How to prepare fresh lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical grass known for its bright citrus aroma and flavour and is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It grows in tall, slender stalks with a bulbous base, long blade-like leaves, and a lemony scent that's fresh and slightly floral. The stalks are tough and fibrous and the lower white part of the stalk can be eaten while the upper leafy parts can be used for teas and infusions. This is a step-by-step guide of how to prepare and use fresh lemongrass.
Instructions
Preparing the lemongrass stalk
- Wash the lemongrass stalk and cut off the leaf tips.
- Remove the tough and rigid outer leaves (usually the outer 2-3 layers) to expose the tender inner stalk that is white in colour. Discard the outer leaves or keep aside for making a tea or infusion.
- Once the rigid outer leaves have been removed so that the outermost layer of the stalk is thin, soft and seamless with the rest of the stalk, it is suitable for eating.
- Cut off the bottom bulb of the stalk.
- Cut off the fibrous, green, top end of the stalk and discard or set aside, leaving about 10-15cm of the edible bottom white part of the stalk. If there is too much resistance with the knife, try cutting lower down on the stalk where it's softer.
- The lemongrass stalk is now ready to use or store. The stalk can be sliced or minced into fine pieces for a salad or stir fry; pounded whole with a pestle for soups and stews; or roughly chopped and blended to make a paste for a curry or marinade.
Storing the lemongrass
- The stalks can be loosely wrapped in a paper towel and placed in an air-tight zip lock bag or container to store in the fridge for up to three weeks.
- Alternatively, the stalks can be placed in an air-tight zip lock bag or container (no paper towel required) and placed in the freezer for up to six months without loss of flavour.
Making a tea or infusion
- Wash the discarded lemongrass leaves and roughly cut them into smaller pieces. Steep in a pot of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add optional flavours like ginger or honey.
- Pour the tea through a strainer and enjoy!
