Lemongrass powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. The citrusy, ginger-like flavor of lemongrass works well in curries, soups, marinades, and even baked goods. Here are some of the top ways to use this aromatic powder:
Add to Curries
Lemongrass is a key ingredient in many Thai and Indian curries. Its bright, lemony flavor pairs perfectly with the spices in curry paste. Start by sautéing the curry paste and spices in oil. Then add coconut milk, vegetables, and meat or tofu. Finally, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of lemongrass powder just before serving. The powder will provide a fresh lemon flavor to finish the dish.
Blend into Soups
Lemongrass can provide depth of flavor to vegetable, chicken, and seafood soups. For a quick and easy lemongrass broth, simmer 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth with 2 teaspoons of lemongrass powder for 15 minutes. Strain the broth and use as a base for soups. You can also add lemongrass powder directly to miso soup, tom yum soup, and other brothy soups. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per serving and adjust to taste.
Marinate Meats
The citrus notes in lemongrass beautifully complement beef, chicken, pork, and seafood. Make a fast marinade by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemongrass powder, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and the zest of 1 lime. Let meats marinate 15 minutes or more before grilling or sautéing. Lemongrass powder is also nice blended into teriyaki and dipping sauces for meats.
Season Veggies
Brighten up roasted, sautéed, or stir fried veggies with lemongrass powder. It adds vibrant flavor to green beans, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Try seasoning with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon each of lemongrass powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lemongrass also pairs well with onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, and greens.
Bake with It
Add unique citrus flavor to baked goods by blending in lemongrass powder. In cookies, cakes, scones, and muffins, replace 1 teaspoon of lemon zest or vanilla extract with 1/4 teaspoon of lemongrass powder. It adds a lovely subtle flavor that isn’t overwhelming. Lemongrass powder also works nicely in lemon bars, lemon tarts, and lemon breads.
Blend into Dressings
Lemongrass powder can be whisked into oil and vinegar to make a unique salad dressing. Simply combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice or rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon lemongrass powder, a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the flavors as needed. Drizzle the lemongrass vinaigrette over leafy greens, slaws, or grain bowls.
Make Lemongrass Tea
Harness the health benefits of lemongrass by steeping it into a nourishing tea. Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass powder into a mug. Fill with 8 ounces of hot water and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with a bit of honey if desired. Sip this energizing and refreshing beverage hot or over ice.
Mix into Smoothies
Lemongrass powder adds zesty flavor to fruit and green smoothies. Try blending 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon into your favorite smoothie recipe. Lemongrass pairs particularly well with mango, pineapple, banana, and coconut. The powder contains compounds that may help with detoxification – an added health bonus!
Make a Detox Tonic
Some natural health enthusiasts use lemongrass powder to make detoxifying tonics and cleansers. One simple recipe is to simmer 1 tablespoon of powder with 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. Let cool, then strain. Drink the broth warm or chilled up to 3 times daily to allegedly help remove toxins.
Repel Insects Naturally
Lemongrass contains citronella, a compound sometimes used in natural insect repellants. To make your own repellent, mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of lemongrass powder. Rub or spray onto skin. Keep in mind this isn’t as strong as commercial chemical bug sprays, but may help deter some insects.
Season Poultry and Fish
The bright, lemon notes of lemongrass deliciously season chicken, turkey, and fish. Rub a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemongrass powder, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil onto poultry before baking or grilling. For fish, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon powder over fillets along with salt and pepper before cooking. It adds a light complementary flavor.
Make a Lemongrass Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is used to sweeten drinks like coffee, tea, cocktails, and more. Make your own lemongrass version by boiling 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons lemongrass powder for 5 minutes. Let cool completely then store in the fridge up to 2 weeks. Use 2-3 tablespoons in drinks for a lemony kick.
Season Rice Dishes
Lemongrass powder can infuse rice with its citrusy aroma. For coconut rice, toast 1/2 cup coconut flakes in a skillet. Add 1 cup rice and 1 teaspoon lemongrass powder. Cook as usual, adding chicken broth instead of water. For jasmine rice, add 1/4 teaspoon powder to the cooking water. Sprinkle lemongrass over rice bowls for a pop of flavor.
Make a Lemongrass Dry Rub
A dry rub is a quick and easy way to season meat, seafood or vegetables. Blend together 2 tablespoons lemongrass powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Rub the mixture over proteins before grilling, broiling or baking. It also tastes great on salmon, shrimp and tofu.
Boost Digestion Naturally
In folk medicine, lemongrass has traditionally been used to aid digestion. While more research is needed, the aroma of lemongrass may help stimulate the release of gastric juices that can break down food and improve gut health. Try drinking lemongrass tea after heavy meals for soothing support.
Make Lemongrass Oil
For an aromatic lemongrass oil, mix 1 teaspoon powder with 1 cup olive or coconut oil. Let steep for 1-2 days, shaking occasionally, then strain out the powder. Use the scented oil to massage sore muscles, perfume your home, and add flavor to dishes. Store lemongrass oil in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.
Repel Fleas Naturally
Some pet owners use lemongrass as a natural flea repellent. Make a simple spray by boiling 1 cup water with 1 tablespoon lemongrass powder. Let cool, then strain. Transfer to a spray bottle and spritz onto your pet’s coat. Be cautious around cats, as lemongrass may be irritating. Monitor your pet and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Enhance Your Complexion
The antioxidants in lemongrass may help protect skin from damage when applied topically. Create a simple face mask by mixing 1 teaspoon powder with 1 tablespoon honey or plain yogurt. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. This can refresh dull skin and tighten pores.
Relieve Stress
Inhaling lemongrass aroma may have stress-relieving effects, according to some studies. Simmer a pot of water mixed with several teaspoons of powder to fill your home with its calming scent. You can also add lemongrass to bathwater or massage oils for full-body relaxation.
Soothe Coughs and Colds
Lemongrass tea has been used traditionally to help soothe coughs and colds. The warming broth can be soothing for sore throats, while the lemony aroma may help clear sinuses. Drink up to 3 cups of lemongrass tea daily when you’re feeling under the weather.
Make Lemongrass Powder
You can easily make your own lemongrass powder at home. Here’s how:
- Cut fresh lemongrass stalks into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Spread the lemongrass pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 200F for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, until completely dried out.
- Process the dried lemongrass in a coffee/spice grinder or blender until reduced to a fine powder.
- Sift through a fine mesh strainer or sieve to remove any large pieces.
- Store the fresh powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Lemongrass powder is a versatile pantry ingredient that can elevate the flavor of many dishes and drinks. Its refreshing lemon-ginger taste and aroma brighten up curries, soups, marinades, teas and more. With its many uses in the kitchen and around the home, lemongrass powder is sure to become one of your go-to seasonings.