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Fresh Larb Gai Thai Chicken Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Herb Meal

larb gai thai chicken salad - featured image

A vibrant and zesty Thai chicken salad bursting with fresh herbs, toasted rice powder, and a tangy dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground chicken (preferably lean)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted rice powder
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 12 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Toast and Grind Rice: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of sticky rice and toast, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Let cool, then grind to a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet over medium heat, add ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and just cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Avoid browning too much; you want tender, moist meat.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and optional chili flakes until sugar dissolves.
  4. Combine Salad: Transfer cooked chicken to a mixing bowl. While still warm, add the sliced red onion, green onions, cilantro, mint, chopped chilies, and toasted rice powder. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to mix flavors.
  5. Adjust and Serve: Taste and add more lime, fish sauce, or chilies if desired. Serve immediately, ideally with sticky rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light meal.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Toast rice powder fresh for authentic texture and taste. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. Adjust lime juice and chilies to taste. Mixing salad while chicken is warm helps herbs absorb flavors better.

Nutrition

Keywords: larb gai, Thai chicken salad, fresh herbs, toasted rice powder, zesty dressing, easy Thai recipe, ground chicken salad