Authentic and Flavorful Thai Larb Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 red chili, finely chopped
  • 3 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves, loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1 cup of cooked sticky rice, optional for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground chicken and cook until it's fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  3. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
  4. Cook for a few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the broth has reduced slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  7. Add the lime juice mixture, chopped red chili, sliced shallots, sliced green onions, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and basil leaves to the skillet. Stir everything together until it's fully combined.
  8. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the lettuce leaves. If desired, serve with sticky rice.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground chicken and simmer the chicken broth.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl will be used to mix the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
  • Spoon - A spoon will be used to stir the ingredients in the skillet and mix the lime juice mixture.
  • Knife - A knife is required to finely chop the red chili, thinly slice the shallots and green onions, and to separate the lettuce leaves.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed to safely chop the red chili, shallots, and green onions.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute ground chicken with ground pork, beef, or turkey.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, or Thai basil.
  • Incorporate toasted rice powder for an extra nutty flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili according to personal preference.
  • Try different types of lettuce or cabbage leaves as a wrap, such as butter lettuce or Napa cabbage.
  • Add a squeeze of orange or pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
  • Include chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.

Recipe overview

Larb is a refreshing and flavorful dish that originates from Laos. It's a type of salad that's typically made with ground meat, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, all served in a lettuce wrap for a delightful crunch. In this particular version, we use ground chicken, but you can easily substitute with pork, beef or even tofu. The blend of mint, cilantro, and basil leaves provide a vibrant freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavor of the meat and the heat from the chili. The dressing, a simple mix of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, lends an irresistible tangy and sweet element to the dish. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make and can be served as either an appetizer or a main dish. So, give it a try and transport your tastebuds to Southeast Asia!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken? Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
  2. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili according to your preference for spiciness.
  3. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving for optimal freshness.
  4. Can I omit any of the herbs? While the herbs add a lot of flavor to the dish, you can omit any particular herb if you don't have it available or if you don't enjoy the taste.
  5. Is sticky rice necessary? Sticky rice is a traditional accompaniment to larb, but it is optional. You can enjoy larb without sticky rice or substitute it with steamed jasmine rice.
  6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring that the fish sauce you use is gluten-free. Some brands offer gluten-free fish sauce options.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground chicken.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl is required to mix the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
  • Spoon - A spoon will be used to stir the ingredients together in the skillet.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to finely chop the red chili and thinly slice the shallots and green onions.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed to safely chop and slice the ingredients.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for handling the lettuce leaves and assembling the larb.
  • Optional: Rice Cooker - If serving with sticky rice, a rice cooker can be used to cook the rice.

Origin stories

Larb is a popular dish that hails from Laos, often regarded as the "unofficial" national dish of the country. Intriguingly, however, you're likely to find it in every corner of neighboring Thailand, especially in the northeastern region known as Isan, where it's a staple in daily meals. This dish made its way to Thailand through the nomadic wanderings of the Lao people. Traditionally, Larb is made with minced meat, toasted rice powder, and a handful of herbs, served alongside fresh vegetables or sticky rice. The dish's captivating blend of flavors—sour, salty, and spicy—paints a vivid picture of Southeast Asian cuisine. While many may debate the correct way to prepare Larb, the truth is that its variations reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions in the Mekong region, which makes it all the more fascinating.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.