Minced Pork Salad (Larb Moo): ลาบหมู
Laab is a beloved dish from the northeastern region of Thailand, often served at weddings and celebrations. Its enticing aroma comes from roasted rice combined with fresh herbs, chilies, and lime, resulting in a bold flavor that is typically enjoyed with hot sticky rice or steamed rice. Known for its spicy and delightful taste, Laab has roots in the culinary traditions of people from Vientiane in Laos, influencing its popularity in both Thai and non-Thai communities. The term "Zap," meaning delicious in the northeastern dialect, perfectly captures the essence of this dish.
We'll show you how to prepare this famous Laab recipe with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
How to Make Laab Moo or Kai
Ingredients:
- 200 g chicken or pork mince
- 1 tbsp roasted rice
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame
- Onion (to taste)
- Spring onion (to taste)
- Fresh mint leaves (to taste)
- Dried chilies (to taste)
- Fish sauce (to taste)
- Lime or lemon juice (to taste)
- Oil (for cooking)
- Fresh vegetables (for serving; any variety you prefer)
Directions:
- Roast the Rice and Sesame: Roast the sticky rice and sesame seeds in a pan until they become fragrant and change color. Once done, mash them using a mortar and pestle or blend them into a fine powder.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion, spring onion, and mint leaves, and set them aside. Finely chop the chicken or pork.
- Cook the Meat: In a wok or frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the minced meat and cook until it starts to boil. If needed, add a small amount of water and fish sauce while stirring until the meat is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add dried chilies, roasted sticky rice or sesame, sliced onion, and lime juice to the cooked meat. Mix well and taste the dish; it should have a balanced sourness and saltiness. Adjust seasoning to your preference, adding more lime or fish sauce as desired.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add the spring onions and mint leaves to the mixture, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. Your Laab is now ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestion: Laab typically has a spicy kick, so it is often served with fresh vegetables to help balance the heat.
Note:
For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the meat with tofu and replace fish sauce with salt for seasoning.
Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing salad that captures the essence of Thai cuisine!