A zesty and herbaceous salad of minced chicken seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, toasted rice powder, and a generous scattering of fresh mint and cilantro. This refreshing Isaan classic delivers an electrifying balance of sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
500g ground chicken
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons toasted rice powder
4 shallots, thinly sliced
3 scallions, sliced
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
5 dried Thai chilies, toasted and crushed
Lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
1Toast uncooked sticky rice in a dry skillet over medium heat for five minutes, shaking frequently until golden brown and fragrant, then grind to a coarse powder in a mortar.
2Cook ground chicken in a wok over high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles with a spatula, adding a splash of water to keep it moist and prevent clumping for about six minutes.
3Remove the cooked chicken from heat and transfer it to a large mixing bowl, allowing it to cool slightly so the herbs will not wilt when combined with the hot meat.
4Add lime juice and fish sauce to the chicken, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece of meat absorbs the bright, tangy dressing and develops a complex savory flavor.
5Fold in the sliced shallots, scallions, mint, cilantro, and crushed toasted chilies, then sprinkle the toasted rice powder over everything and toss gently to combine all elements.
6Serve immediately on a platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves, accompanied by sticky rice and raw vegetables such as cabbage wedges, green beans, and Thai basil sprigs.
Did You Know?
Larb is the national dish of Laos and a beloved staple across Isaan. The word 'larb' is considered lucky in Thai culture, as it sounds like the word for fortune, making it a popular dish at celebrations.