Most of the time, we only need a tiny bit of lemongrass to add that signature zing to our favorite dishes or drinks. But what do you do with the rest of the stalks? Instead of letting them go to waste, you can easily pop them in the freezer! It’s a great way to keep them fresh for several months.
Why Freezing Lemongrass is a Total Game-Changer
Since recipes usually call for just a hint of lemongrass, knowing how to store it properly is key to keeping that amazing aroma and flavor intact. Freezing is actually one of the best methods because it locks in those essential oils. Unlike drying lemongrass, which can cause it to lose some of its punch, freezing keeps it tasting almost as fresh as the day you bought it.
Prep Work: Getting Your Stalks Ready
Before you toss them in the freezer, you’ll want to do a little bit of prep. A good rule of thumb is to only freeze the parts you’ll actually use later. Start by peeling away the tough, green outer leaves and trimming off the woody base. You really want to focus on the tender white part of the stalk. Give them a good rinse to get rid of any dirt, and if you like, you can go ahead and slice them into smaller pieces or rings right now.
Different Ways to Freeze Your Lemongrass
There are a few different ways to go about this, depending on how you plan to use it later. You can:
- Freeze the stalks whole.
- Freeze pre-chopped portions so they’re ready to grab and go.
- Make lemongrass ice cubes for a refreshing twist.
Freezing Whole Stalks
If you want to keep the stalks whole, I recommend “flash freezing” them first. Lay them out on a baking sheet so they aren’t touching and pop them in the freezer for an hour. Once they’re firm, move them into a freezer bag or an airtight container. This prevents them from clumping together into one big lemongrass popsicle! Alternatively, you can just wrap a few stalks together in small individual portions.
Freezing Small Portions
If you’re a fan of meal prep, try freezing pre-chopped lemongrass. Small freezer bags work great, but here’s a pro tip: use an ice cube tray! Just fill the slots with your chopped lemongrass. This makes it super easy to pop out exactly what you need to brighten up a soup or stir-fry whenever the craving hits.
Lemongrass Ice Cubes
On a hot summer day, nothing beats a chilled drink with a citrusy kick. You can make “flavor bombs” by putting finely chopped lemongrass into an ice cube tray and filling it with water. Once frozen, you’ve got refreshing lemongrass ice cubes ready for your iced tea or cocktails!
How to Use Your Frozen Lemongrass
When you’re ready to cook, there’s no need to wait for the lemongrass to thaw! Just toss it straight into the pot or glass while it’s still frozen. This helps preserve those wonderful aromatic oils that might otherwise evaporate during the thawing process. Happy cooking!
