Best Lemongrass Substitutes for Thai & Asian Cooking | Ingredient Swap Guide
The best substitute for lemongrass is Lemon Zest at a 1 tsp zest for 1 stalk ratio. It works best for curries, marinades, stir-fries. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Lemon Zest
1 tsp zest for 1 stalk
Provides citrus brightness but lacks lemongrass's complexity. Add at end of cooking.
What are the other substitutes for lemongrass?
Lemon Zest + Ginger
1 tsp zest + 1/2 tsp grated ginger for 1 stalk
Closer approximation with ginger's herbal notes. Best overall substitute.
Lemon Verbena
1 tbsp dried or 2 tbsp fresh for 1 stalk
Herbal lemon flavor similar to lemongrass. Hard to find but excellent substitute.
Citronella
1 tbsp fresh for 1 stalk
Same plant family as lemongrass. Use only culinary citronella, not oil.
What should you know before substituting lemongrass?
When using fresh lemongrass, bruise the stalks before adding to release oils. Remove stalks before serving as they're fibrous and inedible. The tender white and pale green parts near the base have the most flavor.
How do you substitute lemongrass in a recipe?
Lemongrass is a tropical grass with bright, citrusy flavor and subtle ginger notes. It's essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines for soups, curries, and marinades.
The best substitute for lemongrass depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Lemon Zest (1 tsp zest for 1 stalk), which works well for curries, marinades, stir-fries.
If you need a different option, Lemon Zest + Ginger (1 tsp zest + 1/2 tsp grated ginger for 1 stalk) is another reliable choice. Closer approximation with ginger's herbal notes. Best overall substitute.
When substituting lemongrass, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of lemongrass?
The best lemongrass substitute is a combination of lemon zest and fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon zest + 1/2 teaspoon ginger per stalk). Lemon zest alone works for citrus brightness, while lemon verbena provides similar herbal lemon notes.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lemongrass?
Lemon zest is better than juice as it provides concentrated citrus oils. If using juice, add it at the end of cooking and use 1 tablespoon per stalk, but note that it won't replicate lemongrass's herbal complexity.
Is dried lemongrass a good substitute for fresh?
Dried lemongrass works but is less aromatic. Use 1 tablespoon dried for each fresh stalk. Soak dried lemongrass in hot water for 10 minutes before using to rehydrate and release flavor.