Out of Lemon balm, one case
Lemongrass substitute for lemon balm
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lemongrass
Same amount as the lemon balm
Lemongrass can be used as a substitute for lemon balm in some dishes, but they have different flavor profiles. Lemongrass is more earthy and intense, while lemon balm is milder and more herbal. Use lemongrass for Asian dishes and lemon balm for teas and desserts.
- Best for —
- Asian cooking
One casethe full lemongrass card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of lemon balm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LemongrassAsian cooking | Same amount |
| 2 | Lemon balmteas | Same amount |
| 3 | Lemon verbenacooking | Same amount |
| 4 | Lemon thymecooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Lemon zestcooking | Same amount |
Lemongrass
earthy citrus with grassy notes
Earthy, citrusy herb that can substitute for lemon balm in certain dishes
- Best for
- Asian cooking, soups, curries, marinades
- Texture
- fibrous stalks, remove before serving
More intense and earthy than lemon balm, use slightly less.
Lemon balm
mild citrus with herbal notes
Mild, herbal citrus herb that can substitute for lemongrass in some dishes
- Best for
- teas, desserts, light cooking, salads
- Texture
- tender leaves, can be eaten
Milder than lemongrass, use more for similar intensity.
Lemon verbena
intense citrus with floral notes
Intense citrus herb that works well as a middle ground between the two
- Best for
- cooking, teas, desserts, seasoning
- Texture
- tender leaves, can be eaten
More intense than lemon balm, less earthy than lemongrass.
Lemon thyme
herbal citrus with earthy undertones
Herbal citrus herb that provides a good balance between the two
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, savory dishes
- Texture
- tender leaves, can be eaten
Herbal with citrus notes, good for savory applications.
Lemon zest
pure citrus, bright and clean
Pure citrus flavor that can work in place of both herbs
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, seasoning
- Texture
- zest, not leaves or stalks
Pure citrus flavor, no herbal or earthy notes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Lemongrass and lemon balm are both citrus herbs but serve different purposes in cooking. Lemongrass is essential for Asian cuisine and provides earthy, intense flavors, while lemon balm is better for teas and desserts with its mild, herbal profile. The key is choosing the right herb for the intended dish.
Tips for substituting lemon balm
8 tips- Lemongrass is best for Asian dishes, soups, and curries
- Lemon balm is better for teas, desserts, and light cooking
- Lemongrass stalks are fibrous and should be removed before serving
- Lemon balm leaves can be eaten and add texture to dishes
- Use lemongrass for savory dishes, lemon balm for sweet dishes
- Lemongrass needs to be bruised or chopped to release flavor
- Lemon balm is delicate and should be added at the end of cooking
- Both herbs pair well with coconut milk and tropical flavors
Notes on lemon balm
- Try using both herbs together for complex flavor profiles
- Experiment with different citrus herbs for varied flavors
- Consider using lemon zest as a neutral citrus option
- Mix lemongrass with other Asian herbs for authentic flavors
- Use lemon balm in combination with other herbal teas
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute lemongrass for lemon balm?
Yes, but they have different flavor profiles. Lemongrass is more earthy and intense, while lemon balm is milder and more herbal. Use lemongrass for Asian dishes and lemon balm for teas and desserts.
What's the difference between lemongrass and lemon balm?
Lemongrass has an earthy, grassy citrus flavor and is used in Asian cooking. Lemon balm has a mild, herbal citrus flavor and is used in teas and desserts. Lemongrass is more intense and earthy.
Can I use lemon balm instead of lemongrass in Thai cooking?
Lemon balm can work as a substitute, but it will change the flavor profile. Lemongrass is essential for authentic Thai flavors, so the dish will taste different but still good.
Which herb is better for teas?
Lemon balm is better for teas as it has a milder, more pleasant flavor. Lemongrass can be used in teas but has a stronger, more earthy taste that some people find overpowering.
Can I use both herbs together?
Yes, lemongrass and lemon balm can be used together to create complex flavors. The lemongrass provides earthy depth while lemon balm adds herbal brightness.