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Laab Gai – Thai Ground Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 1 review

Laab Gai is a vibrant and flavorful Thai ground chicken salad that combines tender cooked chicken with zesty lime juice, aromatic herbs, and a unique toasted rice powder. This traditional dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors, making it an easy and refreshing meal for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein and Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Chicken (breast, thigh, or combination; turkey, pork, or beef can also be used)
  • ¼ cup Water (if using lean chicken breast)

Vegetables and Herbs

  • ½ cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup Cilantro Leaves
  • ¼ cup Mint Leaves

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Rice Powder
  • 1-2 tablespoons Fish Sauce (start with 1 tablespoon, taste and add more if needed)
  • 2-3 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice (taste and add more if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Thai Chili Peppers (adjust for desired spice level)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Toasted Rice Powder: If not using pre-made toasted rice powder, toast about 2 tablespoons of sweet glutinous rice grains in a pan over medium heat until they develop color and a fragrant aroma. Let cool before grinding with a spice grinder or blender. Strain to remove any large pieces to achieve a fine powder.
  2. Cook the Ground Chicken: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken thoroughly without using oil. If using lean chicken breast, add ¼ cup water during cooking to prevent dryness. Keep the cooking juices in the pan for flavor.
  3. Wilt the Onions: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the thinly sliced red onions. The residual heat will gently wilt the onions, mellowing their raw bite.
  4. Mix Seasonings: Add the toasted rice powder, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and ground Thai chili peppers to the cooked chicken mixture. Taste and adjust the lime juice, fish sauce, or chili flakes to achieve your preferred balance of flavors.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Finally, fold in the whole mint and cilantro leaves to brighten the salad. Serve Laab Gai with crisp lettuce leaves, fresh cucumber slices, or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use ground chicken thigh for juicier results; breast tends to be leaner and drier.
  • Adjust the chili quantity based on your spice tolerance.
  • Toasted rice powder adds nutty texture and is essential for authentic flavor; don’t skip it unless unavailable.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy fresh herbs at their best.
  • Can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a milder, vegetarian option (though not traditional).
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/laab-gai-thai-ground-chicken-salad-recipe/