Lemongrass in Escondido, CA
Lemongrass products are showing in the current catalog, but the results may mix fresh stalks, frozen pieces, paste, and tea. Open the locator to see the exact form and store location. Call ahead if today’s recipe needs whole fresh stalks.
Asian Market La Sorpresa Barata
850 E. Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025
Quick definition
A fibrous tropical grass whose lower stalk carries a bright citrus aroma used throughout Southeast Asian cooking.
Lemongrass at a glance
- What it is
- A fibrous tropical grass whose lower stalk carries a bright citrus aroma used throughout Southeast Asian cooking.
- Also known as
- fresh lemongrass, lemongrass stalks
- Names you may see
- Thai: ตะไคร้ (takhrai)Lao: ຫົວສີໄຄ (hua si khai)Vietnamese: sảFilipino: tanglad
- Cuisine
- Thai & Lao, Vietnamese, Filipino
- Typical forms
- Fresh whole stalks, trimmed or minced frozen lemongrass, paste, dried pieces, tea, and prepared seasoning
- Common uses
- Tom yum, tom kha, curry paste, bún bò Huế, grilled-meat marinades, soups, braises, and tea
- Where current matches are located
- Produce Section; Aisle 3 · Noodles, Canned Goods & Seasonings
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a fragrant grass used as an aromatic: the tender lower stalk can be minced, while tougher sections infuse broth and curry.
A fresh stalk has a pale, tightly layered base and long green blades. Peel away dry outer layers, trim the root, and expose the aromatic inner core. The lower several inches are the easiest to mince after pounding or slicing; upper sections and sturdy trimmings can be bruised and simmered in stock, then removed before eating.
Its lemon impression comes from aromatic compounds rather than citrus juice, so lemongrass adds perfume without supplying enough acidity to replace lime or tamarind. It partners with galangal, lime leaf, garlic, shallot, chile, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Frozen minced lemongrass is convenient for marinades; a whole stalk is better when a soup needs a removable infusion.
What we carry
These matches come from the same inventory source as our in-store locator. Selection can change; use the locator for the complete current list and exact location.
Lemongrass
40#
ProduceProduce SectionGourmet Garden Lemongrass Paste
4 OZ
GroceryAisle 3 · Noodles, Canned Goods & SeasoningsLa Lucky Lemongrass Frozen
4 OZ
Grocery12-Door Freezer · Frozen FoodsKoyo Lemongrass Ginger Ramen
2.1 OZ
GroceryAisle 8 · Instant Ramen & NoodlesHerb Sign Lemongrass
10 OZ
GrocerySeven Lemongrass Balm
6/BOX
Household & Kitchen
Varieties and forms
Fresh stalks
The most flexible form for bruising into broth, slicing for curry paste, or mincing into marinades.
Frozen minced or sliced lemongrass
Convenient and usually more cooking-ready. Texture matters less in ground sauces and marinades.
Lemongrass paste
A quick refrigerator product that may include oil, salt, sugar, or other aromatics. Adjust the recipe after reading the label.
Dried lemongrass and tea
Useful for infusions but less bright than fresh. Tea blends are not automatically suitable as a savory minced ingredient.
How do you use lemongrass?
Decide whether the dish needs a removable aromatic or an edible minced paste. Bruise large pieces for the first job and mince only the tender inner core for the second.
Tom yum
Bruised lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaf perfume a hot-and-sour broth.
Tom kha
The same aromatic family balances coconut milk, mushrooms, chile, and lime.
Bún bò Huế
Lemongrass gives the spicy central-Vietnamese noodle soup its unmistakable high note.
Grilled lemongrass pork
Very finely minced tender stalk seasons a savory-sweet marinade for grilling.
Fresh lemongrass vs. lemongrass paste
Paste is convenient for seasoning, but a fresh stalk offers brighter aroma and a removable structure for soups.
Fresh stalk
Can be bruised, minced, sliced, or tied into an infusion. Requires trimming and contains fibrous parts.
Prepared paste
Ready to measure but may include salt, oil, or preservatives and cannot be retrieved from a clear broth.
Frozen minced
A useful middle ground for marinades and curry paste, though its aroma can be softer than freshly cut stalk.
How do you prepare and store lemongrass?
Choose firm stalks with a fragrant base. The outer layers protect the core but should be removed if they are dry or tough.
Refrigerate wrapped
Keep fresh stalks dry and wrapped in the refrigerator. Use them while the cut base still smells bright.
Freeze extra stalks
Trim and freeze whole sections for broth or finely minced portions for marinades. Texture softens, but aroma remains useful.
Slice across the fibers
For edible preparations, use the tender core, cut it very thinly across the grain, then mince or pound it further.
Explore the full thai & lao pantry
See related pantry staples, fresh ingredients, departments, and dishes on our Thai & Lao grocery guide. Lemongrass is also used in Vietnamese cooking, Filipino cooking.
Lemongrass FAQ
Where can I buy fresh lemongrass in Escondido?
Search “lemongrass” in Asian Market Escondido’s live locator, then inspect the result format. Call ahead if you specifically need whole fresh stalks rather than frozen or paste.
Which part of lemongrass do you eat?
Use the tender pale lower core when the lemongrass stays in the dish. Tough upper sections can infuse broth but are normally removed before serving.
Can I substitute lemon zest for lemongrass?
Zest provides citrus aroma but not the grassy, floral depth. It is an emergency approximation, not an equal substitute.
Can I freeze lemongrass?
Yes. Freeze trimmed stalk sections or measured minced portions. It may soften, but it remains useful for cooked dishes.
Find lemongrass at Asian Market Escondido
850 E. Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025. Open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, seven days a week. Free parking at the door, two minutes off I-15 at Valley Parkway.
- Address
- 850 E. Valley Pkwy, Escondido
- Hours
- 8:00 AM–8:00 PM · 7 days
- Phone
- (760) 735-9650