Kaffir Lime Leaves: How To Use Them In Your Cooking
What Are Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Kaffir lime leaves, also known as makrut lime leaves, is a common ingredient in Lao cuisine and other Southeast Asian foods. These leaves are distinct from regular lime leaves, so be careful not to confuse them. Kaffir lime leaves are recognizable by their double leaf shape and the rough surface texture of the limes they come from.
Flavor Profile And Culinary Uses
These lime leaves including other aromatics like lemongrass, galangal, and fresh herbs are very common in Lao cooking. The leaves have a strong citrusy fragrance and taste is slightly bitter, semi-tart, citrus flavor. You don't need many leaves because each one is very strong in flavor. They are commonly used in Lao soups, curries, and other Lao dishes.
Buying And Storing Kaffir Lime Leaves
Lime leaves are usually available at Southeast Asian supermarkets in the fresh produce section, often wrapped in plastic and sold by the handful. Their price can vary depending on your location. When you bring the leaves home, keep them sealed in the bag in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out. The fridge will keep it fresh for about a week and if you don't plan on using them within a week, put them in the freezer; they thaw quickly when needed. You can also sometimes find dried kaffir lime leaves available for purchase online.
How To Grow Your Own Kaffir Lime Plant
If you live in a sunny area year-round, you can likely grow a kaffir lime plant. I found mine as a small tree at the farmers market. I repot it into a larger pot each year to give its roots more room as it grows. In the video below, I share three tips on how I care for the plant: using MSG water, removing yellow leaves, and discarding the limes. These practices help redirect the plant's energy into growing healthier leaves. Feel free to comment below with your own tips for caring for a lime plant.
How To Prepare Kaffir Lime Leaves For Cooking
When using the leaves in a dish, it's best to mince them with a sharp knife very finely since their flavor can be quite strong. If the leaf has a large spine, you can remove it before mincing, but if it's a young leaf, you can mince it as is. Another way to use these leaves is to gently crush them to release their aroma before adding them to a soup or broth. You can also dry the leaves and grind them into a powder. Another use is creating a curry paste with it such as green curry or red curry.
Substitute for Fresh Kaffir Lime Leaves
You cannot substitute other lime leaves for kaffir lime leaves. Instead, you can use lime or lemon zest, which provides a similar, gentle flavor.
Sabaidee, I’m Saeng!
I’m a personal chef who specializes in Lao food. Here at Saeng’s Kitchen, you’ll find all your favorite traditional Lao foods and also some new twists to Lao style dishes.