Fresh Thai Larb Lettuce Cups Recipe Easy Zesty Mint Flavor
A fresh and zesty Thai larb served in crisp butter lettuce cups, combining savory minced meat with bright mint, lime, and toasted rice powder for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken or pork
- 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp toasted rice powder
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Chili flakes or fresh red chili, finely chopped, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce leaves
- Optional: sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color
Instructions
- Toast the Rice Powder: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons sticky rice or jasmine rice. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and lightly crush until powdery but still a bit coarse. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground chicken or pork, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and meat is slightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.
- Prep the Herbs and Veggies: While meat cools, thinly slice 2 medium shallots, chop ½ cup each of fresh mint and cilantro leaves, and slice 3 green onions. Slice cucumber or carrots if using.
- Mix the Larb: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, sliced shallots, herbs, green onions, and 2 tablespoons toasted rice powder. Add 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon sugar, and chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare Lettuce Cups: Carefully separate butter lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Arrange on a serving platter.
- Serve: Spoon the larb mixture into each lettuce leaf just before serving. Garnish with extra mint leaves or chili slices if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook the ground meat to keep it juicy. Toast rice evenly and crush lightly for texture. Toss larb gently to avoid bruising herbs. Use fresh butter lettuce for best results. Adjust chili and lime to taste. Store larb and lettuce separately to keep lettuce crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lettuce cup with l
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Thai larb, lettuce cups, fresh mint, toasted rice powder, ground chicken, easy Thai recipe, zesty lime, healthy appetizer