Boon Kathin Celebration at Lao Temple in Fresno, Laos Holiday. Street Food vendors selling Lao food

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce is lower in calories and can mimic the umami flavor.

ground meat

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken

Tofu offers a plant-based option while chicken is often less expensive.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: frozen herbs

Dried or frozen herbs can be more affordable and have a longer shelf life.

sticky rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: white rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain alternative, while white rice is a more budget-friendly option.

Soak sticky rice in water for several hours.

Steam the soaked sticky rice until tender.

Mix ground meat with lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar in a bowl until well combined.

Finely chop fresh herbs, chili peppers, and green onions and add them to the meat mixture.

Add minced garlic and shallots to the meat mixture and stir well.

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or lime juice as needed.

Serve the meat mixture on a bed of fresh vegetables and cucumber slices.

Garnish with crushed peanuts and additional herbs.

Serve with sticky rice on the side for scooping.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens