Substitute For Kaffir Lime Leaves In Thai Curry

Substitute For Kaffir Lime Leaves In Thai Curry

Kaffir lime leaves are an important ingredient in many Indian curries, Thai recipes as well as other Asian dishes. If you are preparing a meal that requires some kaffir lime leaves, then you may need to have a list of some of the best kaffir lime leaves alternatives. This is because it can be hard to find good and authentic kaffir lime leaves at the grocery store or markets. Below are some of the best kaffir lime leaves to use in Thai curry.

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Bay Leaves

One of the best substituted for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry are bay leaves. Bay leaves are just as pungent as the kaffir lime leaves and they  are also commonly used in a lot of meals. The downside to using bay leaves in place of kaffir lime leaves is that you will not get too many notes of citrus, because they have a slightly different taste. In fact, bay leaves are more floral than citrusy. To get a similar taste with the kaffir lime leaves you can combine them with lime zest for a Thai curry.

Lime Zest

Also a good substitute for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry is Lime zest. Lime zest has a similar taste and it can work as a great substitute for kaffir lime leaves. Also, Lime zest has a distinct citrusy flavour and it is also popular in Asian cuisines. You can sprinkle some lime zest on Asian-styled chicken drumsticks or even add some lime juice for a similar flavour. It is important to note that lime zest can add a different flavour to your dish. However, it can give you a mild scent of citrus to your meal and you may find that the lime zest can be slightly bitter.

Lime Leaves

Another great substitute for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry are traditional lime leaves. However, you must take note that traditional lime leaves are a bit different so you must avoid consuming them raw. Lime leaves can add a mild scent of citrus to your dish and they can slightly change the taste of your meal. Your dish may taste a little bit bitter after adding the traditional lime leaves to your meal.

Lemon Thyme

Lemon thyme can also be a great alternative for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry. The herb is similar to the traditional thyme herb and it can add a citrusy flavour to your dish. Keep in mind that citrus thyme has a strong lemon scent and it can be very pungent. It may not be the best match for kaffir lime leaves, but it can work very well as a good substitute in your meals including Thai curry. Another good thing about lemon thyme is that it is not as bitter as the normal thyme so you can add as much lemon thyme as you like to your dish.

Lime Juice

Also on our list of substitutes for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry is lime juice. Lime juice is one of your best alternatives if you want to replace kaffir lime leaves in a Thai curry paste. Make sure that you do not use too much when you are adding the lime juice to your dish. A little bit of lime juice can make or break your Thai dish.

Curry Leaves

Curry leaves also make a decent substitute for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry. In fact Curry leaves work best in Indian dishes. These leaves do not carry a sharp and pungent citrus flavour so your dish might taste a little different. However, curry leaves will work great in Indian curries or Indian rice dishes.

Mix Of Herbs

If you are out of kaffir lime leaves you can consider using a mix of herbs to your Thai curry dish. A mix of herbs is possibly one of the most efficient substitutes for kaffir lime leaves for a lot of other dishes. The herbs will get as close as is possible to the taste of kaffir lime leaves in your meals. Simply add one bay leaf, one whole lime and a handful of fresh lemon thyme. Mix these herbs together and add them to your recipe.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass can make a good substitute for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry. You can simply purchase the lemongrass in most herbs and vegetable stores or pick some from your garden if you happen to be growing some. To add them to your dish finely chop them and use them wherever your recipe calls for the kaffir lime leaves. You can replace a stalk of lemongrass for about 3 to 4 Kaffir lime leaves.

Basil, Mint or Coriander (Cilantro)

Also good options to replace kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry is a mix of basil, mint and coriander. If you can access Thai basil, you can also add it to your dish. Keep in mind that the flavour of your dish will be a bit different but these herbs will add extra aromatics to your dish.

Preserved Lemon

Preserved lemon can also be a great substitute for kaffir lime leaves in Thai curry. These lemons can be used in a lot of meals. Preserved lemons will add a fragrance that may be similar to kaffir lime leaves. However, you must take note that preserved lemons are much more salty so you must make sure that you use less seasoning. To replace kaffir lime leaves in your dish add a quarter teaspoon chopped preserved lemon for each stalk of kaffir lime leaves.

Leave it Out

Lastly, if you do not have some kaffir lime leaves you can simply leave them out of your recipe. This is ideal especially If you have a lot of other highly flavoured ingredients such as other herbs. Leaving out the kaffir lime leaves from your recipe will not change the taste of your dish especially if you can add other herbs and spices to your curry. Adding lemon, basil, or coriander will add a nice flavour to your Thai curry.

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