Soups & Stews > Soup & Stew Flavor Enhancers > Aromatics > Adding Ginger and Lemongrass (Asian Soups)

Ginger Lemongrass Broth Concentrate

Enhance your Asian-inspired soups and stews with this fragrant ginger and lemongrass broth concentrate. It's easy to make and stores well, allowing you to add a burst of flavor whenever you need it.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
60 minutes
Servings
Yields approximately 2 cups of concentrate
Ingredients
  • 200 g Fresh Ginger
  • 4 stalks Fresh Lemongrass
  • 6 cloves Garlic
  • 2 medium Shallots
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
  • 6 cups Water
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice

Preparation

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Peel and roughly chop the ginger, garlic, and shallots. Trim and thinly slice the lemongrass stalks (use the bottom 4-5 inches, where the flavor is most concentrated). Bruising the lemongrass slightly will help release its aroma. You can do this by gently bending the stalk or lightly pounding it with the side of a knife.

Sauté the Aromatics

2. Sauté: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the aromatics are fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn them, as this will impart a bitter taste.

Simmer the Broth

3. Simmer: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the more concentrated the flavor will become.

Strain and Reduce

4. Strain: Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander to remove the solids. Discard the solids. Return the strained broth to the pot.

Final Reduction and Flavor Enhancement

5. Reduce and Season: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broth has reduced by about half and has a more concentrated flavor. Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of salt or a touch more lime juice if desired.

Cool and Store

6. Cool and Store: Let the broth concentrate cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months) in ice cube trays or small containers for easy portioning.

Usage

7. To Use: Add 1-2 tablespoons of the concentrate to your favorite soup or stew recipe to enhance the flavor. You can also use it as a base for stir-fries or marinades.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: This is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.

  • Calories: Approximately 50-70
  • Protein: 1-2g
  • Fat: 2-4g
  • Carbohydrates: 5-8g
  • Sodium: Varies depending on soy sauce content

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This concentrate is intended to be used in small quantities to flavor soups and stews. Be mindful of the sodium content if using regular soy sauce. Adjust the amount of soy sauce and lime juice to your taste preferences.

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FAQ

  • Can I use dried lemongrass?

    While fresh lemongrass is preferred for the best flavor, you can use dried lemongrass as a substitute. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of dried lemongrass per 4 stalks of fresh lemongrass. Add it during the simmering process.
  • How can I make this vegetarian/vegan?

    This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan. Just be sure to use vegetable oil and low sodium soy sauce.
  • Can I add other aromatics?

    Yes, feel free to experiment with other aromatics such as chili peppers, galangal, or kaffir lime leaves to customize the flavor profile to your liking.