How to Make Thai Spicy Minced Meat Salad (Larb)
Thai Spicy Minced Meat Salad, known as Larb, is a flavorful and aromatic dish originating from Laos but is also immensely popular in Thailand. This salad combines minced meat, fresh herbs, and a spicy dressing, creating a perfect balance of flavors. If you're keen to learn how to make this delicious dish at home, follow this straightforward recipe!
Ingredients
To prepare a traditional Larb, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g minced meat (pork, chicken, or beef)
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons of lime juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of toasted rice powder
- 1-2 tablespoons of chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- Fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped
- Optional: lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Minced Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, add the minced meat. Cook until it is fully browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any clumps of meat for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. This mixture will serve as the flavorful dressing for your Larb.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked minced meat, chopped red onion, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until the ingredients are well coated.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasoning
Stir in the toasted rice powder, chili flakes, mint leaves, and cilantro. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste—if you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more chili flakes.
Step 5: Serve
Larb can be served warm or at room temperature. If desired, serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch or alongside sticky rice. Enjoy the salad with extra lime wedges for an added tang.
Tips for Perfecting Larb
1. Choosing Your Meat: While traditional Larb uses minced pork, feel free to experiment with other meats like chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Adjust the Heat: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes.
3. Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish. Don’t skip the mint and cilantro!
4. Toasted Rice Powder: This ingredient adds a unique texture and flavor to the salad. To make it, lightly toast uncooked rice in a skillet and grind it to a fine powder.
Making Thai Spicy Minced Meat Salad (Larb) is an enjoyable process that culminates in a zesty, satisfying dish. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this Thai favorite is sure to impress!