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Dinner

Lemongrass Rice Recipe | Thai Style Pan Side Dish

September 11, 2024
Milli
lemongrass rice recipe photo
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Lemongrass Rice is a beautifully fragrant and citrusy side dish commonly found in Asian cuisines, especially Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cooking. This aromatic rice is infused with the bright, slightly sweet flavor of fresh lemongrass and warm cardamom, creating a light yet flavorful accompaniment to rich mains.

What Is Lemongrass Rice?

Lemongrass rice is plain white rice cooked with fresh lemongrass stalks and aromatic spices. As the rice simmers, it absorbs the essential oils from the lemongrass, giving it a subtle lemony fragrance without sourness.

Unlike lemon rice, lemongrass rice is mild, balanced, and soothing, making it suitable for both spicy and mild dishes.

Why You Will Love This Lemongrass Rice Recipe

  • Light, fluffy, and perfectly cooked every time
  • Naturally aromatic with citrusy notes
  • Easy to prepare using simple pantry ingredients
  • Pairs well with a wide variety of dishes
  • Can be customized with coconut milk or extra aromatics

Cultural Significance of Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass rice is a staple side dish in many Asian cultures. In Thailand, it is usually served with grilled meats or seafood, while in Vietnam, it is a popular accompaniment to noodle dishes. In Indonesia, lemongrass rice is served with fried chicken or beef. The citrusy flavour of lemongrass complements the rich flavours of these dishes, making it a versatile side dish.

Making Delicious Lemongrass Rice Recipe

To make this dish, you will need:

Ingredients

Ingredients for making Lemongrass rice recipe

  • 2 cups uncooked white jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, roughly chopped
  • 7 cardamom pods
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil/coconut oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Using a pestle & mortar, crush the cardamon and lemongrass and place it into a pot
  2. Add water and gently bring to a boil
  3. Add the oil, butter and salt, followed by the rinsed rice
  4. Add rice and bring to a gentle boil, then cover and shift the heat to the lowest setting
  5. Simmer until rice is cooked and fluffy. 
  6. Once done, remove the cardamon and lemongrass pieces, then fluff the rice using a fork
  7. Serve and enjoy!
lemongrass rice recipe photo

Lemongrass Rice Recipe

A flavourful, aromatic, citrusy, easy-to-make side dish recipe that infuses fluffy rice with the bright and refreshing flavour of lemongrass, creating a perfect accompaniment to various dishes.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Rice, Side Dish
Cuisine Thai
Servings 6
Calories 305 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups jasmine rice uncooked, rinsed
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 stalks lemongrass roughly chopped
  • 7 medium cardamom pods
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil or coconut oil
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Using a pestle and mortar, crush the cardamon and lemongrass and place it into a pot
  • Add water and gently bring to a boil
  • Add the oil, butter and salt followed by the rinsed rice
  • Add rice and bring to a gentle boil, then cover and turn the heat to the lowest setting
  • Simmer until rice is cooked and fluffy. 
  • Once done, remove the cardamon and lemongrass pieces then fluff the rice using a fork
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 41mgPotassium: 138mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Keyword aromatic, Easy, flavourful, lemongrass
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is more than just aromatic it’s also nutritious:

  • Rich in vitamins A and C
  • Contains potassium and magnesium
  • Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
  • Traditionally used to support digestion and immunity

It’s also commonly brewed into tea and enjoyed with snacks like East African mandazi.

Tips and Variations

  • Use fresh lemongrass for the best flavour.
  • Adjust the amount of lemongrass to your taste.
  • Add other aromatics like onion or ginger for added flavour.
  • Use coconut milk for creamier rice.
  • Serve with grilled meats, seafood, or noodle dishes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemongrass Rice

  • Use fresh lemongrass for the best aroma
  • Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent stickiness
  • Do not over-stir once the rice starts cooking
  • Let rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing

Lemongrass Rice Variations

Coconut Lemongrass Rice

Replace half the water with coconut milk for a creamy, rich version.

Ginger Lemongrass Rice

Add a few slices of fresh ginger for extra warmth.

Onion Infused Rice

Sauté thinly sliced onion in oil before adding water and aromatics.

Vegan Version

Skip butter and use coconut oil only.

What to Serve with Lemongrass Rice

This rice pairs beautifully with:

  • Thai chicken meatballs
  • Pineapple chicken curry
  • Grilled shrimp or fish
  • Fried chicken or beef
  • Spicy noodle dishes

It also works well as a light base for rice bowls.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheating Add a splash of water and steam or microwave until warm
  • Freezing Not recommended, as the texture may change

Nutrition Information Approximate Per Serving

Nutrient Amount (Per Serving)
Calories 305 kcal
Carbohydrates 55 g
Protein 5 g
Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Sodium 41 mg
Potassium 138 mg
Fiber 2 g

Nutrition values may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Final Thought

Lemongrass rice proves that a side dish does not need a long ingredient list to feel special. With just a few pantry staples and a couple of fresh lemongrass stalks, you get a fragrant, restaurant worthy rice that turns any weeknight meal into something a little more memorable. Once you have made it, you will find yourself reaching for this one again and again alongside curries, grilled meats and seafood.

Also try our other delicious rice recipes:

Turmeric Rice Recipe

Beef Coconut Pilau Recipe

Turkey Fried Rice Recipe

Bacon Fried Rice Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does lemongrass rice taste like?

Lemongrass rice has a light, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor with a fragrant aroma. It is not sour like lemon rice and pairs well with both mild and spicy dishes.

Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh lemongrass is strongly recommended for the best aroma and flavor. If using dried lemongrass, reduce the quantity and strain it out before serving, as it has a more concentrated taste.

Which rice is best for lemongrass rice?

Jasmine rice is the best choice because of its naturally floral aroma and soft, fluffy texture. Basmati rice can also be used, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make lemongrass rice with coconut milk?

Yes. Replace half of the water with coconut milk to make coconut lemongrass rice. This version is richer and pairs beautifully with spicy curries and grilled meats.

Is lemongrass rice healthy?

Yes. Lemongrass rice is a light and nutritious side dish. Lemongrass contains antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals that support digestion and immunity.

Can lemongrass rice be made vegan?

Absolutely. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, and the dish becomes completely vegan.

How do I prevent lemongrass rice from becoming mushy?

Rinse the rice thoroughly, use the correct water ratio, and avoid stirring once the rice starts simmering. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing.

Milli
About Devine Dishes A lifelong love of cooking, one delicious recipe at a time. Welcome to Devine Dishes! I'm so glad you're here. I'm the cook, recipe creator, and food lover behind this little corner of the internet. Born and raised in Kenya, my love for cooking started when I was very young. Even as a child, I would happily volunteer to cook for the family, leaving the dishes and laundry for my siblings. Looking back, I think I had already discovered my passion and a clever way to avoid some chores! 😜 Where My Love for Cooking Began In high school, I chose Home Science and quickly discovered that baking was something I truly enjoyed. I went on to win awards in provincial school baking competitions for three consecutive years. Those were incredibly proud moments for me, and I loved the feeling of creating something delicious with my own hands. But not everyone saw cooking the way I did. I still remember the day my chemistry teacher laughed out loud in class after I received one of my baking medals. He told me I was wasting my time with cooking and that I should focus on the sciences, which would give me a better future than cookies and cakes. It was an embarrassing moment, especially as a student who was proud of something she had worked hard to achieve. But I didn't stop cooking. That experience stayed with me, not because it changed my passion, but because it reminded me that sometimes you have to believe in yourself even when others don't understand your dreams. From Cooking for Family to Building a Food Business Over the years, my love for cooking has taken me on quite a journey. I've explored different food business ideas, from cooking and selling chapatis and mandazis to catering, meal preparation, and delivery. Each experience taught me something new about food, business, and the joy of sharing a good meal with others. Today, I'm excited to bring that passion to food blogging. Devine Dishes is a place where I share the recipes I love, the ones I'm learning, and the ones I can't wait for you to try. You'll find African and Kenyan favorites, comforting family meals, delicious baking recipes, and practical dishes that make cooking at home enjoyable. My goal is simple: to help you discover recipes that are delicious, approachable, and worth making again. More Than Just Recipes For me, food has always been about more than feeding people. It's about family, memories, creativity, and bringing people together. When I'm not working, you'll often find me trying out new recipes, creating and editing content, or spending time with family. Sometimes we're swimming, watching TV, or simply chatting over a good meal. Those ordinary moments are some of my favorite moments. I also love traveling and discovering new places, cultures, and foods. I'm hoping to do much more of it in the near future, and I'm excited about the inspiration those experiences will bring to my cooking and future recipes. Thank You for Being Here Whether you're visiting Devine Dishes for a Kenyan recipe, looking for something delicious to bake, or simply exploring new meals to try, thank you for being part of this journey. Every recipe shared here is a little piece of my love for cooking, my experiences, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue something you're passionate about. I hope you find something delicious, make wonderful memories around your table, and come back often. Happy cooking! With love, Milli The heart behind Devine Dishes

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1 Comment. Leave new

  • Fiza
    June 23, 2026 10:34 am

    5 stars
    This Thai-Style Lemongrass Rice recipe from Devine Dishes is an absolute winner for anyone who loves aromatic, flavourful side dishes! The combination of fresh lemongrass and cardamom infused into fluffy jasmine rice creates a beautifully fragrant and citrusy dish that feels restaurant-quality yet is incredibly simple to make at home. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal ingredients, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, curries, and seafood. The pro tips on rinsing rice, avoiding over-stirring, and the coconut milk variation are especially helpful for getting perfect results every time. A must-try recipe that will instantly elevate any meal!

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Tags: aromatic rice, aromatic rice with lemongras, easy lemongrass rice recipe, flavourful side dish, lemongrass and herb rice, lemongrass infused rice, lemongrass rice recipe, simple lemongrass rice recipe, south east asian lemongrass rice, spicy lemongrass rice, thai lemograss rice with grilled chicken

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Devine Dishes is a food blog celebrating the flavors of African and Kenyan cuisine, with a delicious variety of recipes inspired by cuisines from around the world. From comforting family meals to easy baking ideas, we share approachable recipes to inspire your next meal. Read more

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