Understand the finer points of kaffir lime leaves usage in cuisine.Kaffir lime leaves may be used fresh or dried, depending on the recipe or usage. Importantly:
The leaves should be used whole when simmering in soups and curries, and may be shredded for use in fish cakes or similar dishes. The leaf is rarely eaten; the one exception is when it is shredded extremely finely, such as for Tod Mun (fried fish cake).[1]
Fresh, tender young leaves are the preferred choice for salads; do not use dried kaffir leaves in salads.[2]
The midrib and stalk may be bitter in older leaves; if this bitterness bothers you, tear the leaf and remove these parts for cooking, including simmering.[3]