clintonbee
Novice Foodie
I recently made Laotian Laap (also known as Larb), and it was a vibrant, refreshing dish that perfectly blends fresh herbs, tangy lime, and savory meat. Laap is considered the national dish of Laos and is typically served as a salad with minced meat, herbs, and a light dressing. It's quick to make and so full of flavor—here’s how you can make it at home!
Ingredients:
For the Laap:
- 1 lb ground chicken, beef, or pork (or your choice of protein)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 Thai bird's eye chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted rice powder (or use uncooked rice, ground into a powder in a food processor)
For Garnishing:
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Sliced cucumber (optional)
- Fresh chili slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
- In a skillet or wok, cook the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Once cooked, drain off any excess fat, and transfer the meat to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
2. Add the Flavorings:
- To the cooked meat, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Stir in the toasted rice powder, which will add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
3. Mix in the Herbs:
- Once the meat mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the fresh cilantro, mint, and green onions. These herbs bring a fresh, aromatic quality to the Laap.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the Laap and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce, lime juice, or chili to suit your taste. It should be tangy, salty, and slightly spicy.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Laap with fresh lettuce leaves, which you can use to scoop up the mixture, or as a side dish with steamed rice. You can also garnish with additional chili slices and cucumber if desired.
Conclusion
Laotian Laap is a light and zesty dish full of vibrant flavors from the fresh herbs, lime, and spices. It’s incredibly customizable and perfect as a healthy lunch, dinner, or appetizer. The combination of meat, herbs, and toasted rice powder creates a delightful texture that’s both savory and refreshing. Give it a try for a taste of Laos right at home!
This dish is quick, simple, and packed with flavor—a true taste of Laos that’s sure to become a favorite!
