Chicken Larb is a popular Thai dish known for its vibrant flavors and refreshing qualities. This dish is a perfect combination of ground chicken, fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili, making it a light yet flavorful meal. Originating from Laos, Larb (also spelled Laab or Laap) is a staple in Thai cuisine and is often enjoyed as a salad or paired with sticky rice. The beauty of Chicken Larb lies in its simplicity, making it a great dish to prepare for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Here’s how you can make this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
1 tbsp sugar (palm sugar or brown sugar)
1 tbsp toasted rice powder (optional, adds texture)
1-2 bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to spice preference), finely chopped
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
Lettuce leaves or cabbage (for serving)
Cooked jasmine rice or sticky rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and toasted rice powder (if using).
Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. The balance of salty, sour, and sweet flavors is crucial, so taste and adjust the ingredients as needed to match your preference.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the shallots, garlic, chopped chilies, cilantro, mint, and green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
Serve
Chicken Larb is typically served with fresh lettuce or cabbage leaves, which act as cups to hold the larb mixture. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed with jasmine or sticky rice. Garnish with extra herbs if desired, and add a few extra lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Larb:
Toasted Rice Powder: This ingredient, made by toasting uncooked rice and then grinding it into a coarse powder, adds a wonderful nutty flavor and texture to the dish. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, or make it at home by dry toasting glutinous rice and blending it into a powder.
Adjusting the Spice: Bird’s eye chilies are quite spicy, so start with one and add more to suit your heat tolerance. You can also replace them with milder chilies or omit them altogether for a milder dish.
Protein Variations: Larb can be made with a variety of proteins. If you prefer, you can substitute ground chicken with ground pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Larb:
Healthy and Fresh: Packed with lean protein and fresh herbs, this dish is both nutritious and light.
Quick and Easy: You can whip up Chicken Larb in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a salad, in lettuce wraps, or with rice for a more filling meal. Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Chicken Larb is a refreshing and healthy Thai dish that’s bursting with flavor. Its balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy elements makes it an exciting dish for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to try something new or seeking a quick meal idea, this Chicken Larb recipe is a perfect choice for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. Enjoy it with friends and family or as a light, satisfying meal for yourself!
Customizing Your Chicken Larb
One of the greatest things about Chicken Larb is its adaptability. Here are a few ways you can customize the dish based on your dietary preferences or what you have available in your pantry:
Make It Vegetarian or Vegan
If you’re looking for a plant-based version of Larb, simply swap the ground chicken for tofu or tempeh. Crumble firm tofu or tempeh into small pieces and cook them in a bit of oil until crispy. Use soy sauce or tamari in place of fish sauce to keep the umami flavor without animal products.
Add Crunch
For extra texture, try adding chopped peanuts or cashews as a garnish. The crunch pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs and lime juice, adding another dimension of flavor.
Extra Vegetables
Larb is often served as a salad or with lettuce wraps, but you can also bulk up the recipe with extra vegetables. Consider adding sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots to bring in additional freshness and nutrients.
Experiment with Proteins
As mentioned earlier, while chicken is a classic choice, you can experiment with other proteins such as turkey, beef, or even shrimp. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative, while beef will offer a richer, more robust flavor.
Play with Herbs
Larb is traditionally made with cilantro and mint, but you can experiment with other herbs like Thai basil or even dill for a different twist. The combination of fresh herbs adds to the dish’s overall vibrancy and makes it feel even more refreshing.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Larb
Not only is Chicken Larb delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
Lean Protein: Ground chicken provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro are rich in antioxidants and contribute to a healthy immune system.
Low in Carbs: If you’re looking for a low-carb meal, serving Chicken Larb in lettuce wraps is an excellent option that’s both satisfying and light.
Vitamins and Minerals: The fresh lime juice, garlic, and chilies all provide vitamins C and B, along with various minerals that contribute to overall well-being.
What to Serve with Chicken Larb
If you’re planning a full Thai-inspired meal, Chicken Larb pairs well with a variety of sides and dishes:
Sticky Rice: A traditional accompaniment to Larb, sticky rice helps soak up all the delicious flavors of the dish.
Papaya Salad (Som Tum): Another fresh and vibrant Thai dish, papaya salad offers a tangy crunch that complements the texture of Larb.
Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled veggies such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers can provide a smoky contrast to the brightness of the Larb.
Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or just looking for a healthy and quick recipe to add to your rotation, Chicken Larb is a must-try. Its bold flavors and versatility make it a crowd-pleaser for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with the ingredients and make it your own. This dish is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring—it can be fresh, exciting, and incredibly satisfying!
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and light, give this Chicken Larb recipe a go. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
