Kaffir lime leaves are wild leaves from a kaffir lime tree. Essential in Southeast Asian cuisine, kaffir lime leaves add a signature tanginess to traditional Thai dishes like Tom Yum soup or green curry paste.

Available dried, frozen or fresh at most Asian markets, the leaves grow in pairs that appear to be kissing.

Kaffir lime leaves can be used whole, like bay leaves, by adding one or two to a brothy soup or simmering curry. You can also cut them into thin strips and steam them with chopped chile peppers on top of fish or chicken. They freeze well.

If you can't find kaffir lime leaves, use regular lime zest instead. We use 1/2 teaspoon of zest in place of 1 kaffir lime leaf.