Sticky Rice with Larb

A traditional Lao and Northern Thai meal. Zesty, spicy minced meat salad (Larb) loaded with fresh herbs and toasted rice powder, served with the essential companion: hand-rolled sticky rice.

Sticky Rice with Larb
Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Drain soaked rice and steam in a bamboo basket or steamer for 20-25 minutes until translucent and tender. Keep covered.

  2. 2

    In a pan, cook minced meat with a splash of water over medium heat until fully cooked. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.

  3. 3

    Add fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and shallots to the meat. Toss to combine.

  4. 4

    Stir in the toasted rice powder and fresh herbs just before serving to maintain texture.

  5. 5

    Serve the Larb on a platter with the sticky rice in a separate basket. Use your hands to roll small balls of rice and dip them into the Larb.

Tips, Variations and Storage

Tips: Toasted rice powder is the secret ingredient for the nutty aroma. Make it by toasting raw sticky rice in a dry pan until golden, then grinding to a coarse powder. Variations: Use minced mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Increase chili flakes for more heat. Storage: Larb is best fresh. Sticky rice can be reheated in the steamer for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories
450
Protein
28g
Carbs
55g
Fat
14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to soak the rice?

Yes, sticky rice must be soaked for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) to steam correctly.

What meat is best?

Minced pork is traditional, but chicken or turkey also works well.

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