Name: Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 500g ground pork (preferably pork shoulder); 3-4 green onions, finely chopped; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1 small red onion or shallot, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons toasted rice powder (khao khua); 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar; 1-2 cloves garlic, minced; Additional fresh herbs; Lettuce leaves (for serving); Sticky rice (served alongside)

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If you are looking to add a burst of bold flavors and vibrant spices to your meal rotation, this Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly balances the savory savor of minced pork with the zesty punch of fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili, creating a refreshing yet fiery salad that dances on your taste buds. Every bite offers a beautiful mix of textures and flavors that feel incredibly fresh and satisfying, and it’s incredibly simple to make, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with dark brown minced meat mixed with small pieces of mushrooms sits in the center of a white plate. Around the bowl on the plate are fresh green leafy vegetables including lettuce and herbs, some long green beans and purple beans standing upright, yellow and red cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber arranged in a neat stack, and a few curled light brown crispy pork rinds. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a woven textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe lies partly in its straightforward, essential ingredients. Each element brings something critical to the dish, whether it’s the juicy richness of pork, the crunch of toasted rice, or the brightness of fresh herbs. Together, they build a dish that’s both comforting and exhilarating.

Minced pork: The foundation of the salad, providing juicy meatiness and a tender texture.
Shallots: Thinly sliced to add a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Fresh lime juice: Gives the dish a refreshing, tangy zing that cuts through the richness.
Fish sauce: Essential for authentic salty depth and umami flavor.
Chili flakes: Adds the signature spicy kick characteristic of Laab.
Toasted rice powder: Offers a delightful nutty crunch that enhances texture.
Fresh mint leaves: Adds a cooling contrast and herbal brightness.
Cilantro: Brings a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that rounds out the salad.
Green onions: For crispness and mild onion flavor.
Optional: Roasted ground chili or powder: To amp up the heat if desired.

How to Make Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Minced Pork

Begin with heating a dry pan over medium-high heat and add the minced pork. Cook it without oil—this step lets the pork release its natural juices, so stir frequently to break up any clumps. Cook until the pork is cooked through and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Toast the Rice Powder

While the pork cooks, toast sticky rice grains in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Then grind it coarsely using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to create the toasted rice powder. This adds a lovely crunchy texture and a nutty aroma, crucial for an authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine fresh lime juice, fish sauce, chili flakes, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. This simple yet powerful dressing is what makes the salad sing—bright, salty, and spicy all at once.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Once the pork is cooked and slightly cooled, toss it with the shallots, green onions, fresh mint, cilantro, toasted rice powder, and your carefully prepared dressing. Stir gently to mix all flavors and textures evenly without bruising the delicate herbs.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Taste

Give your salad a final taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more lime for acidity, fish sauce for salt, or chili flakes if you want extra heat. This personalized touch ensures your dish is perfectly balanced to your palate.

How to Serve Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe

Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish off the dish with additional fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of toasted rice powder for extra crunch. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to add a fresh burst of citrus at the table, enhancing the salad’s bright, vibrant flavors.

Side Dishes

Authentic Thai Laab Moo shines when paired with sticky rice—it’s the perfect neutral canvas that absorbs the salad’s spicy juice. Alternatively, serve alongside crisp lettuce leaves to create refreshing wraps, or with a simple cucumber salad to cool down the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this spicy minced pork salad in small lettuce cups as individual appetizers or create a vibrant salad bowl garnished with edible flowers and extra herbs. The fresh herbs and colorful chilies make it a stunning dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the herbs separate if possible to maintain their delicate texture and freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish since the fresh herbs and lime juice lose their vibrant flavor and texture after thawing. For the best experience, make only as much as you plan to eat or store leftovers in the fridge.

Reheating

If you want to reheat the pork, do so gently on the stove or microwave without the herbs and dressing. Add fresh herbs and dressing after reheating to keep the salad fresh and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?

Absolutely! While Authentic Thai Laab Moo traditionally uses minced pork, ground chicken or beef can be substituted and will create a delicious variation with a slightly different flavor profile.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted to your preference by changing the amount of chili flakes or adding roasted chili powder. The recipe is naturally spicy but balanced with lime and herbs.

What if I can’t find toasted sticky rice for the powder?

You can toast regular white rice until golden and grind it, but the sticky rice provides a unique nutty aroma and texture that’s ideal for this dish.

Can this salad be made vegetarian?

Vegetarian versions can be made using mushrooms or tofu substituted for the pork, and using soy sauce in place of fish sauce. The flavors will be different but still tasty.

How long does Authentic Thai Laab Moo keep its freshness?

Best enjoyed fresh, the salad stays tasty in the refrigerator for about one to two days. After that, the herbs lose their crunch and the flavors start to mellow.

Final Thoughts

Making this Authentic Thai Laab Moo: Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Thailand’s vibrant street food culture into your kitchen. It’s fresh, spicy, and wonderfully balanced—a feast for the senses that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. I encourage you to try it soon and share it with your loved ones for an unforgettable meal experience that brightens any day.