Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for lemongrass
Best swap for lemongrass: Lemon zest, use zest of 1 lemon per stalk; add a bit of ginger for depth.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Lemongrass?
The best swap for Lemongrass is Lemon Zest, use zest of 1 lemon per stalk; add a bit of ginger for depth. Another option is Lime Zest, use zest of 1 lime per stalk; slightly different but works in curries/soups. The table below also lists Lemongrass Paste, 3 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Lemon zest | use zest of 1 lemon per stalk; add a bit of ginger for depth |
| Lime zest | use zest of 1 lime per stalk; slightly different but works in curries/soups |
| Lemongrass paste | 1 tsp paste per stalk |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.