Name: Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 fresh lemongrass stalks; ¼ cup fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove; 1 Jalapeno; 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 2 tbsp cilantro leaves; salt

This aromatic lemongrass wet rub brings a burst of vibrant flavors to your dishes. Perfect for marinating meats or adding a zesty kick to vegetables, this rub combines fresh ingredients to create a versatile and flavorful blend.

Photos of Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe

When preparing this recipe, keep in mind that fresh lemongrass stalks and fresh ginger might not be common in every household. These items can often be found in the produce or international aisle of your supermarket. Additionally, fresh cilantro leaves add a burst of freshness that you won't want to miss.

Ingredients For Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe

lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass stalks bring a citrusy aroma and flavor that is essential for this rub.

ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy, slightly sweet kick that pairs well with the other ingredients.

garlic: A single clove of garlic enhances the rub with a pungent, savory note.

jalapeno: This adds a touch of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.

vegetable oil: Used to help blend the ingredients into a cohesive paste.

cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright, herbal flavor to the mix.

salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the taste.

One reader, Clevey Johns says:

This lemongrass wet rub is a game-changer! The fresh ingredients blend perfectly, creating a vibrant and flavorful paste. It adds an amazing zest to grilled meats and veggies. Highly recommend!

Clevey Johns

Techniques Required for Making Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe

How to prepare lemongrass: Remove the tough outer layers and finely slice the tender inner stalk. How to prepare ginger: Peel the ginger using a spoon or a vegetable peeler and chop it into smaller pieces for easier processing. How to prepare garlic: Peel the garlic clove and roughly chop it. How to prepare jalapeno: Halve the jalapeno, remove the seeds if you prefer less heat, and chop it. How to use a food processor: Combine ingredients in the food processor and pulse until the desired consistency is achieved. How to season: Add salt to taste and mix thoroughly.

How To Make Lemongrass Wet Rub

Best for lean fish, this lemongrass wet rub recipe blends lemongrass stalks, cilantro leaves, and jalapeno for extra layers of herbed deliciousness.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2fresh lemongrass stalks
¼cupfresh ginger,chopped
1garlic clove
1jalapeño
2tbspvegetable oil
2tbspcilantro leaves
salt,to taste

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the sliced lemongrass with the fresh ginger, garlic, and halved jalapeño, then pulse until finely chopped.
Add the vegetable oil and process to a coarse paste. Add the cilantro leaves and process until fairly smooth.
Season the wet rub generously with salt.
Use as desired and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 315.31kcal
Fat: 28.45g
Saturated Fat: 1.94g
Trans Fat: 0.21g
Monounsaturated Fat: 20.23g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.92g
Carbohydrates: 16.36g
Fiber: 0.99g
Sugar: 1.03g
Protein: 1.53g
Sodium: 258.13mg
Calcium: 38.45mg
Potassium: 446.02mg
Iron: 3.54mg
Vitamin A: 14.30µg
Vitamin C: 20.32mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe

To maximize the flavor of the lemongrass, make sure to remove the tough outer layers and only use the tender inner stalks. This will ensure a smoother texture and more aromatic essence in your wet rub.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lemongrass Wet Rub

Pre-chop ingredients: Slice the lemongrass, ginger, and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use a mini processor: A smaller food processor can handle small batches more efficiently, saving you time.

Pre-measure oil: Measure out the vegetable oil before starting to streamline the process.

Batch process: Make a larger batch of the wet rub and freeze portions for future use.

Quick clean-up: Line your workspace with parchment paper to make clean-up faster and easier.

Substitute Ingredients For Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe

lemongrass stalks - Substitute with lemon zest and ginger: Lemon zest provides the citrusy aroma, while ginger adds a similar spicy note.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger. Ground ginger has a more concentrated flavor.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove. Garlic powder provides a similar flavor profile.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor to jalapenos.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative with a slightly different flavor.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with parsley leaves: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can mimic cilantro in many dishes.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Lemongrass Wet Rub

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that the lemongrass, ginger, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro leaves are all fresh to maximize flavor and aroma.
Finely chop ingredients: In a food processor, combine the sliced lemongrass with the fresh ginger, garlic, and halved jalapeno, then pulse until finely chopped to ensure a consistent texture.
Create a coarse paste: Add the vegetable oil and process the mixture to a coarse paste, which will help to blend the flavors together.
Smooth the mixture: Add the cilantro leaves and process until the mixture is fairly smooth, ensuring a balanced distribution of flavors.
Season generously: Season the wet rub generously with salt to enhance the overall taste and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Use as desired: Apply the wet rub to your chosen dish, whether it be meat, seafood, or vegetables, to infuse it with a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
Presentation: Plate the dish with a touch of elegance, perhaps garnishing with additional cilantro leaves or a slice of jalapeno for a visually appealing finish.

Storing and Freezing Lemongrass Wet Rub

To store the lemongrass wet rub, transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help prevent the rub from drying out and preserve its vibrant flavors.
Label the container with the date of preparation and the name of the rub for easy identification.
The lemongrass wet rub can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cold temperature will slow down the growth of bacteria and keep the rub fresh.
If you want to extend the shelf life of the lemongrass wet rub, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Here's how:
- Spoon the rub into an ice cube tray, filling each compartment about 3/4 full.
- Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the rub to freeze solid, which usually takes about 2-3 hours.
- Once frozen, pop out the lemongrass wet rub cubes and transfer them to a freezer-safe resealable bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date of freezing and the name of the rub.
To use the frozen lemongrass wet rub, simply remove the desired number of cubes from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Once thawed, use the rub as desired in your favorite recipes.
If you find that the lemongrass wet rub has separated or lost some of its texture after thawing, give it a quick stir or pulse in the food processor to recombine the ingredients.

Interesting Fact About Lemongrass Wet Rub

A unique aspect of this lemongrass wet rub recipe is its use of lemongrass, which is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. Lemongrass not only adds a citrusy flavor but also contains compounds that have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Is Making Lemongrass Wet Rub at Home Cost-Effective?

This lemongrass wet rub recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and jalapeno are relatively inexpensive and readily available in most grocery stores. The use of vegetable oil and cilantro further keeps the cost low. For a household of 4 people, the approximate cost would be around $5-$7. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe Healthy?

This lemongrass wet rub recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of fresh ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and cilantro. These ingredients offer various health benefits:

Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Ginger aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects
Garlic boosts the immune system and has antimicrobial properties
Cilantro is rich in vitamins and minerals

However, the recipe does include a small amount of vegetable oil, which is high in calories and may contribute to unhealthy fat intake if consumed in excess. Additionally, the salt content should be monitored for those with sodium sensitivities or hypertension.

To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier alternative like olive oil or coconut oil, which contain beneficial fatty acids
Reduce the amount of oil used, or omit it altogether, as the wet rub can still be effective without it
Use a low-sodium salt or reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe
Incorporate additional herbs and spices with health benefits, such as turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties or cayenne pepper for its metabolism-boosting effects
Experiment with using the wet rub on lean proteins like chicken or tofu, or use it to marinate vegetables for a nutritious, plant-based dish

Editor's Opinion on This Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe

This lemongrass wet rub recipe is a vibrant and aromatic blend, perfect for infusing dishes with a fresh, zesty flavor. The combination of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and jalapeno creates a balanced heat and depth, while the cilantro adds a refreshing finish. The use of vegetable oil ensures a smooth consistency, making it easy to apply to meats or vegetables. Seasoning with salt enhances the overall taste, making it a versatile rub for various culinary applications. This recipe is a delightful way to elevate your dishes with a burst of Southeast Asian-inspired flavors.

Enhance Your Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Coconut Rice: Coconut Rice: Imagine the fragrant aroma of coconut milk mingling with the subtle sweetness of jasmine rice. This side dish will elevate your lemongrass wet rub to a tropical paradise, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Mango Salad: Mango Salad: Picture a vibrant mango salad, bursting with the freshness of cucumber, red onion, and a zesty lime dressing. This colorful medley will add a refreshing crunch and a tangy twist to your meal, perfectly complementing the lemongrass wet rub.

Grilled Pineapple: Grilled Pineapple: Envision juicy slices of pineapple caramelized to perfection on the grill. The natural sweetness and slight smokiness will create a delightful contrast to the savory lemongrass wet rub, making each bite a tantalizing experience.

Spicy Peanut Noodles: Spicy Peanut Noodles: Think of a bowl of noodles coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with a hint of chili. The nutty and spicy flavors will add depth and excitement to your dish, making it an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Papaya Salad: Papaya Salad: Visualize a refreshing papaya salad, with its crisp texture and vibrant flavors of lime, fish sauce, and chili. This side dish will bring a burst of freshness and a hint of heat, perfectly balancing the lemongrass wet rub.

Similar Recipes to Lemongrass Wet Rub

Thai Basil Chicken: Dive into the aromatic world of Thai Basil Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with fragrant Thai basil, garlic, and chilies. A splash of soy sauce and a hint of fish sauce bring everything together in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork: Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork. Marinate succulent pork slices in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. Grill to perfection and serve with a side of rice noodles or steamed rice.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp: Savor the zesty and refreshing taste of Cilantro Lime Shrimp. Marinate plump shrimp in a blend of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and a dash of chili powder. Quickly sauté until the shrimp are perfectly cooked and serve with a side of avocado salad.

Ginger Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry: Delight in the wholesome goodness of Ginger Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry. Toss cubes of tofu with a fragrant mix of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Add a medley of vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Spicy Jalapeno Salsa: Add a kick to your meals with Spicy Jalapeno Salsa. Blend together fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, onions, and a handful of cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt complete this fiery and tangy salsa, perfect for dipping or topping your favorite dishes.

Why trust this Lemongrass Wet Rub Recipe:

This lemongrass wet rub recipe is a must-try for any culinary enthusiast. The combination of fresh lemongrass, ginger, and garlic creates a vibrant and aromatic base, while the jalapeno adds a subtle kick. The cilantro leaves bring a refreshing finish, making this rub perfect for marinating meats or adding flavor to vegetables. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and simplicity, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

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FAQ:

How do I prepare the lemongrass for the wet rub?

First, remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass stalks. Then, slice the tender inner part finely before adding it to the food processor.

Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?

Fresh lemongrass is best for this recipe because it has a more vibrant flavor. If you must use dried, rehydrate it in warm water first, but the flavor won't be as intense.

How spicy is this wet rub with the jalapeño?

The jalapeño adds a mild to moderate heat. If you prefer less spice, you can remove the seeds and membranes, or use only half the jalapeño.

Can I store the wet rub for later use?

Yes, you can store the wet rub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.

What dishes can I use this lemongrass wet rub on?

This wet rub is versatile and works great on chicken, fish, shrimp, and even tofu. It's also fantastic as a marinade or added to stir-fries for an extra burst of flavor.