Galangal & Lemongrass Marinade — Two Farm Crops, One Great Recipe
Written by the family at 'Tween Towns Farm · Oxford, NC · Granville County
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We grow both galangal and lemongrass here on our 40 acres in Oxford, North Carolina, and they are natural partners. Galangal brings a piney, citrusy sharpness. Lemongrass adds a bright, floral lemon note without the acidity. Together they make a marinade that is unlike anything you can buy in a bottle.
This recipe works on chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, shrimp, and firm fish like salmon or mahi-mahi. It is the kind of marinade that makes people ask for the recipe at every cookout.
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What You Will Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh galangal | 2-inch piece, grated | Or finely minced |
| Fresh lemongrass | 2 stalks | White part only, finely minced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece | Grated (optional) |
| Coconut milk | ¼ cup | Tenderizes and adds richness |
| Fish sauce | 2 tablespoons | Adds depth and saltiness |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons | Fresh squeezed |
| Brown sugar or palm sugar | 1 tablespoon | Balances the heat |
| Neutral oil | 2 tablespoons | Vegetable or avocado oil |
| Thai chilies or red pepper flakes | 1–2 chilies | Adjust to taste |
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Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the aromatics. Grate or finely mince the galangal and lemongrass. The lemongrass needs to be very finely minced — it is fibrous and will not soften during cooking. A food processor works well for both.
Step 2 — Combine. Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined. Taste the marinade — it should be fragrant, slightly salty, slightly sweet, and have a good citrus note.
Step 3 — Marinate. Place your protein in a zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, making sure everything is coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Step 4 — Cook. Grill, roast, or pan-sear as desired. The coconut milk in the marinade will caramelize beautifully on the grill. Discard used marinade — do not reuse it.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve grilled chicken over jasmine rice with sliced cucumber and fresh herbs, or use as a base for a noodle bowl with rice noodles, bean sprouts, and lime. Leftover marinated protein makes excellent lettuce wraps.
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A Note on Our Lemongrass and Galangal
Both lemongrass and galangal are grown in our garden and greenhouse here in Granville County, North Carolina — chemical-free, harvested fresh, and available at our table at the Carrboro Farmers' Market every Saturday from 7 AM to 12 PM.
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Find Us
'Tween Towns Farm · Oxford, NC · Granville County
Carrboro Farmers' Market · Saturdays 7 AM – 12 PM
Growing the right way since 1987.