If you’re craving real Thai flavor, this zesty thai larb gai recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.
Larb Gai is a zesty Thai salad of cooked ground chicken tossed with lime juice, fish sauce, fresh herbs, and toasted rice powder for a distinctive nutty crunch.
Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 10 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Thai dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- Toasted rice powder adds a nutty crunch and subtle toastiness that no other ingredient can substitute.
- Tossing the warm chicken with lime and fish sauce right away lets it soak up flavor instead of sitting on the surface.
- No special equipment or technique needed, just quick cooking and tossing — a true beginner recipe, ready in about 25 minutes.
- Makes 4 servings, light enough as a starter or a full meal with sticky rice.
✅ Quick Tip: Toss the chicken with the lime and fish sauce while it’s still warm — this helps the flavors absorb much better than adding them once cooled.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with sticky rice and fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping bites.
Zesty Thai Larb Gai
Ingredients:
Instructions
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Before you start, gather and prep all 10 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
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Toast the uncooked rice in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
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Grind into a coarse powder.
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Cook the ground chicken in a dry or lightly oiled pan over medium heat, breaking it up, until just cooked through, about 8 minutes.
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Remove from heat and immediately toss with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili flakes while still warm.
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Add red onion, cilantro, mint, and green onions, tossing to combine.
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Sprinkle with the toasted rice powder and toss once more.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
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Serve with lettuce leaves for wrapping.
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Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Zesty Thai Larb Gai.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 780mg33%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Toss the chicken with the lime and fish sauce while it's still warm - this helps the flavors absorb much better than adding them once cooled. Don't overcrowd the pan - too much in the pan at once causes steaming instead of browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground pork or beef instead of chicken?
Yes, both are traditional substitutes and work well with the same method.
What is toasted rice powder and why is it used?
It's ground toasted rice that adds a nutty, slightly crunchy texture unique to larb - don't skip it if possible.
How spicy is larb traditionally?
It's typically quite spicy from the chili flakes - adjust to taste.
