuals and businesses.
Incorporating lemongrass into your diet and wellness routine is a simple way to enjoy its many benefits. Whether cooking up a storm in the kitchen or looking for natural ways to support your health, lemongrass is a fantastic herb to add to your arsenal. Try out these recipes, and let us know your new favorite!
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Sources:
- Wilson, D. R., & AHN, B. (2018, October 24). Lemongrass tea: Benefits, uses, and recipe. MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321969
- Begum, J. (2022, September 13). Lemongrass: Are There Health Benefits? Pros, Cons, Nutrition, and More. WebMD. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/diet/lemongrass-health-benefits
- Mutchler, C. (2023, November 6). 9 Lemongrass Benefits: Aromatherapy and Herbs. Verywell Health. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/lemongrass-8356616
- Domestic Gothess. (2019, June 19). Easy Lemongrass And Coconut Curry (Vegan). Domestic Gothess. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://domesticgothess.com/blog/2019/06/19/easy-lemongrass-and-coconut-curry-vegan/
- Gimme Some Oven. (2019, September 3). Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Gimme Some Oven. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/vietnamese-lemongrass-chicken/
- Saenz, A. (2017, August 25). Thai Lemongrass Soup. Connoisseurus Veg. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/thai-lemongrass-soup/
-
Sift & Simmer. (2022, February 23). Lemongrass Tea. Sift & Simmer. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.siftandsimmer.com/lemongrass-tea/
