Description
Authentic Thai Laab Moo is a vibrant and spicy minced pork salad that combines fresh herbs, lime juice, toasted rice powder, and a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. This traditional northeastern Thai dish is refreshing, aromatic, and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Meat
- 500g ground pork (preferably pork shoulder)
Herbs and Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Others
- 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
Optional Garnishes
- Additional fresh herbs
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Sticky rice (served alongside)
Instructions
- Prepare the toasted rice powder: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast sticky rice grains until golden brown and fragrant. Grind the toasted rice into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Set aside.
- Cook the pork: In a skillet over medium heat (no oil needed), cook the ground pork, stirring frequently, until fully cooked and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well mixed.
- Combine the salad: Add the cooked pork to the dressing, mixing well to coat evenly. Then add the toasted rice powder, finely sliced red onion, chopped green onions, fresh mint, and cilantro. Toss everything together to combine flavors thoroughly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust with additional lime juice, fish sauce, or chili flakes according to your preference for sourness, saltiness, and spiciness.
- Serve: Transfer the Laab Moo to a serving plate, garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve with fresh lettuce leaves and sticky rice on the side for a complete authentic experience.
Notes
- Toasted rice powder adds a signature nutty crunch to Laab Moo; do not skip it.
- Adjust the spiciness level by altering the amount of chili flakes.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice will affect the authenticity.
- Sticky rice is traditionally served with Laab Moo and helps balance the spiciness.
- Ground pork shoulder is recommended for the right balance of fat and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
