Experience the vibrant flavours of Laos with this classic minced meat salad, known as Larb.
This dish, a staple in Laotian cuisine, is a delightful blend of minced meat, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, creating a symphony of tastes and textures. The combination of mint, coriander, and lime juice gives this salad a refreshing and zesty profile, while the toasted rice powder adds a unique nutty crunch. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, Larb is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Larb holds a special place in Laotian culture, often enjoyed during family meals and festive occasions. The balance of savoury, spicy, and aromatic elements in this dish showcases the culinary finesse of Laos. Most commonly served with minced pork, this salad is equally tasty with minced beef or lamb that offers a versatile and nutritious option that can be paired with fresh lettuce or cabbage leaves for a light and satisfying meal. Embrace the essence of Laotian cuisine and bring a taste of Southeast Asia to your table with this authentic and flavourful Larb recipe.
Ingredients
- 500 gram minced pork
- 1 tablespoon uncooked rice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 fresh red chili (finely chopped)
- 4 spring onions (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup coriander leaves (chopped)
- lettuce leaves (for serving)
Instructions
- Toast 1 tablespoon of rice in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Let it cool, then grind into a coarse powder using a blender or mortar and pestle.
- In a pan, cook 500g of minced pork over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. If you are not a fan of pork, minced beef or lamb would be an excellent substitute.
- Mix 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a bowl for the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, and chopped chilies.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss well.
- Add chopped spring onions, mint, and coriander to the bowl, sprinkle the toasted rice powder over the salad and mix everything together gently.
- Serve atop lettuce leaves.
Nutritional Information
- Per serving
- Energy: 370 kcal / 1547 kJ
- Fat: 28.4 g
- Protein: 21.95 g
- Carbs: 6.75 g
