Lemongrass chicken | Food-4Tots | Recipes for Toddlers (2024)

15 March 2011 | 58 comments
Posted in chicken, Chinese, Featured Articles

Lemongrass (香茅) is a popular herb used in many Asian cooking, especially for Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines. It has a refreshing citrus flavour with a hint of ginger. It blends very well with garlic, chillies and cilantro, hence is widely used in making soup, curries, marinade and stir-fry dishes. It is also used to flavour tea, drinks, baked goods, desserts and pastries. Essential oil extracted from lemongrass is an excellent natural mosquito repellent. The oil is also used for making other non-food related products like candles, perfumes, soap, insecticide, disinfectant, household cleaner and deodorant. Apart from its aromatic scent, lemongrass is known to provide numerous health benefits, such as:

coping with cold, cough and fever;
relieving insomnia and stress;
detoxifying liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and digestive tract;
improving digestive system;
improving blood circulation;
coping with excessive fats in body;
dealing with menstrual problems; and
coping with acne and pimples

Don’t you think lemongrass is such a wondrous herb to be added to our diet?

Lemongrass is an ingredient I always want to try cooking for my family. But, to my disappointment, most of the recipes using lemongrass are spicy, hence not ideal for toddlers. When I chanced upon a Vietnamese lemongrass chicken recipe in Rasa Malaysia’s blog, I loved the simplicity of the recipe. It was easy-to-follow and did not require many ingredients. To make it a more kids-friendly version, I gave the recipe a tweak by substituting the curry powder with both turmeric powder and paprika. (Did I ever mention that turmeric powder is my favourite spice? It is another great spice that has many health benefits too. One example is curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is known as an anti-inflammatory agent. If you want to learn more about the health benefits of turmeric, please refer to this link . )

When making the caramelized sugar, be sure to watch it closely. Once the sugar is dissolved and begins to darken, it will start to boil very quickly. Don’t panic if your caramelized sugar has hardened after cooling off. There is way to “rescue” it. You just have to reheat the pan slowly to re-liquify the caramelized sugar.

Even with my modified version, the recipe didn’t lose its shine. My family enjoyed it very much as it tasted fabulous!!! When I was stir-frying the dish, my son was so intrigued with the distinctive aroma of lemongrass that filled the kitchen. The lemongrass adds a wonderful fragrant and citrus flavour to the dish. The marinade chicken is richly flavoured by garlic and spices. The taste is also further enhanced by the perfect sweet and salty combination of fish sauce and caramel sauce. It’s really another recommended stir-fry dish that pairs well with steamed warm rice.

>>> Click on PAGE 2 BELOW for Lemongrass Chicken Recipe..…………………………

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58 Comments

Big Boys Oven says:
15 March 2011 at 9:56 am
so gorgeous! 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:20 am
  BBO: Thanks!! 😉
  Reply
j3ss kitch3n says:
15 March 2011 at 10:01 am
this is so refreshingly delicious! yummy!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:20 am
  j3ss kitch3n: Yes, you got it all! 😉
  Reply
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets says:
15 March 2011 at 10:26 am
I don’t eat chicken but the flavors sound delicious and I love the presentation with the cucumber slices.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:21 am
  Xiaolu: Thanks!!
  Reply
nammi says:
15 March 2011 at 11:07 am
yumm, love the taste and smell of lemon grass, have a nice day, hope you are doing well 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:29 am
  Nammi: Thanks!! I’m fine. Thanks for dropping by! 😉
  Reply
Wendy says:
15 March 2011 at 1:03 pm
I have a jar of coarsely cut dry lemongrass from a Thai market. Any idea of how many teaspoon or tablespoon will be the equivalent of one stalk of inner white bulb?
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:47 am
  Wendy: I think it’s equivalent to around 1-1.5 tbsp. But I would suggest that you use fresh finely minced lemongrass as I’m afraid that the end results will vary. Hope it helps. 😉
  Reply
  - Wendy says:
    22 March 2011 at 8:54 am
    Thanks.
    Reply
Chris says:
15 March 2011 at 1:36 pm
Just finished my lunch – looking at this I think I can have another bowl of rice.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:49 am
  Chris: Yeah, it’s so good that I can even eat it on its own. 😉
  Reply
Tastes of Home (Jen) says:
See Also
Simple Yakisoba Noodles Recipe Chicken Marsala Recipe Chicken Won ton Soup Recipe Ww Skinny Chimichangas Recipe - Food.com
15 March 2011 at 2:19 pm
Love the unique scent that lemongrass brings to so many dishes! Thank for sharing this yummy chicken recipe…can’t wait to give this a try myself!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:55 am
  Jen (TOH): Thanks!! Yes, lemongrass is really a great herb with unique scent! 😉
  Reply
Mika says:
15 March 2011 at 3:52 pm
Oh my, this looks great!!!
I bought lemongrass fer weeks ago and it is still there because I have no idea how to use it…
I can make a vegetarian version of this with mushrooms…it seems too delicious to skip it…
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:56 am
  Mika: Thanks!! Your vegetarian version sounds yummy!! What a great idea to use mushrooms! 😉
  Reply
Alice says:
15 March 2011 at 9:22 pm
Bravo! You finally got it right! Lemongrass chicken is one of favourite too! This must be mouth-watering… 😀
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 12:57 am
  Alice: Thanks!! Yes, it’s so good! I really can’t wait to share this recipe with everyone!! 😉
  Reply
Anncoo says:
15 March 2011 at 11:31 pm
Turmeric and lemongrass are my favorite and this chicken dish looks so delicious and flavorful.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 March 2011 at 1:06 am
  Anncoo: Thanks!! 😉
  Reply
Joanne says:
16 March 2011 at 1:47 am
I love the fresh flavor of lemongrass but I’ve never actually cooked with it myself before! This chicken has a beautiful color on it…what a great dish!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  17 March 2011 at 12:34 am
  Joanne: Thanks!! If you like Vietnamese/ Thai food, this one will surely please your palate. 😉
  Reply
tigerfish says:
16 March 2011 at 6:35 am
I love lemongrass too! I think I still have 2 stalks in the freezer. You reminded me of a coriander chicken dish that uses lemongrass – have not cooked it for a long time.
Turmeric is my fav. spice as well. I add it in many dishes including chicken soup.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  17 March 2011 at 12:35 am
  Tigerfish: Your coriander chicken sounds yummy! Never try to add tumeric in chicken soup. Sounds so interesting! 😉
  Reply
peachkins says:
16 March 2011 at 2:37 pm
I love lemongrass! I think it gives a wonderful flavor!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  17 March 2011 at 12:36 am
  Peachkins: Yes, it is indeed very flavourful!
  Reply
Joyti says:
16 March 2011 at 2:52 pm
And it looks delicious too.
Your photographs are so beautiful!
Reply
See Also
Easy Fajita Chicken Bake Recipe
- food-4tots says:
  17 March 2011 at 12:37 am
  Joyti: Thanks for your sweet comment. 😉
  Reply
The Sudden Cook says:
16 March 2011 at 3:23 pm
Your presentation is flawless!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  17 March 2011 at 12:38 am
  The Sudden Cook: Thanks for your wonderful compliment! I’m so flattered!
  Reply
Ching @ LCOM says:
17 March 2011 at 12:41 am
Lovely! With all the benefits, I need to eat more lemongrass.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  19 March 2011 at 9:46 am
  Ching: Thanks!! Yes, it’s a not-to-be missed ingredient in our diet. 😉
  Reply
pigpigscorner says:
18 March 2011 at 6:51 am
Love your plating! It’s hard to find a lemongrass recipe without chili, this sounds great!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  19 March 2011 at 9:46 am
  Pigpigscorner: Thanks!!
  Reply
mycookinghut says:
18 March 2011 at 8:28 am
I love lemongrass and I think it goes really well with meat and poultry.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  19 March 2011 at 9:47 am
  Lee Mei (MCH): Yes, you’re right! It also goes well with tom yum soup too. 😉
  Reply
Little Inbox says:
18 March 2011 at 6:02 pm
The lemon grass make the dish tastes fantastic.
Reply
Wendy says:
22 March 2011 at 8:59 am
Thank you.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  23 March 2011 at 10:39 pm
  Wendy: You’re always welcome. Hope this recipe suits your taste bud. 😉
  Reply
noobcook says:
22 March 2011 at 1:28 pm
I adore lemongrass. The aroma is incredible and it keeps well in the fridge. Your dish looks fantastic!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  23 March 2011 at 10:44 pm
  Noobcook: Thanks!! Yes, it is really an aromatic herb for cooking. 😉
  Reply
Mei Ling says:
23 March 2011 at 1:57 am
Is the “1 tbsp water + 2 tbsp water” in seasoning (2) “1 tbsp water + 2 tbsp hot water”?
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  23 March 2011 at 10:47 pm
  Mei Ling: Sorry for the confusion. It should be 2 tbsp hot water. The reason for using hot water is to avoid the caramelised sugar to harden. Happy trying! 😉
  Reply
Kevin (Closet Cooking) says:
27 March 2011 at 7:42 pm
That lemongrass chicken is looking good!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  28 March 2011 at 11:34 pm
  Kevin: Thanks!! 😉
  Reply
evelyn says:
31 March 2011 at 10:41 pm
My son is taking tumeric quite well after trying out the pilaf receipe. And has been asking for yellow rice instead of the white one. I shall try this lemongrass chicken. Looks and smells good! Will the sugar burnt in seasoning 2?
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  31 March 2011 at 11:42 pm
  Evelyn: That’s great to know that he loves yellow rice. I also have the inclination to yellow rice too. Hehehe! No, it won’t if you follow my steps carefully. Happy trying! Hope it suits your son’s palate.
  Reply
evelyn says:
1 April 2011 at 10:16 pm
I cooked today. Taste like satay? Not too bad though:P Probably I replaced caramelised sugar with honey instead because former has bitter taste. When the sugar began to turn amber in color, it darken (blackish brown) quickly. And it sizzled when I add the hot water. Can you advise if it is correct?
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  1 April 2011 at 11:11 pm
  Evelyn: Yeah, the chicken does taste a bit like satay. If the caramelised sugar is blackish brown and tastes bitter, then you may have overcooked it. Yes, it will sizzle if the caramelised sugar is too hot. There are two ways to rectify this problem. First, get a small saucepan with 10cm diameter. Second, maintain a reasonable distance between the heat and the pan, not too far or too close. Keep a close watch on the mixture. For your case, remove the pan immediately from the heat once the colour starts to turn light amber brown in colour. Try to make the caramelised sugar at your free time until you have perfected the skill. It took me a few attempts to get it right. Happy trying! Hope to hear from you again. 😉
  Reply
evelyn says:
2 April 2011 at 11:43 am
Thanks for your advice. I will try again. Have a nice weekend! 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  3 April 2011 at 11:12 pm
  Evelyn: You’re always welcome! Have a nice day to you too!! 😉
  Reply
Priyanka says:
15 November 2013 at 4:53 pm
Sounds awesome and your pictures make it look more delicious! Will try this for dinner tonight. 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  19 November 2013 at 9:25 pm
  Priyanka: Thanks for your compliment! Hope it suits your family’s palate. 🙂
  Reply
  - Priyanka says:
    21 November 2013 at 8:58 pm
    Sure it does! And I made it for dinner yesterday… do take a look! Thanks again! 🙂
    Reply
    - food-4tots says:
      27 November 2013 at 8:34 pm
      Priyanka: Yours looks superb!! So happy that it suits your palate. 🙂
      Reply
Lemongrass Chicken says:
7 March 2015 at 5:09 am
[…] chance to use it in any of my recipes. Then suddenly I landed on this lemongrass chicken recipe at Food-4tots through Foodgawker and immediately decided to make it for dinner. As you might know this already, […]
Reply
Dash Riprock says:
15 December 2017 at 3:29 am
Why do we make all that carmelized sugar and then use 2 tsp to coat the chicken? Is there a use for the rest of it?
Reply

Lemongrass chicken | Food-4Tots | Recipes for Toddlers (2024)

FAQs

Can toddlers eat lemongrass? ›

Is lemongrass healthy for children? You can safely use fresh lemongrass to infuse your baby's food with its wonderful, fresh flavor. Lemon grass has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which your baby's growing body will really benefit from.

Learn More Now ›

How do you use lemongrass in recipes? ›

Lemongrass is often finely chopped or pounded in order to break down the tough stalks. Once minced or pounded, lemongrass can be added to marinades or grilled meats for a touch of sweet citrusy flavor or used to brighten curry pastes and simple sauces.

What is lemongrass chicken made of? ›

Ingredients You'll Need

For lemongrass chicken, top to bottom, left to right: Lemongrass, black peppercorns, oil, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, water, boneless skinless chicken thighs. For nuac cham dipping sauce, top to bottom, left to right: Lime, Thai chili, water, fish sauce, garlic, shredded carrot, sugar.

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How do you use lemongrass paste? ›

What do you use lemongrass paste for? Use it as a base for your soups and curries. Mix it in your salads, or coat it on your tofu bites before baking. One of my most popular recipes uses this lemongrass paste as the base is Lemongrass Ramen Noodle Soup.

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What are the side effects of eating lemongrass? ›

Lemongrass should be used in moderation. Consuming in excess may cause side effects like dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, frequent urination, increased appetite, and allergic reactions like rash and itching.

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Can 2 year old drink lemongrass? ›

Even though tea isn't usually thought of as a kid-friendly drink, some herbal teas are safe and healthy for children. Herbal teas — such as lemongrass, mint, rooibos, and chamomile — are fantastic alternatives to sweetened beverages, as they are caffeine-free and provide a pleasing taste.

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What are 5 uses for lemon grass? ›

Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine. Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.

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What tastes good with lemongrass? ›

Lemongrass lends itself well to savory dishes: think soups, grilled or barbecued meats, and salads. However, it can also add a punch of flavor to sweeter dishes and even beverages. Try these popular recipes made with lemongrass: Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Chicken.

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How do you add lemongrass to food? ›

Chop and use to make marinades and soups or add to stir-fries. Use as a flavouring for crème brulee or steep a stalk in a bottle of vodka for co*cktails (clean and bruise a lemongrass stalk, then put it in a nearly full bottle of vodka for 3-4 days, shaking occasionally; then remove the stalks).

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What does cooking with lemongrass do for your health? ›

The Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Boosts Digestion: Lemongrass has natural diuretic properties that are known to improve digestion and reduce bloating. ...
Supports Immunity: ...
Anti-Inflammatory: ...
Anti-Microbial: ...
Antioxidant: ...
Promotes Relaxation:

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How long does lemongrass last in the fridge? ›

Within ten days or so, they grow new, bright-green blades. Or you may store good-quality, cut lemongrass in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 weeks. Buy extra and freeze it indefinitely: Although a little perfume and freshness may be lost, the unique flavor remains—and the grass is easier to cut.

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What is lemongrass good for cooking? ›

You can use lemongrass to flavor broths, marinades, or use it to make curry pastes. If you've never cooked with lemongrass, it might be intimidating because the stalks of lemongrass are dense and firm. I certainly was intimidated. Over time, you'll get a feel for which parts of the lemongrass to use.

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How long does lemongrass last? ›

Store fresh lemongrass in your fridge, loosely wrapped in just-damp paper towels, for a week to ten days.

Where do you apply lemongrass? ›

If you use Lemongrass essential oil for massage, dilute it with a carrier oil like doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply the diluted oil to muscles and joints for a soothing sensation that makes for a tranquil massage.

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Who should not take lemongrass? ›

Pregnancy: Lemongrass is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Lemongrass can stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, which might cause a miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemongrass is safe to use when breast-feeding.

Can you give babies lemon grass tea? ›

There's no reason to even start sweeter drinks when tea can be so satisfying, healthy, and prevent the development of sweeter desires. Nutrition Strategist Jill Nussinow, recommends the following herbal teas for older babies and toddlers: lemon balm. lemongrass.

Get More Info Here ›

Is it safe to eat lemongrass? ›

How do you eat lemongrass? Lemongrass can actually be eaten raw, and is a popular ingredient in Thai salads like Yum Takrai, a spicy seafood salad with lemongrass and ginger. Raw lemongrass can be tough if not prepared properly, however, so always remove the outer woody stem, and slice as thinly as possible.

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Can I diffuse lemongrass around my baby? ›

Many times, oil is diffused in the air in place of being applied to the skin. Since a baby's sinuses, lungs, and bodies are still developing, you should never use an essential oil diffuser when your baby is present.

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Lemongrass chicken | Food-4Tots | Recipes for Toddlers (2024)

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FAQs

Can toddlers eat lemongrass? ›

How long does lemongrass last in the fridge? ›