Lemongrass is a tropical herb with a lemon scent and aroma that make it suitable for use in the kitchen. It is mainly sold fresh, but you can also find it dried and powdered. It is very common in Thai, Vietnamese and Sri Lankan dishes but is now becoming popular in other countries as well. You can use it in countless dishes, ranging from soups to desserts.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Lemongrass
![Use Lemon Grass Step 1 Use Lemon Grass Step 1](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-1-j.webp)
Step 1. Keep the small pieces to add to the plates and the larger ones to add flavor
Use the entire stem, which needs to be cut and prepared in different ways depending on the dish.
The largest and most resistant pieces are intended to flavor dishes. These are typically not eaten. Try squeezing them a little before serving. However, some people like to suck on these chunks for their flavor
![Use Lemon Grass Step 2 Use Lemon Grass Step 2](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-2-j.webp)
Step 2. Remove the dry, outermost stems and cut off the top third of the inner stems
![Use Lemon Grass Step 3 Use Lemon Grass Step 3](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-3-j.webp)
Step 3. Trim each root tip until you see purple rings
![Use Lemon Grass Step 4 Use Lemon Grass Step 4](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-4-j.webp)
Step 4. Keep lemongrass fresh by refrigerating it for up to 3 weeks
Store it in a securely sealed plastic bag. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.
Part 2 of 2: Cooking with Lemongrass
![Use Lemon Grass Step 5 Use Lemon Grass Step 5](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-5-j.webp)
Step 1. Combine with other spices and ingredients to add an exotic flavor to your recipes
Lemongrass is often paired with coconut milk, chillies, coriander, and garlic.
![Use Lemon Grass Step 6 Use Lemon Grass Step 6](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-6-j.webp)
Step 2. Squeeze the bulb by pressing with the side of a wide knife or cleaver, then chop it to add to a variety of recipes
The juice obtained from the pressing releases the aromatic oils.
![Use Lemon Grass Step 7 Use Lemon Grass Step 7](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-7-j.webp)
Step 3. Add very thin slices of lemongrass to salads
It slices the hard fibers of the stem very thinly so that the pieces can be chewed and swallowed with ease.
![Use Lemon Grass Step 8 Use Lemon Grass Step 8](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-8-j.webp)
Step 4. Cut the bulb diagonally into pieces approximately 0.5 cm long
Add the washers and mix them with the stir-fried dishes.
![Use Lemon Grass Step 9 Use Lemon Grass Step 9](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-9-j.webp)
Step 5. Cut the stem at an angle to create sections approximately 2.5 cm long
Crush the bits and add them to boiling foods, such as soups.
![Use Lemon Grass Step 10 Use Lemon Grass Step 10](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-10-j.webp)
Step 6. Make a dough by crushing thin slices of lemongrass
Add it to dishes and other recipes with curry.
![Use Lemon Grass Step 11 Use Lemon Grass Step 11](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-11-j.webp)
Step 7. Flavor the vodka
- Clean and crush a lemongrass stalk.
- Soak it for 3 to 4 days in an almost full bottle of vodka, shaking it from time to time.
- Remove the stem after steeping.
![Use Lemon Grass Step 12 Use Lemon Grass Step 12](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/004/image-9607-12-j.webp)
Step 8. Make yourself a tea with lemongrass by steeping pieces in hot water
Advice
- Lemongrass is believed to have medicinal properties. Herbalists have prescribed it for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including cramps, colds and flu. It is also used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation.
- The intensity of the flavor varies greatly depending on the climate in which it was grown. It is better to flavor according to your taste rather than using the quantities indicated in the recipes.