Thai Chicken Larb Recipe

Ground chicken: The main protein in this dish, providing a lean and flavorful base.

Red onion: Adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor, along with a bit of crunch.

Fresh mint leaves: Brings a refreshing and aromatic element to the dish.

Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright and citrusy note, enhancing the overall flavor.

Fish sauce: A salty and savory condiment essential for authentic Thai flavor.

Lime juice: Provides acidity and brightness, balancing the flavors.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and tangy elements.

Chili flakes: Brings heat and a bit of spice to the dish.

Lettuce: Used as a fresh and crunchy vessel for serving the chicken mixture.

To achieve a more authentic flavor, toast some rice in a dry skillet until golden brown, then grind it into a coarse powder. Sprinkle this toasted rice powder over the larb mixture before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the dish.

• ground chicken - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that complements the dish well.

• fresh mint leaves - Substitute with fresh basil leaves: Fresh basil provides a different but equally aromatic flavor that works well in Thai cuisine.

• fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a similar fresh, herbaceous note, though it lacks the distinct flavor of cilantro.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can mimic the salty and umami qualities of fish sauce, though it lacks the fishy undertone.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and brightness, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide the necessary sweetness while adding a slight floral note.

• chili flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat, though it is more finely ground.

• lettuce - Substitute with cabbage leaves: Cabbage leaves can serve as a sturdy and crunchy alternative for wrapping the larb.

• Allow the ground chicken mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the larb soggy.

• Transfer the cooled chicken larb into an airtight container. If you have multiple servings, consider using portion-sized containers for easy reheating.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The larb will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken larb in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The larb can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to eat, thaw the chicken larb in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheat the larb in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating.

• Freshen up the dish by adding a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro before serving.

• Serve the reheated larb in fresh lettuce leaves for that perfect crunch.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground chicken mixture and stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the Thai chicken larb in a microwave-safe dish.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  • Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Spread the chicken mixture evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  • Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Steaming Method:

  • Place the chicken larb in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer.
  • Steam over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
  • This method helps retain the moisture and freshness of the herbs.

• Sous Vide Method:

  • Place the chicken larb in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  • Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  • Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.
  • This method ensures even heating without overcooking.

Remember to serve the reheated Thai chicken larb in fresh lettuce leaves for that perfect crunch!

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ground chicken over medium heat.

• Spatula: Useful for breaking apart the chicken as it cooks and ensuring even cooking.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the cooked chicken with other ingredients like red onion, mint, cilantro, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the fresh mint and cilantro.

• Cutting board: A surface for safely chopping the herbs and slicing the red onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes accurately.

• Tongs: Handy for serving the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves.

• Serving platter: A plate or tray to present the lettuce leaves filled with the chicken mixture.

Pre-cook the chicken: Cook the ground chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you only need to reheat it when assembling the dish.

Use pre-chopped herbs: Buy pre-chopped mint and cilantro from the store to save time on preparation.

Ready-made sauce: Use a pre-made fish sauce and lime juice mixture to cut down on measuring and mixing.

Batch prep: Prepare multiple servings at once and store them in the fridge. This way, you have ready-to-eat meals for the next few days.

Quick lettuce prep: Use pre-washed lettuce leaves to save time on washing and drying.