For DeeDee Niyomkul , owner ofChai Yo Modern Thaiin Atlanta , lemongrass is an component she recognize all too well . She grew up in the restaurant industry , the girl of Atlanta Thai food restauranter powerhouse yoke Charlie and Nan Niyomkul who have owned honour - winningNan Thai Fine Diningsince 2003 .
" Lemongrass is not too overpowering , which leaves an abundance of chance to layer in other exotic spirit for complexity , " DeeDee says . " It has hints of citrus , lemon , slight mint , gross and grassy flavors . "
While you may not be as well versed in the smack nuances of lemongrass as someone steeped inThai foodlike DeeDee , it ’s a grassy herbaceous plant you’re able to well work with at home when your Asian foods formula call for it .
What Is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is an herb that grows principally in tropical climates around Southeast Asia . It ’s produced from the shuck of thelemongrass plant(Cymbopogon citratus ) . It has a citrusy — or lemony — scent .
It ’s prominently used to season solid food in Thailand , Indonesia , Sri Lanka and other countries in the region . the great unwashed also seek lemongrass oil forits health benefitsaround rest , inflammation , antioxidant properties and tenseness .
you may incur the thin , wan immature stalks at most grocery store store or Asiatic markets in the produce or freezer section — they usually come in Bunche . Look for stalks that have a light green color and are fragrant , and stay off from brown , unsightly stalks . It ’s also relatively cheap .
Fresh , whole lemongrass oil adds brightness to stimulate - fries and soup broths , like tom kha and tom yum . DeeDee says she uses clean lemongrass as part of the base for her Thai curry paste and other traditional Thai food .
On the other hand , dry lemongrass , which is in reality harder to retrieve , transmit more of a woodsy smell . It ’s best used to make broth and seasoning powders for stunner like larb , a northern Thai - style salad with ground protein . " It add deepness and texture to the looker by offering a roasted scent and a little compaction , " DeeDee pronounce .
How to Prepare Fresh Lemongrass
When preparing lemon grass , you want to draw the oils out of the stalks . First , wash and polish off the international leaves . After you ’ve clean them thoroughly , DeeDee says a mallet works skillful for the next steps .
" Pound [ the lemongrass ] at the bottom of the tooth root and along the stalk , " she state . " Most of the flavour and oils will be at the bottom . We put it in whole like this when making a soup stock . you may also get many flavors if you guy it in the oven . "
If you bribe frost - dried lemon grass , you ’ll prepare it the same way as fresh lemongrass . You ’ll use the hammer to relinquish the oils and then hack the bottom 3 to 4 inches ( 7.6 to 10.1 centimeters ) .
Cooking With Lemongrass
Lemongrass is unchewable , so it can be strong to chew if go forth in big pieces . So if you ’re using it fresh in a salad or an entrée , slit it almost paper - thin to avoid any uncomfortable grain . you could also cut it for a stir - fry or tally in whole stalks when do a stock .
Lemongrass is also a must when prepare curry paste with brisk ginger and other seasonings . But it has to be prepare just right . " It require to be chopped fine and moil with a mortar and pestle with the other factor to make the paste , " DeeDee say .
But perhaps the best way to try lemongrass is in a red-hot bowl oftom yum kung , which is considered one of the most well - known dishes in Thai cuisine . " It ’s the ultimate representation of lemongrass ' potential because it ’s the distinguishing constituent , " DeeDee says . " Infinitely idiosyncratic in aroma and flavour , this spicy half-pint soup is the proud gatekeeper to any Thai eatery menu . " The soup is both spicy and sour and a little sweet as it combines the lemon grass with ginger , shiitake mushrooms , fish sauce and violent chili in a red-hot soup bowl .
you’re able to also find good uses for lemongrass in Southeast Asian formula for Thai green curry , Vietnamese noodle salad , Thai massaman dress and more .
