The Wonderful World of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a plant that’s native to tropical areas of Asia. The stalks of the plant are utilized in cooking and have a citrusy, lemon-like flavour. Lemongrass is usually utilized in Southeast Asian delicacies, primarily Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Let’s discover this scrumptious ingredient in additional depth!

What Does Lemongrass Style Like?

Lemongrass has a robust, citrusy flavour much like lemon however not as tart. The style of lemongrass can be a bit earthy, with hints of ginger. When utilized in cooking, lemongrass additionally imparts a beautiful perfume to dishes.

The place Can I Discover Lemongrass?

Lemongrass may be discovered at most Asian markets or specialty grocery shops. If in case you have bother discovering it, it’s also possible to purchase lemongrass on-line. When buying lemongrass, search for stalks which are agency and freed from blemishes. Keep away from stalks which are limp or dried out.

How Do I Retailer Lemongrass?

Lemongrass stalks may be saved within the fridge for as much as two weeks. To retailer lemongrass, wrap the stalks in a moist paper towel and place them in a zip-top bag. Alternatively, you may place the stalks in a glass of water and canopy them with a plastic bag earlier than storing them within the fridge.

How Do I Use Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is mostly utilized in soups and curries. Nonetheless, it may also be used to flavour stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. When utilizing lemongrass, solely use the underside third of the stalk, because the higher half may be difficult and woody. To make use of lemongrass, take away the robust outer leaves after which bash the stalk with the again of your knife to launch its flavours. You may add it to your dish or slice it thinly earlier than including it to your recipe.

What Vietnamese dishes use lemongrass?

Lemongrass is usually utilized in Vietnamese delicacies, significantly in soups and curries. It may also be used to flavour stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. Some fashionable Vietnamese dishes that function lemongrass embody bun bo Hue soup and ga xao xa ot (lemongrass hen).

What Thai dishes use lemongrass?

Lemongrass is usually utilized in Thai delicacies, significantly in curries, soups, and stir-fries. It may also be used to flavour marinades and sauces. Some fashionable Thai dishes that function lemongrass embody tom yum soup, gaeng daeng (crimson curry), and khao soi (a noodle soup).

What are another methods to make use of lemongrass?

Lemongrass may also be used to make tea, lemonade, or cocktails. It may also be used as a pure insect repellent. To make lemongrass tea, steep some lemongrass in scorching water for five–10 minutes. For a refreshing summer season drink, combine equal components lemonade and iced lemongrass tea. To make a lemongrass cocktail, muddle some lemongrass in a glass after which add your favorite spirits. Lemongrass important oil may also be utilized in diffusers or DIY magnificence merchandise.

What can I take advantage of as a lemongrass substitute?

Should you can’t discover lemongrass or don’t have it readily available, you should use lemon zest or lemon juice in its place. You could possibly additionally strive utilizing contemporary ginger, lime zest, or kaffir lime leaves. It received’t have the identical flavour, however it would nonetheless be scrumptious!

What are some well being advantages of lemongrass?

Lemongrass is an efficient supply of antioxidants and nutritional vitamins A, C, and B6. It additionally has anti-inflammatory properties. Lemongrass important oil can deal with nervousness, despair, and insomnia.

Who ought to keep away from consuming lemongrass?

Lemongrass is secure for most individuals to eat, however these with delicate stomachs or GERD could wish to keep away from it as it may trigger heartburn. Lemongrass important oil shouldn’t be ingested and used cautiously on the pores and skin as it may trigger irritation. Pregnant ladies and younger youngsters must also keep away from utilizing lemongrass important oil.

Lemongrass is a flexible ingredient that can be utilized in many various dishes. So whether or not you’re trying so as to add some flavour to your soup or curry or desire a refreshing summer season drink, lemongrass is a good selection. So subsequent time you’re on the grocery retailer, choose up a stalk of lemongrass and check out it!

At Toronto Pho, we use solely the freshest substances, together with lemongrass, to make our scrumptious dishes. We’re conveniently open late nights in any respect 4 places, so come go to us after an evening out in town!

A few of our well-known dishes are:

Stir Fried Rooster with Lemongrass (Cơm Gà Xào Sả Ớt)

Stirred Fried Rooster with Lemongrass and Steamed Rice (Cơm Gà Xào Sả Ớt CHAY)

Shrimp and Rooster Pad Thai (Padthai Tôm Gà)