Laab has many names like Larb or Laap, but the taste of this traditional Thai recipe is the same – lip-smacking and delicious. It is usually eaten as a part of a set comprising papaya salad, sticky rice, and laab. In Thailand, people enjoy this laab set with stirring beans, silver cabbage, water spinach, and Thai basil.
Now, let’s learn some more about this dish! Laab or larb is said to have originated in Laos, but today it is a regional delicacy of Laso and Isaan, the Northeastern region of Thailand bordering Laos and Cambodia.
Traditional Thai Laab Recipe You Must Try!
It is a very versatile dish, and you will find loads of variations of laab in Thailand. If you are not a fan of pork, you can make it with fish, chicken, duck, buffalo, or beef. Nowadays, you can even find a vegetarian version of this recipe that includes mushrooms and tofu.
The spices and meat used in this recipe vary according to the region, but you cannot leave coriander, scallions, and loads of mints out of this recipe! These ingredients are the life of this dish.
Our authentic version of laab will take you to the street of Thailand or at least to your favorite Thai restaurant. Although this dish is easy to make, it is far from simplistic. You will need to pay attention to details to get the traditional taste.
However, you need not worry as we will help you make this traditional Laab recipe at home with an easy method.
Quick Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 serves
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground pork
- Five shallots thinly sliced
- Five tablespoons sticky rice
- One tablespoon fish sauce
- Juice of 4 limes
- Dried red chili flakes to taste
- One bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped
- Three scallions, finely sliced
- 20 fresh mint leaves
Method to Prepare
- Take a dry skillet and toast rice over medium flame for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Constantly stir the rice until it turns golden brown. Keep aside to cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the tossed rice into a food processor and blend to get a toasted rice powder.
- Now, take another large skillet and sauté the pork over medium flame for about 20 minutes, until cooked through.
- You can add a few tablespoons of water if needed. This will avoid sticking or burning the meat.
- Take it off the flame and add shallots, scallions, fish sauce, and lime juice. Toss everything together.
- Then, add the toasted rice powder and give it another toss.
- Finally, add the red chili flakes, loads of mint and cilantro leaves.
- Serve it with sticky rice or raw veggies, and enjoy!
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Final Words
You can serve this recipe as an appetizer during your party or as a main course along with your other non-northeastern delicacies. It is easy and delicious and will satisfy your tastebuds. So, try this recipe and bring Thai flavors to your dining table with this traditional yet easy Laab recipe!
