How to Make the Perfect Larb
Thai · Easy · 25 min · 2 servings
Larb is a vibrant and herbaceous Thai-Lao minced meat salad seasoned with toasted rice powder, fresh herbs, lime juice, and fish sauce that creates an explosion of textures and flavors. It is a staple of northeastern Thai cuisine and is typically served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Why this recipe works
This Larb recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 300 g ground chicken
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp toasted rice powder
- 0.5 cup fresh mint leaves
- 3 stalks green onions thinly sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make Toasted Rice Powder
Place 2 tablespoons of uncooked white rice in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes until golden and nutty smelling. Let cool and grind to a coarse powder in a mortar or spice grinder.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken with a small splash of water for 5 minutes, breaking it up constantly, until just cooked through. Remove from heat immediately.
Step 3: Dress the Larb
Transfer the chicken to a mixing bowl. While still warm, add fish sauce and lime juice and toss well. Add the toasted rice powder and stir to combine.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Serve
Fold in the fresh mint leaves and green onions. Taste and adjust with more lime juice or fish sauce as needed. Serve immediately with sticky rice and raw vegetables such as cabbage and cucumber.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground chicken → ground pork or turkey
- toasted rice powder → breadcrumbs for texture though the flavor will differ
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the meat which makes it dry and crumbly instead of juicy
- Skipping the toasted rice powder which is essential for the nutty flavor and signature texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 30g protein, 12g carbs, 12g fat, 2g fiber.
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