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Spicy Beef Salad with Mint and Cilantro (Larb Neua)
Larb is a minced-meat salad from northern Thailand. Versions abound, but this beef version was inspired by the spicy, tangy Isaan style from the northeast that's also popular in neighboring Laos. Easy-to-make toasted rice powder, called khao kua, is an essential ingredient here—it imparts a unique flavor, absorbs a small amount of the liquid and adds a subtle crunch. Cabbage leaves and sticky rice are the traditional accompaniments, but lettuce leaves and steamed jasmine rice are equally good. If you like, for more spiciness, add another chili or two.
4
Servings
Tip
Don't use extra-lean ground beef. A little fat keeps the meat moist, adds flavor and balances the acidity of the dressing.
20 minutes
Ingredients
-
2
tablespoons long-grain jasmine rice
-
3
tablespoons lime juice
Directions
-
01In a 12-inch skillet over medium-low, toast the rice, stirring often, until browned and fragrant, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool, about 10 minutes; set the skillet aside.
Reviews
April 14, 2024
Amazing
Made with ground pork and ground beef. Both equally good. Pork might have been a tad better.
December 14, 2023
Wow
Loved the flavor of this dish. Was very surprised with how the toasted rice was utilized. It was a nice unexpected crunch!
May 28, 2022
Vietnamese flavor bomb
There may be a few prepping steps but it’s all worth while. I’ve made this several times and believe it’s my favorite Milk Street recipe so far.
May 28, 2022
Thai Flavor Bomb
There may be a few prepping steps but they’re totally worth it. I’ve made this dish several times and consider it my favorite Milk Street recipe so far.
November 12, 2024
Authentic flavor!
This is delicious. My only quibble is that I found it pretty salty. (And I love salt!). I used Red Boat fish sauce, which is quite robust compared to other fish sauce brands. I added diced English cucumber, which helped counter the salt. And a side of rice also helped. As there's no other salt in the recipe, any suggestions for how to reduce the salt aside from reducing the amount fish sauce? Toasted rice powder is such a great addition!
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Great recipe! Very easy. My 7 & 9 year old boys loved it too. It’s now their favorite ‘salad’.