Looking for a lemongrass substitute? While lemongrass is a delicious ingredient in many recipes, it can be hard to find. If you’re looking for an easy way to replace lemongrass in your favorite dishes, I’ve got you covered with this list of the best substitutes for fresh lemongrass that you probably already have in your kitchen.

lemongrass on table.
Contents hide
1 How It’s Used
2 Where to Buy It
3 Fresh Lemongrass
4 Favorite Recipes
5 Best Fresh Lemongrass Substitutes
6 More Best Substitute Articles You Might Like
7 More Favorite Substitutes
8 Conclusions

How It’s Used

You can use lemongrass in many types of cuisine, but it is most often used in Asian cooking.

Lemongrass is very commonly found in Thai food. Lemongrass is native to India but has spread throughout many parts of Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam.

Where to Buy It

Today it can be found in the US at most grocery stores. It is often sold in bundles of three or four stalks. Look for lemongrass at any major grocery store with a large produce section.

You can also buy dried lemongrass or lemongrass powder on Amazon to keep in your pantry.

Fresh Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a very fragrant, grassy plant that can be kept on your counter top for many days if you water it regularly. It may even sprout new growth if you keep cutting the stalks down to about one inch above the soil line. If this happens, just repeat until it stops growing.

If you decide to plant it, it should be placed in a pot with good drainage and the soil should be kept moist.

Favorite Recipes

Lemongrass can be used fresh or dried in recipes. It has a unique herby and citrus flavor. A little bit goes a long way! You’ll most see it called for in curries, soups, and stews.

Two of my favorite recipes using lemongrass are Vietnamese-style chicken and lemonade using lemongrass.

lemongrass lemonade on table.

It can also be frozen for later use. To freeze lemongrass, cut the stalks into small pieces and place in an airtight container for up to several months. Defrost it before using.

Best Fresh Lemongrass Substitutes

It can be tough to track down some fresh lemongrass stalks or lemongrass paste in grocery stores. Here are 11 different herbs and spices that make great substitutes for fresh lemongrass or lemongrass paste.

So whether you’re looking for a substitution for an Asian dish or just want to add a new flavor profile to your favorite recipe, this list has got you covered!

1. Basil

Basil is a great lemongrass substitute and can be used in dishes like Thai curries or stir-frys.

– 1 tablespoon of basil paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Basil has a slightly sweet, floral flavor that pairs well with Asian cuisine.

– If you can’t find basil paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil.

2. Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena has a bright, zesty lemon flavor that makes it a great lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of lemon verbena paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Lemon verbena is also a great addition to tea or cocktails.

– If you can’t find lemon verbena paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped lemon verbena.

3. Cilantro

Cilantro has a refreshing, citrusy flavor that makes it a great lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of cilantro paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Cilantro is a great addition to Mexican and Thai dishes.

– If you can’t find cilantro paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro.

4. Lime Zest or Lemon Zest

Lime zest or lemon zest both have bright, citrusy flavors that make either a great lemongrass substitute. These citrus fruits are easy to find and can easily stand-in for lemongrass if needed. Use a microplane to finely zest the skin of either. You can also use the juice as a substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of lime or lemon zest can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Lime zest or lemon zest are great additions to Mexican and Thai dishes.

– If you can’t find lime zest, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.

5. Tarragon

Tarragon has a strong anise flavor that makes it a great lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of tarragon paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Tarragon is a great addition to French and Vietnamese dishes.

– If you can’t find tarragon paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped tarragon.

6. Thyme

Thyme has a strong earthy flavor that makes it a good lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of thyme paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Thyme is a great addition to French and Mediterranean dishes.

– If you can’t find thyme paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme.

7. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have a strong licorice flavor that makes them a good lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds can be used in place of 1 lemongrass stalk.

– Fennel seeds are a great addition to Italian and Indian dishes.

– If you can’t find fennel seeds, you can also use 1 tablespoon of ground fennel.

8. Star Anise

Star anise has a strong licorice flavor that makes it a good substitute for lemongrass.

– 1 star anise pod can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Star anise is a great addition to Chinese and Vietnamese dishes.

– If you can’t find star anise pods, you can also use 1 tablespoon of ground star anise.

9. Dill

Dill has a strong, herbal flavor that makes it a good lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of dill paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Dill is a great addition to Scandinavian and Russian dishes.

– If you can’t find dill paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped dill.

10. Marjoram

Marjoram has a strong, herbal flavor that makes it a good lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of marjoram paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Marjoram is a great addition to Mediterranean and French dishes.

– If you can’t find marjoram paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped marjoram.

11. Oregano

Oregano has a strong, herbal flavor that makes it a good lemongrass substitute.

– 1 tablespoon of oregano paste can be used in place of 1 stalk of lemongrass.

– Oregano is a great addition to Italian and Mexican dishes.

– If you can’t find oregano paste, you can also use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped oregano.

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Conclusions

So there you have it! Eleven great substitutes for lemongrass. With so many options, you’re sure to find one that will work perfectly in your recipe. Enjoy!

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.