Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you buy a few extra stalks of lemongrass when you find them, then wonder how on earth you’ll use it all before it goes limp in the fridge. Been there!
I love cooking with lemongrass — that citrusy, floral flavor gives soups, marinades, and stir-fries a little something special. But fresh lemongrass doesn’t last long, so freezing it has become my go-to way to always have it on hand. Here’s exactly how I do it (and what I’ve learned the hard way).
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How to Freeze Lemongrass
What You’ll Need
Fresh lemongrass stalks
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Freezer-safe bag or airtight container
Optional: small food processor for chopping
How I Prep Lemongrass for Freezing
Trim the stalks.
I cut off the tough outer leaves and the dry, woody tops. The bottom 4–5 inches are what you’ll use most in cooking — that’s where all the flavor lives.
Wash and dry.
I rinse the stalks under cool water and pat them completely dry with a towel. Any moisture left can lead to freezer burn later.
Choose your prep style.
Whole stalks: Best for soups or simmering in broths.
Chopped pieces: Easier to measure for stir-fries and marinades.
Minced paste: I sometimes blitz it in a mini food processor and freeze spoonfuls in an ice cube tray — super handy!
Freeze it.
I place the lemongrass in a single layer on a small tray for about an hour (this keeps it from clumping together), then transfer it to a labeled freezer bag or airtight container.
How Long Frozen Lemongrass Lasts
Lemongrass keeps its best flavor for up to 6 months in the freezer, though I’ve stretched it to about 9 months with no problem. The aroma fades a bit over time, but it’s still great for soups, curries, and marinades.
How I use it later
When I need some, I grab a few pieces straight from the freezer — no thawing needed! For whole stalks, I simmer them in broth or coconut milk and fish them out before serving (like a bay leaf). For chopped lemongrass, I toss it into hot oil or butter at the start of cooking to wake up the flavor.
My Best Lemongrass Tips
Label the bag. You’ll thank yourself later when everything in the freezer looks like “mystery green stuff.”
Combine with other aromatics. I love freezing a mix of chopped lemongrass, garlic, and ginger together for quick flavor bases.
Skip thawing. Frozen lemongrass softens fast in hot dishes — just drop it in!
Avoid refreezing. The flavor dulls each time, so portion it out before freezing.
The bottom line
Freezing lemongrass is one of those small kitchen tricks that makes me feel ridiculously organized — like I’ve got a secret stash of flavor waiting for me. Next time you see those long green stalks at the store or market, grab a few extras and freeze them my way. You’ll never be out of lemongrass again.
Try our Lemonade with Lemongrass and Ginger here.
Interesting facts About Lemongrass
- Lemongrass oil is used in the production of repellents to counter a wide range of bugs, such as houseflies and mosquitoes.
- Lemongrass contains citral, which is used to make perfumes for its lemony scent.
- In the Caribbean, lemongrass is popular for treating cold/flu and fever. This is why it has earned the moniker “fever grass” in that region.
- You can buy lemongrass paste in the produce section of some grocery stores. These add an intense flavor, so use sparingly. According to the makers of Gourmet Garden, this tube can be stored in the refrigerator and used for up to three months.
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How to Freeze Lemongrass
Ingredients
- Lemongrass
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plastic freezer container
- Freezer
Instructions
- Cut the outer leaves and top part of the lemongrass. You’ll only need the bottom part for cooking. However, this is not to say that the top parts don’t carry any purpose. You can use them to make tea or bag up to use in marinades.
- Separate the inner green leaves, chop or scissor them, and freeze them in another sealable bag. You can now puree, mince, or chop the bottom part of the lemongrass.
- Ideally, lemongrass is preserved properly when it is frozen in small amounts.
- Double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn. Consider wrapping it tightly in a freezer bag or cellophane before adding to a freezer safe, airtight container for final storage in the freezer.
- If your plan is to preserve the lemongrass for several months, then you can use a vacuum pack to freeze it.
