Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with this Larb recipe, a spicy and tangy salad made with minced meat (pork or chicken), fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili. Perfectly balanced with a mix of heat and zest, this dish is a delightful appetizer or main course. Learn how to make Larb at home with our easy-to-follow recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips for the perfect seasoning.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450 g) minced pork or chicken

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 cup fish sauce

- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

- 2 tbsp toasted rice powder (available at Asian markets or homemade by toasting rice and grinding it)

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

- 2 green onions, chopped

- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced (for garnish)

- 1 head of lettuce, separated into leaves (for serving)

Instructions:

Cook the Meat:

  - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  - Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

  - Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, and cook for another minute.

  - Add the minced pork or chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully cooked and browned.

Season the Meat:

  - Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and toasted rice powder. Mix well to combine.

  - Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add Fresh Herbs:

  - Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped mint, cilantro, and green onions.

Serve:

  - Transfer the Larb to a serving platter.

  - Garnish with cucumber slices.

  - Serve with lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Enjoy your homemade Larb as a fresh and flavorful addition to any meal!

Nutritional values

For the Salad

Minced Pork or Chicken (1 lb or 450 g)

 - Pork: ~250 calories, 26g protein, 17g fat

 - Chicken: ~165 calories, 31g protein, 3.6g fat

Benefits:

 - High in protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.

 - Provides essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins (e.g., B12).

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~240

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: ~28g

Benefits:

 - Used for cooking and sautéing, enhances flavors.

 - Choose oils with high smoke points for optimal cooking.

Onion (1 small, finely chopped)

 - Calories: ~30

 - Carbohydrates: ~7g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and aroma.

 - Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may support health.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.

 - Contains allicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Thai Bird Chilies (2-3, finely chopped)

 - Calories: ~6

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds spiciness and heat to the dish.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Fish Sauce (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: ~70

 - Carbohydrates: ~4g

 - Protein: ~12g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a savory umami flavor.

 - Provides some protein and essential minerals like sodium.

Lime Juice (1/4 cup, about 2 limes)

 - Calories: ~12

 - Carbohydrates: ~3g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a tangy flavor to balance the dish.

 - Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.

Toasted Rice Powder (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~30

 - Carbohydrates: ~6g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a nutty flavor and texture to the salad.

 - Provides a source of carbohydrates and fiber.

Sugar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~52

 - Carbohydrates: ~13g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to balance the flavors.

 - Enhances the overall taste profile.

Fresh Mint Leaves (1/2 cup, chopped)

 - Calories: ~1

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.2g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a refreshing flavor.

 - Contains vitamins A and C, and has digestive and antioxidant properties.

Fresh Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped)

 - Calories: ~1

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.2g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor and color.

 - Contains vitamins A, C, and K, and has antioxidant properties.

Green Onions (2, chopped)

 - Calories: ~10

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~0.5g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a mild onion flavor and crunch.

 - Provides vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

Cucumber (1 small, thinly sliced, for garnish)

 - Calories: ~16

 - Carbohydrates: ~4g

 - Protein: ~0.7g

 - Fat: ~0.1g

Benefits:

 - Provides hydration and a refreshing crunch.

 - Contains vitamins K and C, and has antioxidant properties.

Lettuce (1 head, separated into leaves, for serving)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.5g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Provides a low-calorie base for serving.

 - Contains vitamins and minerals, including folate and vitamin K.

This breakdown covers the nutritional content and health benefits of each ingredient in your minced pork or chicken salad recipe.