Lemongrass Risotto Recipe

Crafting a memorable meal frequently starts with a single fragrant aspect, and few are as colourful as lemongrass. Its citrusy perfume right away lifts any dish, bringing a refreshing brightness that feels each comforting and individual. When included right into a lemongrass risotto recipe, this humble stalk transforms a classic Italian favourite into some thing uniquely energetic and contemporary.

What makes this fusion so appealing is the stability among creamy, sluggish-cooked Arborio rice and the light, zesty notes of Southeast Asian delicacies. The mild infusion of lemongrass into the broth allows every chew to hold subtle layers of flavor without overwhelming the richness of the risotto. It’s a dish that feels familiar yet exciting, like discovering a new twist on consolation food.

Whether you’re making ready a cozy dinner for two or impressing guests with some thing out of the ordinary, a lemongrass risotto recipe gives both beauty and ease. With only some fresh ingredients and a chunk of patient stirring, you could create a dish that’s soothing, fragrant, and splendidly unique. It’s a really perfect way to elevate your weeknight meals or add a hint of creativity to your cooking habitual.

• Essential Ingredients That Bring This Dish to Life
• Techniques That Elevate Your Lemongrass Risotto Recipe
• 📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
  • For the Lemongrass-Infused Broth
  • For the Risotto
• 👩‍🍳 Instructions
  • 1. Prepare the Lemongrass Broth
  • 2. Start the Risotto Base
  • 3 Toast the Rice
  • 4 Add the Broth Slowly
  • 5 Finish the Risotto
• 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• 💡 Tips for Success
• Conclusion
• Share Your Twist!
  • References :

Essential Ingredients That Bring This Dish to Life

Crafting a memorable lemongrass risotto starts offevolved with choosing the proper additives. Fresh lemongrass stalks offer the signature perfume, even as top notch broth, Arborio rice, garlic, and a splash of white wine construct the dish’s creamy base. Each aspect plays a crucial function, making sure the risotto develops its signature velvety texture and layered flavor.

Techniques That Elevate Your Lemongrass Risotto Recipe

Perfecting this dish requires patience and simple culinary techniques that praise you with maximum flavor. Gently simmering lemongrass inside the broth lets in its aroma to slowly launch, whilst progressively stirring in warm liquid ensures the rice chefs calmly. Finishing with a hint of Parmesan and lemon zest enhances the final brightness, ensuing in a risotto that’s clean, aromatic, and extraordinarily fulfilling.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Lemongrass-Infused Broth

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, trimmed and lightly smashed
• 2 slices fresh ginger (optional but recommended)

For the Risotto

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional but adds depth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil for garnish (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemongrass Risotto Recipe Broth

1. Combine broth and water in a saucepan.
2. Add smashed lemongrass stalks and ginger slices.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor.
4. Keep warm on low heat—warm broth is crucial for proper risotto texture.

2. Start the Risotto Base

1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion/shallots and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).

3 Toast the Rice

1. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat every grain in the fat.
2. Toast for about 2 minutes until the edges of the grains become slightly translucent.
3. Pour in the white wine and stir until fully absorbed.

4 Add the Broth Slowly

1. Remove the lemongrass stalks from the broth.
2. Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to absorb before adding more.
3. Continue this process for 18–22 minutes until the rice is creamy, tender, and slightly al dente.

5 Finish the Risotto

1. Turn off the heat.
2. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Add a splash of broth if you want a looser, silkier texture.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with herbs (cilantro, basil, or parsley).
• Add grilled shrimp or chicken for protein.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

💡 Tips for Success

Fresh lemongrass matters for the strongest citrus aroma.

Never rinse the rice; you need the starch for creaminess.

Stir often but not constantly; over-stirring can make it gluey.

Use warm broth only; cold liquid stops the cooking process.

Lemongrass Risotto

This lemongrass risotto recipe combines the creamy richness of classic Italian risotto with the bright, citrusy aroma of fresh lemongrass. It’s comforting, refreshing, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Total Time 34 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Large sauté pan or wide skillet
• Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
• Ladle
• Microplane or zester
• Cutting board & knife

Ingredients

  

• For the Lemongrass Broth
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 stalks fresh lemongrass trimmed and lightly smashed
• 2 slices fresh ginger optional
• For the Risotto
• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter divided
• 1 small onion or 2 shallots finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• ½ cup dry white wine optional
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs cilantro, parsley, basil for garnish

Instructions

 

• Make the broth: Simmer broth, water, and smashed lemongrass for 10–15 minutes. Keep warm.
• Cook the aromatics: Sauté onion (or shallots) and garlic in oil and butter until soft.
• Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice and stir for about 2 minutes. Add the wine and let it absorb.
• Add broth slowly: Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring and letting it absorb before adding more.
• Finish the risotto: When the rice is creamy and tender, stir in butter, Parmesan, and lemon zest.
• Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with herbs and enjoy!

Notes

• Use warm broth only. cold broth interrupts cooking and affects texture.
• Do not rinse the rice or you’ll lose the starch needed for creaminess.
• For dairy-free/vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
• Add protein: Grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu pair beautifully with the citrusy flavor.
• Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or water to revive creaminess.
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Conclusion

Lemongrass risotto is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, combining creamy, comforting Arborio rice with the clean, citrusy aroma of lemongrass. Its stability of rich texture and brilliant flavor makes it a great starter or main route. By steadily including warm inventory and finishing with butter and Parmesan (or vegan options), you gain a luscious, velvety risotto that’s each elegant and comforting. Garnishes like clean herbs, lemon zest, or toasted nuts raise the dish, making it visually appealing and flavorful.

Share Your Twist!

Twist Elements:

1. Coconut Milk: Replace ½ cup of stock with coconut milk near the end of cooking for a subtle, tropical creaminess.
2. Fresh Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger with the garlic and lemongrass for a warm, spicy note.
3. Crunchy Topping: Toasted cashews or shredded coconut add texture and a nutty aroma.
4. Citrus Finish: A small squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest brightens the flavors beautifully.
5. Fresh Herbs: Thai basil or cilantro complements the lemongrass and adds freshness.

Why it works: The coconut and ginger amplify the lemongrass’s tropical flavor, while the crunch and citrus finish give the dish layers of taste and texture.

References :

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