How to Make: The BEST Chicken Laab/Larb

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt + water

Soy sauce offers a similar umami flavor while being vegetarian.

ground chicken

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

rice powder

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Ground oats can mimic texture, while cornstarch is more affordable.

peanuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: pumpkin seeds

Sunflower seeds are nut-free and provide a similar crunch.

Wash your hands before starting.

To a dry pan on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of uncooked sticky rice grains and 2 or 3 lime leaves. Toast the rice for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown. Discard the lime leaves and let the rice cool for a minute.

Add the toasted rice to a spice grinder and blend until it turns into a coarse powder. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle or buy pre-made rice powder.

Rinse the green leaf lettuce and dry it off. Cut the cucumbers into strips using a peeler and then slice them on a slight bias.

Remove the outer layers of the cabbage, cut it in half, and then cut each half into thirds, keeping the core intact.

Slice a large shallot into strips along the grain to maintain its texture. Optionally, soak the shallot in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce its raw bite.

Chop the green onions and cilantro. Remove mint leaves from their stems, keeping them whole or cutting larger leaves in half.

In a pan on medium heat, add a splash of oil and 1 pound of ground chicken. Break down the clumps with a spatula or wooden spoon, adding 1/4 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through, discarding excess liquid if necessary.

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, the juice of 2 limes, and 1 tablespoon of garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of crushed dried Thai chili and mix well.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shallots, green onions, cilantro, and mint. Pour in some of the sauce and mix well. Add toasted rice powder to taste.

To plate, arrange some lettuce, a wedge of cabbage, and cucumbers on a serving platter. Top with the chicken mixture and finish with more toasted rice powder and mint leaves.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens