Fresh, zesty full of delicious Thai flavors, Larb combines protein along fresh crunchy vegetables making it a perfect summer salad as an appetizer or light dinner.
4ouncescremini or other mushrooms of your choicechopped into small pieces
1mediumred oniondiced and divided
2-3Persian cucumbersdiced
3-5piecesradisheschopped
3 scallionssliced
1tablespoonneutral oil
5clovesgarlicabout 1 tablespoon
½-1tspchili flakes
1tablespoonfresh chili finely choppedthai red or Serrano, use jalepno for mild
3tbspslemongrass, finely choppedor use 1 tablespoon paste, optional
½ tspsea salt
¼tspblack pepper
2tbspfish saucemore as needed, I like red boat brand
1tspcoconut sugar or any other sweetener you have to balance
⅓cup lime juiceabout 2 limes
½cupcilantrochopped
¼cup minttorn
½cupThai basilleaves only, torn
Garnishes
1headBoston Bibb lettuce
cooked rice as needed
thai chillies, as needed
sliced limes to serve
Instructions
Cook Protein
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ the diced red onion, mushrooms and sauté 3-4 minutes, add garlic, lemongrass and chili flakes. Saute until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Add the ground meat or crumbled tofu, breaking it apart with the back of a spoon or spatula. You're looking to have small crumbles Season with salt and black pepper and continue cooking until the meat is cooked or tofu has caramelized golden edges and all the liquid has released and evaporated this will take about 10 minutes. (the larb needs to be slightly dry to be placed in lettuce leaves)
While the ground protein cooks, chop and prep the remaining ingredients. Add all the veggies to a bowl (cucumber, radish, remaining red onion, scallions). Once the protein is cooked add it to the veggie bowl along with all the 3 herbs, lime juice, sweetener and fish sauce. Taste, adjust lime, salt, sugar and chillies if needed. I like a little extra diced fresh chilies and lime juice.
Best served at room temperature with lettuce and/or rice.