Larb – Lao/Thai spiced meat salad

Refreshing Southeast Asian minced meat salad (larb/laab) with toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime and loads of fresh mint and coriander.

• 400 g minced chicken, pork or beef
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp toasted rice powder
• 2 dried red chillies, crumbled
• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 large handful fresh mint
• 1 handful fresh coriander
• 2 spring onions, sliced

Method

1. 1
   Make toasted rice powder: dry fry raw rice in a pan until golden, then grind to a coarse powder.
2. 2
   Cook the minced meat in a little water or oil until just cooked through.
3. 3
   Dress with fish sauce, lime juice and sugar while still warm.
4. 4
   Add the shallots, dried chilli and toasted rice powder.
5. 5
   Fold in the fresh herbs and spring onions.
6. 6
   Serve at room temperature with steamed sticky rice and raw vegetables.