thai larb salad recipe.

 

🥗 Thai Larb Salad Recipe (Larb Gai – Spicy Chicken Salad)

Make authentic Thai Larb Salad (Larb Gai) at home! This refreshing, spicy minced chicken salad with lime, mint, and toasted rice is ready in just 20 minutes — healthy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.

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🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 2–3

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📝 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (or pork, beef, or tofu)
• 1 tbsp toasted rice powder (khao khua)
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp roasted chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion or shallot, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)

For Serving:

• Fresh lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
• Sliced cucumbers and cabbage

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of water and the ground chicken. Stir and cook until no longer pink.

2. Season the Meat:
   Turn off the heat. While still warm, add fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and sugar. Mix well to absorb flavors.

3. Add Herbs and Aromatics:
   Stir in toasted rice powder, green onions, shallots, mint, and cilantro. Toss gently until well combined.

4. Serve:
   Serve warm or at room temperature with lettuce leaves, cabbage, or steamed jasmine rice.

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💡 Tips

• Toasted Rice Powder: Toast uncooked sticky rice in a pan until golden brown, then grind it. This adds nutty flavor and texture.
• Protein Variations: Try minced pork, turkey, beef, or tofu for different versions.
• Adjust Heat: Add or reduce chili flakes depending on spice preference.
• Serving Style: Serve as a salad, lettuce wrap, or side dish to grilled meats.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve wrapped in butter lettuce or cabbage leaves.
• Pair with sticky rice and Thai iced tea for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra lime wedges and mint sprigs.
  

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❄️ Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently or serve cold — it tastes great both ways.

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❓ FAQs

Q1. What does “larb” mean in Thai cuisine?
“Larb” refers to a traditional minced meat salad that combines fresh herbs, lime, fish sauce, and chili.

Q2. Can I make larb vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute chicken with crumbled tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Q3. Is larb salad served hot or cold?
Usually served warm or at room temperature, not hot or chilled.

Q4. What is toasted rice powder and why is it used?
It’s roasted sticky rice ground into powder, giving larb a distinct nutty crunch.

Q5. What’s the difference between larb and Thai beef salad?
Larb uses minced meat and toasted rice, while Thai beef salad uses sliced grilled beef with similar dressing.

🔗 Similar Recipes to Try :

1. Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) – Fresh and tangy salad with peanuts and lime.
2. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) – Spicy stir-fry with basil and chili.
3. Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen) – Light, refreshing salad with shrimp and glass noodles.
4. Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai) – Creamy soup with coconut milk and lemongrass.
5. Thai Mango Salad – Sweet and tangy salad with shredded mango and chili-lime dressing.