Lemongrass Paste

Lemongrass paste (called “kroeung” in Cambodia) is the base ingredient for all types of dishes, marinades, sauces, curries, and soups. Basically, it’s in everything.

This version, from Angkor Cambodian Foods in the Bay Area, is made from lemongrass, garlic, onion, jalapeños, fish sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cane sugar and more. It’s concentrated, spicy, bright, and bursting with umami.

Start simple: use it as the base of your marinade for chicken breasts and see what you think. Try mixing it with olive oil and tossing veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots before roasting in the oven. It’s the springboard to complex and compelling flavors that light up your kitchen.