10 Delicious Lemongrass Recipes: From Thai Classics to Refreshing Cocktails

10 Delicious Lemongrass Recipes – From Thai Classics to Refreshing Cocktails

Introduction (

Intro

)

Lemongrass is a versatile ingredient, widely used in various cuisines around the world for its distinct flavor and aroma. This fragrant herb comes with numerous health benefits as well, including its ability to aid digestion, promote weight loss, and even boost immunity. Whether you’re a fan of Thai food or simply looking to explore new flavors in your kitchen, we’ve compiled 10 mouthwatering lemongrass recipes for you to try out. These range from traditional dishes like curry and pad thai to refreshing cocktails, ensuring you have something delicious for every occasion.

1. Thai Chicken Curry with Lemongrass (

Thai Chicken Curry with Lemongrass

)

Start your culinary journey with this flavorful Thai classic. The lemongrass imparts a delicate fragrance that complements the tangy flavors of coconut milk, lime juice, and fresh ginger in this dish. Pair it with steamed rice to create a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 stalks lemongrass, white part only and finely chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 2 cans coconut milk
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice from 1 lime
– Coriander for garnish

Directions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
2. Reduce the heat to low, add chopped lemongrass, diced onion, garlic, and ginger into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes or until fragrant. Add curry powder and stir for an additional minute.
3. Slowly pour coconut milk and chicken broth into the pot. Stir well to combine with other ingredients. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add green beans, fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, lime juice, and chicken back into the pot. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the flavors have melded together nicely. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve over steamed rice and garnish with coriander.

2. Lemongrass Pork Stir-Fry (

Lemongrass Pork Stir-Fry

)

This quick stir-fry makes for a delicious midweek meal that is ready in less than 30 minutes. The combination of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and fragrant lemongrass creates a scrumptious dish that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 onion, sliced into half-moons
– 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only and finely chopped
– 1 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
– 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
– 6 ounces snow peas
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and lemongrass. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the vegetables are fragrant and softened. Add pork slices and stir fry for about 5 minutes until they start to brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Increase heat to high, add bell peppers and snow peas into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Return pork back to the skillet along with any accumulated juices.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

3. Lemongrass Coconut Soup (

Lemongrass Coconut Soup

)

A delightful, refreshing soup that is perfect for a summer evening or any time you crave something light and satisfying. The combination of creamy coconut milk, lemongrass, and fresh herbs make it a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional soups.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 stalks lemongrass, white part only and finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 cups baby spinach
– 1 can coconut milk
– Juice from 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Garnishes: cilantro leaves, mint leaves, lime wedges (optional)

Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until it starts to soften. Add lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bring to a simmer and add green beans. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until green beans are tender. Add spinach leaves and let them wilt into the soup, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low, slowly pour coconut milk into the pot, stirring well to combine. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld together. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper as desired.
4. Serve immediately in individual bowls garnished with cilantro leaves, mint leaves, and lime wedges.

4. Lemongrass Beef Skewers (

Lemongrass Beef Skewers

)

These flavor-packed lemongrass beef skewers are a perfect appetizer or main course for any gathering. The marinade, infused with fresh herbs and spices, imparts an unforgettable taste to the tender beef strips that you’ll want to serve again and again.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced into long strips
– 4 stalks lemongrass, white part only and finely chopped
– 6 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. In a large resealable bag or container, combine sliced steak, lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, honey, red pepper flakes (if using), oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator or up to overnight if desired.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the steak strips onto soaked wooden skewers, ensuring there’s enough space between each piece. Discard any remaining marinade in the bag.
3. Grill the beef skewers for 2-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred on all sides. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
4. Serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or soy-ginger sauce.

5. Lemongrass Ginger Iced Tea (

Lemongrass Ginger Iced Tea

)

This invigorating iced tea is a refreshing and healthy alternative to traditional beverages. The combination of lemongrass, ginger, and freshly brewed tea creates an irresistible blend that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day or after a spicy meal.

Ingredients:
– 4 stalks lemongrass, white part only and finely chopped
– 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
– 2 black tea bags (preferably Assam or Ceylon)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 8 cups water
– Ice cubes for serving
– Sliced lemons and limes for garnish

Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped lemongrass and grated ginger with water and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture has slightly reduced in volume and infused with flavor.
2. Remove from heat and add tea bags, stirring gently to submerge them in the liquid. Let it steep for 5-6 minutes or until the tea is fully flavored. Remove and discard tea bags.
3. Stir honey into the warm tea mixture and allow it to dissolve completely. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof container, cover with lid or plastic wrap, and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
4. Serve over ice in tall glasses garnished with lemon or lime slices and sprigs of lemongrass (optional).

6. Lemongrass Lime Margarita (

Lemongrass Lime Margarita

)

End your culinary journey with this mouthwatering cocktail that blends the flavors of tart limes with sweet agave nectar, fresh lemongrass, and tequila. Perfect for parties or simply unwinding after a long day at work.

Ingredients:
– 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only and finely chopped
– 1/3 cup sugar
– Juice from 4 limes
– 1/2 cup agave nectar (or to taste)
– 1 1/2 cups tequila blanco
– Ice cubes for serving
– Lime wedges and lemongrass sprigs for garnish

Directions:
1. Combine chopped lemongrass, sugar, and enough water to cover in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Let it cool completely. Strain out solids and discard.
2. In a large pitcher or glass jar, mix together lime juice, agave nectar, and lemongrass syrup. Add tequila and stir well to combine.
3. When ready to serve, pour margarita mixture over ice in individual glasses. Garnish with lime wedges and a sprig of lemongrass. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.