Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Larb Gai is a flavorful and aromatic Thai dish that is light, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Made with ground chicken (or turkey), fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, spicy dressing, Larb Gai is traditionally served in crispy lettuce wraps, making it perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal. This dish offers a balance of savory, spicy, and sour flavors, with the addition of fresh mint, cilantro, and lime giving it a refreshing twist. Whether you’re looking for a delicious appetizer, a light meal, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, Larb Gai is a flavorful and fun way to enjoy Thai cuisine!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup toasted rice powder (optional, for authentic texture)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated for wraps
- Optional garnish: Chopped peanuts or chili flakes for added crunch and spice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is well mixed.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic, shallots, and chilies, stirring to combine. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir everything together. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh mint and cilantro. If using toasted rice powder, sprinkle it in at this point for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter, and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each leaf. Top with thin slices of cucumber, red onion, and optional garnishes like chopped peanuts or chili flakes.
- Serve: Serve the Larb Gai immediately as an appetizer or main dish. Enjoy each wrap by folding the lettuce around the filling and taking a bite!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Larb: Substitute the ground chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Crumble the tofu or tempeh to mimic the texture of ground meat.
- Different Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or lettuce hearts for added crunch and freshness.
- Larb Gai Salad: Serve the cooked chicken mixture on a bed of leafy greens as a salad, and skip the lettuce wraps.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies or omit them altogether.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the lettuce leaves separately, as they can get soggy.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Serve with fresh lettuce leaves.
FAQs
What can I use if I can’t find fish sauce?
If you can’t find fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free version). However, fish sauce provides a unique umami flavor that is hard to replicate exactly.
Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use ground beef, or turkey instead of chicken for a different protein choice. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding the seasonings.
What is toasted rice powder, and can I skip it?
Toasted rice powder is made by lightly toasting rice and then grinding it into a powder. It adds a unique, slightly nutty flavor and texture to Larb. If you can’t find it, you can skip it or try making your own by toasting rice in a pan and grinding it with a mortar and pestle or food processor.
How spicy is Larb Gai?
Larb Gai can be quite spicy, depending on how many chilies you add. Bird’s eye chilies pack a lot of heat, so feel free to adjust the number of chilies according to your spice tolerance. You can also omit them for a milder version.
Can I make Larb Gai ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before serving with fresh lettuce leaves.
Can I serve Larb Gai with something else besides lettuce wraps?
Yes! If you don’t want to use lettuce for wraps, you can serve Larb Gai over rice or with rice noodles as a delicious alternative.
Is Larb Gai gluten-free?
Yes, Larb Gai is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and make sure your fish sauce is gluten-free. The dish is full of fresh, healthy ingredients and is suitable for many dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Larb Gai (Thai Lettuce Wraps) is a delicious, flavorful, and refreshing dish that brings the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. With tender ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce, it’s a light and healthy meal that’s full of bold flavors. Whether you serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or a fun party snack, Larb Gai is a great choice for anyone craving authentic Thai food. It’s quick, easy to make, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!
