Spicy Thai Larb with Fresh Herbs
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Spicy Thai Larb, inspired by my first unforgettable experience at a Thai restaurant in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This meat salad is a delightful medley of high-quality ground chicken or pork, infused with the aromatic essence of lemongrass, fresh herbs, and a spicy kick from Thai chilies. The balance of fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and a hint of sweetness creates a harmonious dressing that brings all the elements together. Serve this dish over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal or creatively roll it up in rice paper or crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing appetizer. Perfect for those who appreciate bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this recipe can be easily adjusted to match your taste preferences. Prepare to be transported to Thailand with every delectable bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lime juice
2/3 cup (Juiced)
Fish sauce
1/3 cup (Ready to use (found in Asian markets or in the Ethnic aisle of most grocers))
Sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated)
Thai roasted chili paste
2 teaspoons (Ready to use)
Low sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup (Simmered)
Ground chicken or pork
1 1/2 lbs (Raw)
Green onion
1 cup (Thinly sliced)
Shallot
3/4 cup (Thinly sliced)
Fresh lemongrass
3 tablespoons (Minced (found in Asian markets))
Thai red chili peppers or Serrano chili
1 tablespoon (Thinly sliced)
Fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and Thai roasted chili paste until well combined. Set this sauce aside for later use.
2
In a heavy-skinned large skillet, simmer the low-sodium chicken broth over medium heat. Add the ground chicken or pork and simmer, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is fully cooked, about 8 minutes.
3
Add the thinly sliced green onions, shallots, minced lemongrass, and chili peppers to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, approximately 4 minutes.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the prepared sauce, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves, mixing thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
5
Serve the spicy Thai larb immediately either on a bed of rice or as a filling in lettuce wraps or fresh spring rolls. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Larb with Fresh Herbs?
It is a vibrant meat salad made with ground chicken or pork, infused with lemongrass, fresh herbs, and Thai chilies, dressed in a lime and fish sauce mixture.
What kind of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of either high-quality ground chicken or ground pork.
How do I prepare the sauce for the Larb?
Whisk together 2/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1/3 cup fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons Thai roasted chili paste until well combined.
How is the meat cooked in this recipe?
The meat is simmered in 3/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth in a large skillet for about 8 minutes until fully cooked.
What aromatics are added during the cooking process?
Thinly sliced green onions, shallots, minced lemongrass, and sliced chili peppers are added to the skillet.
How long should I cook the vegetables with the meat?
Cook and stir frequently for approximately 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Which fresh herbs are added at the end?
Chopped cilantro leaves and chopped mint leaves are stirred in after the skillet is removed from the heat.
What are the serving suggestions for Thai Larb?
You can serve it over fluffy rice, rolled in rice paper, or inside crisp lettuce leaves as an appetizer.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it features a spicy kick from Thai red chili peppers or Serrano chilies and Thai roasted chili paste.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the recipe can be easily adjusted to match your personal taste preferences for heat.
How much lemongrass is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced fresh lemongrass.
What type of chili peppers can I use?
You can use either Thai red chili peppers or Serrano chili peppers.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to balance the flavors.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of fresh, juiced lime.
What is the role of fish sauce in this dish?
Fish sauce provides a savory, umami depth to the dressing, which is essential for traditional Thai flavors.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The 3/4 cup of shallots should be thinly sliced before being added to the skillet.
Should the herbs be cooked?
No, the cilantro and mint should be stirred in after the skillet is removed from the heat to maintain their fresh flavor.
Where can I find Thai roasted chili paste?
It can typically be found in Asian markets or the ethnic aisle of most grocery stores.
What type of broth is best for this recipe?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this Spicy Thai Larb recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, with a cooking time of roughly 12 minutes after preparation, it is considered a quick and flavorful meal.
How much mint is used?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves.
What is the preparation for the green onions?
You should use 1 cup of thinly sliced green onions.
Can I use this as a filling for spring rolls?
Yes, the instructions suggest using the larb as a filling for fresh spring rolls.
What inspired this specific recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the creator's first experience at a Thai restaurant in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Is this dish considered a salad?
Yes, Larb is traditionally known as a Thai meat salad.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies granulated sugar for the sauce.
Should the meat be raw when starting?
Yes, you start with raw ground chicken or pork and cook it in the broth.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a moist, crumbly meat mixture mixed with tender vegetables and fresh, leafy herbs.
How much chicken broth is used for simmering?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chicken broth.