Zesty Thai Minced Chicken Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Zesty Thai Minced Chicken Salad, known as Larb Gai. This refreshing dish combines minced chicken breast, a plethora of fresh herbs, and a perfect balance of spices for a delightful punch in every bite. The roasted rice powder adds a unique nutty flavor and a hint of crunch, while the zesty lime and savory fish sauce elevate the taste to a whole new level. Enjoyed over a bed of crisp lettuce or cabbage, this healthy, low-fat salad is not only a feast for the senses but also extremely satisfying. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
4
Servings
112
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (minced in food processor (do not substitute with ground chicken))
roasted rice powder
1 tablespoon (available in Asian markets or homemade by roasting raw rice until brown)
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
spring onions
2 (chopped)
shallots
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons (chopped)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
lime juice
2 tablespoons
fish sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons
garlic and red chile paste
1 teaspoon
cabbage or lettuce
for serving (thinly sliced)
fresh cilantro stem
as garnish
Instructions
1
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat without adding oil.
2
Add the minced chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
3
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess liquid to ensure a drier salad.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with fish sauce and lime juice, stirring well to blend the flavors.
5
Add the chopped cilantro, spring onions, shallots, mint leaves, cayenne pepper, and roasted rice powder to the bowl.
6
Incorporate the garlic and red chile paste, tossing everything together until well combined.
7
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice or fish sauce according to your preference.
8
To serve, place a generous portion of the chicken mixture over a bed of thinly sliced cabbage or lettuce leaves.
9
Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for an aromatic finishing touch, and enjoy immediately for the freshest flavors.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
6g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Larb Gai?
Larb Gai is a traditional Zesty Thai Minced Chicken Salad characterized by its vibrant herbs, lime juice, and roasted rice powder.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include minced chicken breast, roasted rice powder, cilantro, spring onions, shallots, mint, lime juice, and fish sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 112 calories per serving in this Zesty Thai Minced Chicken Salad.
Can I use ground chicken instead of minced chicken breast?
The recipe recommends using boneless skinless chicken breast minced in a food processor rather than substituting with pre-ground chicken.
How do I make roasted rice powder?
You can make it at home by roasting raw rice in a pan until it turns brown, then grinding it into a powder.
Is this Thai chicken salad low in fat?
Yes, this recipe is low-fat, containing only 2g of fat per serving.
What should I serve this chicken salad with?
It is traditionally served over a bed of thinly sliced cabbage or fresh lettuce leaves.
Do I need oil to cook the chicken?
No, the chicken is cooked in a nonstick skillet over medium heat without adding any oil.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
What gives the dish its nutty flavor and crunch?
The roasted rice powder is the key ingredient that adds a unique nutty flavor and a subtle crunch.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses fresh cilantro, spring onions, and fresh mint leaves.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 6g of carbohydrates.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from cayenne pepper and garlic and red chile paste.
Why should I drain the liquid after cooking the chicken?
Draining excess liquid ensures the salad has a drier, more authentic texture.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the salad?
Yes, you should taste the mixture and adjust the lime juice or fish sauce according to your personal preference.
What is the preparation for the shallots?
The shallots should be chopped before being added to the chicken mixture.
Is this a good recipe for weight loss?
With only 112 calories and 2g of fat, it is a healthy, low-fat option suitable for many diets.
How do I garnish the Larb Gai?
Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro sprigs for an aromatic finishing touch.
Can I use lime juice from a bottle?
Fresh lime juice is recommended to achieve the zesty, vibrant flavor profile of the dish.
What is the role of fish sauce in this recipe?
Fish sauce provides a savory, umami depth that balances the lime juice and spices.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked until it is fully opaque and no longer pink in the center.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, its refreshing and light nature makes it perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful dinner.
What type of chile paste is used?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of garlic and red chile paste.
How should I prep the cabbage or lettuce?
The cabbage or lettuce should be thinly sliced to serve as a crisp bed for the chicken.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it can be prepped, it is best enjoyed immediately for the freshest herb flavors.
Is the chicken breast skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifically requires boneless skinless chicken breast.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I add more cayenne pepper?
Yes, you can increase the cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier salad.
What makes this salad 'Thai style'?
The combination of fish sauce, lime, mint, and roasted rice powder creates the iconic Thai flavor profile.