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On days when you feel like a lighter meal option, Thai Chicken Larb is an ideal dish. Larb is a Thai mince-meat salad, made with lime juice, fish sauce and fresh herbs. Although regarded as the βunofficialβ national dish of Laos, Larb is also enjoyed throughout Thailand. With this version I have used chicken mince but it can also be made with minced (ground) pork, beef, duck or fish.
I love to make Thai Chicken Larb. It is a dish which is light to eat, delicious at any time of year but especially suitable for the warmer months. It is fragrant and fresh tasting, with a perfect combination of hot, sour, salty and sweet flavours.
This is a dish which is quickly and easily made. Once you have all the ingredients prepared, it takes minutes to assemble. For those interested in low-fat or low-carbohydrate dishes, this is the recipe for you. Many recipes for Larb stir fry the chicken in a little oil. However, this dish differs in that I poach/steam the chicken mince in a small amount of water. This results in tender, moist chicken. The cooked chicken is put into a bowl and the remaining ingredients added. It is that simple; thereβs no complex cooking technique. If you are a novice cook, you will be successful with this recipe. I add flavour to the chicken with spring onion/scallion and fish sauce, the flavours heightened by the bright notes of lime juice, coriander and fragrant mint.
The recipe does contain chilli, however, you are able to customise the amount to your personal taste.
Toasted rice powder is also used in Thai Chicken Larb. If youβre unfamiliar with toasted rice powder it is an ingredient which is widely used throughout South-East Asia. It is not readily available but can be purchased from Asian grocers. However, it is very simple to make at home. It is just rice, frequently sticky/glutinous white rice, which is toasted in a wok or frying pan and then ground to a coarse powder. It adds a nutty flavour and absorbs liquids. But, other white rices will also work well and for this recipe I have used Jasmine rice.
There are several ways in which to serve this dish. I like to serve it on a platter with fresh, crisp lettuce leaves, slices of cucumber, wedges of lime and an assortment of fragrant herbs.
My favourite lettuce for this purpose is the wonderfully crisp iceberg. However, leaves of cos/romaine lettuce are also suitable. Served in this manner this is a great dish for sharing, allowing guests to assemble their own lettuce cups.
It can also be served as an appetiser on crispy, fried wonton wrappers. Additionally, it is extremely portable, ideal for a picnic or a healthy work lunch. Or, serve it at room temperature with a bowl of freshly cooked Jasmine rice.
Thai Chicken Larb is such a great, healthy and flavourful meal. With this recipe youβll be able to enjoy this popular and exotic Thai salad that you have made yourself.
Love Thai flavours as much as we do? Make sure to give our Thai Prawn Salad and Vermicelli Noodle Salad a try also!
Please let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe.
Alex and Faye xx
P.S. Prefer a vegetarian option? Try our Mushroom San Choy Bow!
Thai Chicken Larb
I love the clean, vibrant flavours in Thai Chicken Larb. In fact, Iβm convinced that I actually feel healthier after eating this dish. It is easy to make; with very little effort you will have this very tasty Thai dish to serve. Furthermore, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself.
Ingredients
- 250 g chicken mince ground chicken
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp Thai fish sauce * 40 ml
- 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed 40 ml
- 1 tsp grated palm sugar *
- 3 stems coriander/cilantro divided
- 1 stalk spring onion/scallion white and some green, finely sliced
- 10 mint leaves finely sliced *
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
Roasted Ground Rice –
- 1/4 cup Jasmine rice (raw) *
Serving Suggestions –
- red chilli, sliced thinly and sprinkled on top
- iceberg or cos lettuce leaves
- lime wedges
- cucumber wedges
- fresh herbs: mint, coriander, Thai basil
Instructions
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Place the rice in a medium-size frying pan and heat over low-medium heat.
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Shake the pan constantly until the rice is golden, 10-15 minutes.
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Cool the rice slightly before grinding in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
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You need to end up with a coarse powder, almost like sesame seeds β donβt turn it into dust.
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Place the water and chicken mince in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Using a silicone spatula, stir the chicken until it is cooked. It is not necessary to break it up completely, small chunks are preferable.
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Remove from the heat and turn the chicken, and the liquid which remains, into a bowl.
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Add the remaining ingredients and mix them together. Check that the seasoning is well balanced and to your taste.
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Arrange the salad on a serving platter, sprinkle with chilli if using. Arrange the lettuce leaves, cucumber, lime wedges and herbs on the plate and serve. Each person spoons some Larb onto the lettuce leaf, along with a few herb leaves. You may like to squeeze on a little fresh lime.
Recipe Notes
*Serves 2 as a main course, 4 if served as part of a shared meal.
*Thai fish sauce is available from supermarkets or Asian grocers. It is one of the basic ingredients in Thai food. Do not be deterred by the βfishyβ smell; it is pungent but adds umami flavour and is counteracted by the use of lime juice and herbs. It is readily available in supermarkets.
*Palm sugar is produced from the sap of several different varieties of palms. It has a mild caramel flavour and is not as βsicklyβ sweet as regular cane sugar. It is available in supermarkets and Asian grocers.
* This is rice, frequently sticky/glutinous white rice but can be other white rice. The rice is toasted in a wok or frying pan and then ground to a coarse powder. It adds a nutty flavour and absorbs liquids. I have used Jasmine rice.
*Do not slice the mint until shortly before serving as it will blacken.
*This is more rice than you will need. You can make less but I like to have some extra on hand.
2 37 1 436 - 476Shares
- 476Shares
2 37 1 436
214 Comments on “Thai Chicken Larb”
I have chicken out for tonight. I might adapt this to use the flavours. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hope you’ll enjoy, Tandy! π
A delicious meal of wonderful flavours.
Appreciate it, Brian! π
One of my all time favourites – yummy!
Thank you, Alice π
I don’t tend to order larb when I eat out as I find it a bit dry but I might make your version without the rice powder (which really tends to dry things out for me).
Yes, that sounds fine! x
I have never tried this Thai dish. I see Larb on the menu all of the time at Thai restaurants. Thanks to you I think I will be giving it a whirl soon! Your recipe looks outstanding (as usual!!).
Kimmy, you are so lovely – thank you! So happy you will be trying this soon xx
I can’t wait to make this. I’ve never heard of larb before. It looks so good, and I love trying new dishes.
Enjoy this one, Stacie π
This would be a wicked recipe to whip up for my inlaws! I cant wait to try it!
Hope you will all enjoy it, Tanya! π
I love thai dishes but this dish is quite new for me. I will be trying it out this weekend. I love the pointer on poaching chicken in small amount of water.
Hi Diana! Love to know what you think when you do give this a try π Enjoy!
Looks very delicious! Larb is always a nice idea and with greens it’s even better
I agree, Lyosha π
A great mix of flavors! This would be a great lunch for my husband and I.
Enjoy, Ayanna! π
This looks so yummy! I love salads that have avocado in them. Thai chicken salad sounds like a great dinner choice.
Hi Katie π This has cucumber, not avocado served with it – but you could absolutely serve avocado with it should you wish!
omg! Thai is definitely my fave cuisine!!! This is so easy to cook, I will definitely cook it over the weekend. Thanks a lot.
Chad
http://www.mosaicslab.com
Perfect for a great weekend dish, Chad – enjoy it! π
Yum, this would make a fantastic meal, that’s for sure. I don’t think I’ve ever tried a dish like this before, so I am intrigued.
Hope you’ll give it a try, Amber π
This most certainly sounds absolutely delicious. I should consider adding this to my daily meal routine, never had it before
Hope this will become a new favourite π
I’ve always wondered what larb is. Now I know what it is and how to prepare it. Thanks!
Fantastic, Gemma!
I actually make a dish very similar to this. I do omit the fish sauce because I’m allergic to fish. Next time I’ll try your recipe because it sounds yummier than mine!
Hope you will enjoy it, Stephanie π
I’ve always wanted to visit Asian countries for their meals, thanks for you, I can try out some of these meals at home. Thai Chicken Larb sounds yummy
Hope you will love this meal a lot, Lydia π
I love everything Thai. Although I am a vegetarian, I am sharing this one with my husband, coz he loves anything with chicken π and I’m sure he’d love this?
Hey Sakshi! Thanks for stopping by – this is also delicious mixed with tofu – you may like to try that as a vegetarian option for yourself π
Would you believe that I have not heard of this dish before, it looks amazing and I will have to give it a try!
Hope you will LOVE it, Natalie π
It looks like a dish full of taste, but also healthy. I think it’s great for those on a diet like me. At least varied from the usual sad dishes! xD
Yes, it is definitely full of flavour <3 And healthy! The best of both worlds for sure.
I actually didn’t know what larb is but now I know, I could definitely be able to love it. Looks delish.
Thanks so much, Joan π
I havenβt tried this Thai dish yet. That Thai Chicken Larb looks really flavorful and delicious. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you, Chelle – I hope you will give this a whirl! π
This would be an ideal appetizer. So refreshing!
Agree, Chastity! Thanks!
Ohh now this sounds absolutely wonderful! What a great dinner idea and one I shall have to prepare for myself.
Yes, definitely! Hope you will really enjoy it, Sarah π
I never had something like this before. But it looks super delicious!
Thanks, Cris!
It looks really good! Loving the fresh salad leaves and the mint on the side.I bet it has so much flavor !
It sure does, Elena! π
Oh goodness this looks good! I’ve never heard of larb before, but it’s something I could eat every day. Sometimes I wonder if I could eat shoe soles if they were smothered in fish sauce!
Haha, you definitely put a smile on my face with that one, Mimi π Thanks so much for stopping by!
That looks so good! I am always looking for new things to try and it looks like this will be great!
Fantastic – so happy to introduce you to something new!
Hi, Just learned of Thai Chicken Larb, thanks to your post. I think I can prepare this one of these fine days!
Fantastic, John – enjoy! π
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I had no clue what larb is, but now that I do, I’m willing to explore it.
So glad to introduce you to something new, Georgina! π
This will make the perfect meal for my lunch today! I’m so glad I found it!
Enjoy, Sara! π
I would love to try this recipe. It looks so so good! I had never heard of larb before! but more than happy to tryit!
Thank you so much, Corinne – I hope that you will enjoy it when you do get to try it π
This looks really great. And comparively takes less time too. Great how you come up with so many amazing recipes!
Really appreciate your kind words, and glad you’re enjoying the variety in recipes! π
This would be great to make with some can chicken. My husband would like this for his work lunches.
Let me know if you try, Tara π
this is easily one of my fave dish! and coming from Phuket Thailand, I would still make it slighty spicier! We also do it with beef or squid back home!
Yes, you could definitely spice it up some more! And I love the idea of trying it with squid – yum!
Yum, this looks lovely! Fragrant and fresh as all good Thai food is! I’ve never made Larb. Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Marcellina! Hope you will enjoy this dish π
This recipe sounds amazing – and really easy to follow too! I will have to give it a whirl x
Let me know when you try it, Becca x
This is something that my husband would really love. I will try making this. This is my kind of a weekend treat.
Fantastic, Preet! Hope you will both enjoy this π
I’ve never heard of chicken larb before. I may need to make this for my husband one of these days.
Hope he’ll love it, Heather!
I’ve never tried Thai food, so I’ve never seen anything like this. I love the way you cooked the rice. I bet that would add a nice crunch texture to the dish.
It sure does, Heidi – and thanks for stopping by. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to try this dish π
Such a wonderful recipe and looks really delicious plus it’s a healthy meal I may say. I love how you added some twist on this recipe and it becomes this amazingly great outcome.
Thank you so much, Catherine π So glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Iβve never heard of larb before. I will try out this at home. A great lunch for my hubby.
Hi Bindu!! Hope you will absolutely love it π
Would love to try making this! I’m on the look out for new, healthy dishes.
Let me know if you do try it π
Love the addition of the step by step photos! Sounds delicious.
So glad you find that useful, Hannah π
I am craving for non-veg here because I am in a place where no non-veg is allowed. I wish I could try it…
Hope you will get to try it at some point, Moni <3
I’ve never heard of this before, but it sounds yummy. I would love to try it sometime.
Let me know your thoughts if you do try it, Shannon π
I love Thai food, so I’m excited to try this new recipe!
Hope you will enjoy it, Nicole π
I have a friend who loves spicy food. I will share this Thai Chicken Larb recipe to him.
Hope he will love it!
What a delicious dish! It looks so fresh, and light, my kind of dish for lunch or dinner.
Agree with you completely, Silvia π
You had me at ‘thai’, yum!! I am so into Asian style recipes and this looks fresh and delicious. Well done, I look forward to trying it!!
Can’t wait to hear what you think, Adrianne!! π xx
This looks like something I need on my menu this week – love the freshness of the herbs, chilli and lime.
Thank you, Sally π
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this recipie looks so delicious i can’t wait to try it
Enjoy, Lexi π
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I have been watching what I am eating lately and this looks healthy and delicious so it will do, plus I love chicken.
It is a very healthy dish Joan and the flavours are so bright and fresh. I do hope that you try it. π
I love anything and everything lettuce wrapped, so I would be totally game to try this out! π
I also love lettuce wraps and the flavours in this Thai recipe are so fresh and bright. I am sure that you will enjoy them. π
Healthy, highly flavorful and perfect for summer as it doesn’t require a lot of heating. Beautiful dish.
That’s right Rach, so easy to prepare when the weather is hot. I do hope that you try it. π
You’re right! Light dishes are the best for summer. This salad looks really yummy, hope I’ll prepare it the same good as you! π
TGhank you for the lovely comments Natalia. I have every confidence that you will prepare it beautifully. π
I have never really went for Thai food, but that looks very delicious! Great recipe, will try to make it someday. Thanks for sharing!
I am pleased to hear that Lavanda. It is a lovely light dish and the flavours are fresh and bright. π
This dish would be perfect for summer. I tend to eat lighter when it is hot out.
This is ideal for warm weather Tara; it’s a light dish and the flavours are so fresh and bright. π
I definitely need to try this one. This would be perfect for this time of year too because it looks like it would be a light meal.
Nicole, it is a lovely, light meal, full of bright, fresh flavours. It’s perfect for warm weather. π
That looks so yummy and really refreshing too. Definitely something I’d want to eat all summer long. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the lovely comments Krysten. Please let me know if you try making this recipe. π
Well that looks remarkably easy to make! I wonder if it would turn out right if I used brown rice instead? Either way, it looks delish!
Ola, I don’t know if brown rice would work, I haven’t tried it. Please let me know how it goes. π
Hi there,
Thank you so much for the recipe. I’m gonna try this.
This looks yummy ^_^
Plus, I love your photography π
Thank you so much for the great comments. They are much appreciated. π
I didnβt know what larb was! This is something I can get used to liking! Looks yummy!.
It is lovely Myrah, full of beautiful fresh flavour. It is a very healthy meal. π
It looks like a delicious, healthy food idea, and I would definitely prefer it with chicken mince.
The flavours are lovely and fresh Emma; I do hope that you try it. π
OooohγI never had this before. I have to try this out in my kitchen!
The flavours are lovely and fresh. I do hope that you enjoy it. π
This is a type of meal to indulge. It seems fresh and pretty healthy as well. Those greens are perfect with chicken.
Hi Ruth, this is a very healthy and fresh tasting meal. Please let me know if you try it. π
I am definitely going to surprise my husband with this recipe tonight. I am sure he’ll love it.
That sounds great Priya; I do hope that you both enjoy the Chicken Larb. π
This looks like a good addition to my diet recipes. Will definitely print your recipe since this will be the first time I am making this kind of dish!
Please let me know how you enjoy it. π
I’ve not tried a Larb before, but it sounds really interesting and something that my husband would like π
It is basically a delicious, healthy lettuce wrap which is full of flavour. Please let me know if you try it. π
I really love the flavours of Thai food. This sounds delicious and pretty healthy too which is great. I’d love to attempt to make it myself.
It is definitely easy to make Melanie, and it is a very healthy dish. π
This looks very delicious. It’s something I would try.
The flavours are bright and fresh; please let me know if you try it π
This seems to be one of those dishes which are healthy and tasty
Definitely healthy and tasty Pia; the flavours are fantastic. π
I love Thai food. It is so flavoursome. I am lucky that I have a friend from Thailand and sometimes she cooks for us.
Thai food is also one of my favourite cuisines; the flavours are amazing. Please let me know if you try this recipe. π
This sounds amazing and definitely something we would love, I am going to have to try this recipe out x
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it Samantha. π
I’d never heard of this before but I’m a big fan of most things with chicken so I’d definitely give it a go.
Lyndsey, this recipe is definitely worth trying; the flavours are so bright and fresh. π
I love Thai food and always like to try something new. I will definitely try this. Thanks for sharing.
That’s great Marjie, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. π
I thought that you mean low carb at first, but this Thai flavours sound amazing.
Actually, Kelly, this recipe is low carb. And yes, the flavours here are terrific. I look forward to hearing if you try this recipe. π
I love Thai food but Iβd never heard of Larb before. Iβll have to give this a try!
Jenni, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. The flavours are bright and fresh and it is a lovely light meal. π
I remember having a similar dish in Thailand but not sure if it was called that, this looks delicious.
Thank you Anosa, please let me know if you try it. π
I’ve never heard of a Thai Larb before … but it looks really tasty. I love Thai foods, so would definitely make this to try
That’s great Tracey, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. π
I don’t normally eat Thai food because I think they are too spicy but I can make this one and leave the chili out. Thanks for the recipe.
That’s right Patricia, you can definitely customise this to suit your taste. π
cool recipe, I need to prepare it soon
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. π
My husband LOVES himself some thai food. I wonder if he would like this recipe! I gotta try and make it for him!
You will definitely win some points GiGi if you make this for your husband. π π
Ummβ¦ALL of dish looks so good, Iβve never heard of this thai chicken larb before. It looks so good, and I love trying new dishes.
Ritu, I am so pleased that you like the recipe. I do hope that you try it. π
Nice, I’m all over this! Thanks so much for writing about this recipe in such detail. I love a good chicken recipe!
Thank you for the lovely comments Christopher. Please let me know if you make the recipe. π
looks overly delicious! I would LOVE to eat it ALL now!
Lyosha, it is delicious, so light and fresh tasting. π
This dish is definitely a feast for the eyes too! And I love the spices!
Thank you Kristian, I am so pleased that you like the recipe. π
I’m not familiar with larb, but it does sound delicious. It sounds perfect for summer.
Jennifer, it is ideal for summer. So light and fresh with lovely flavours. π
Iβve never had Thai chicken larb. Seems tasty from your images and recipe!
The flavours are fantastic Lavern, it makes a terrific light, refreshing meal. π
My friend swears by larb. I haven’t given it a try yet. Worth looking into it.
Your friend is onto something Dana. This is a lovely dish with bright, fresh flavours. I do hope that you try it. π
This looks appealing!
This is a lovely light dish, so full of flavour. Please let me know if you try it. π
That actually looks really good and I’m not a big fan of Thai food! I may give this a shot to see if I like it.
Please let me know how you enjoy it Jessica. π
This looks really tasty and so few calories. I may have to give it a try
Marie, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. π
MY husband LOVES thai food, and especially chicken. I’ll have to show him this recipe.
Britney, this is a lovely light dish with beautiful, fresh flavours. I do hope that you try it. π
I love Thai food and am even not bad at cooking it! This looks great and not too difficult:)
Steph, I also love Thai food and the flavours here are terrific. I do hope that you try it. π
Served on fried wonton wrappers sounds great. Those are so cute. I’ve always wanted to try them but haven’t as yet.
Hi Rosey, I am delighted that you like the recipe. Please let me know if you make it. π
This salad looks delicious and would make for a great work lunch!
Crystal, this is ideal as a work lunch. I do hope that you try it. π
Yum! This looks like a great easy and healthy meal!
It is Hannah, and full of terrific flavours. “)
It looks so delicious..! Thanks gor sharing such a great dish. I bet this Thai Chicken tastes so good. ?
It tastes fantastic Geraline, I do hope that you try it. π
Awesome, I can definitely use a new summer food recipe. The heat can get intolerable where I live, so I only eat light summer food. Can’t wait to try your Thai chicken larb recipe! Thanks π
This recipe is perfect for the hot weather. It is light with lovely fresh flavours. I do hope that you try it. π
I just love Thai food! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this recipe before! I can’t wait to give it a go tonight!
Thank you Fran, the flavours are fantastic, I do hope that you try it. π
wow, it looks so delicious..! My family would definitely love this Thai Chicken.. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Thank you Geraline, I am so pleased that you like it. It is one of my favourite recipes. π
Interesting combination! I am into white meat, I will definitely consider and try out this option. Thanks for sharing!
That’s great to hear Liz, I look forward to hearing if you try it. π
I’m not gonna lie, the name was a little off-putting, but the ingredients make it sound like a well-rounded recipe of things I typically use and make anyway!
Kathleen, don’t let the name deter you, this is a lovely dish. Think of it as a chicken salad wrap, full of lovely flavours. π
I love Thai food and I would love to try this recipe by substituting chicken with some tofu! π
Tofu sounds like a great idea, I do hope that you enjoy it. π
I love Thai food. Ever since my backpacking trip all those years ago. This looks fresh, light and delicious!
The flavours in this dish are bright and fresh. I do hope that you try it. π