What can I use instead of Lemongrass?

Lemon zest + ginger: 1 stalk = 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tsp grated ginger. Lemongrass paste or frozen: 1 Tbsp.

What changes when you substitute Lemongrass?

No grassy stalk for the pot — strain anyway. Slightly softer flavor.

Substitute for Lemongrass

What it does in a recipe: Citrus-grass stalk: the bright backbone of Southeast Asian cooking.

2 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Lemon zest + ginger

per 1 lemongrass stalk

US1 stalk = 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tsp grated ginger

Metric2 g zest + 2 g ginger

Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

Zest brings the citrus top note; ginger brings the bite.

What changes: No grassy stalk for the pot — strain anyway

Lemongrass paste or frozen

per 1 fresh stalk

US1 Tbsp

Metric15 g

CommonBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

Sold in tubes and freezer packs; closest flavor.

What changes: Slightly softer flavor

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Lemongrass?: Lemon zest + ginger: 1 stalk = 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tsp grated ginger. Lemongrass paste or frozen: 1 Tbsp.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Lemongrass?: Lemon zest + ginger (per 1 lemongrass stalk) — US: 1 stalk = 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tsp grated ginger. Metric: 2 g zest + 2 g ginger.
What changes when you substitute Lemongrass?: No grassy stalk for the pot — strain anyway. Slightly softer flavor.

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