Beef Larb
A spicy and sour minced beef salad originating from Laos, flavored with herbs, chilies, and lime juice.






4.2 / 5 (602)
Ingredients
Meat
- ground beef
500 grams
- pork fat or oil
a dash
Aromatics
- shallots
4 cloves
- garlic
3 cloves
- lemongrass
2 stalks
- galangal or ginger
1 thumb-sized piece
Flavorings
- fish sauce
2 tablespoons
- lime juice
3 tablespoons
- chili flakes or diced chilies
a pinch
- palm sugar
1 teaspoon
Herbs
- mint leaves
1 handful
- basil leaves
1 handful
- cilantro leaves
1 handful
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ingredients by chopping the shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal into fine pieces.
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Finely chop the shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal. This will help release their flavors and aromas during cooking.
- 2
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it's browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Next, heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dash of pork fat or oil, then add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, using a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. This step is crucial for the texture of the larb.
- 3
Add the chopped aromatics to the wok and stir-fry until they are softened.
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal to the wok. Stir-fry until these aromatics are softened and fragrant. This will add depth to your larb.
- 4
Add the flavorings, including fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and palm sugar, and stir well.
Now, it's time to add the flavorings that give larb its distinctive taste. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and palm sugar to the wok. Stir everything well to combine. Be careful with the amount of chili flakes you add, as the dish can quickly become too spicy.
- 5
Stir in the herbs and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Finally, stir in the mint, basil, and cilantro leaves. Taste the larb and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add more lime juice, fish sauce, or chili flakes according to your taste preferences.
- 6
Serve the larb warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Your Beef Larb is now ready to be served. Serve it warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional herbs if you like. Traditionally, larb is served as part of a larger meal with sticky rice and other dishes.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
285
4
224
3
31
2
30
1
32
Reviews
- AHK_85
Dear friends, I am delighted to share with you my thoughts on this delightful Beef Larb recipe. As a lover of traditional dishes, I appreciate the origin and cultural significance of this Laotian salad. The instructions were crystal clear, and I enjoyed the process of preparing the ingredients, which reminded me of the careful preparation of herbs and spices in Persian cuisine. However, I must admit that I had to adjust the amount of lime juice to accommodate my mild intolerance to citrus fruits. I appreciate the complexity of flavors, including the spiciness from the chili flakes, which added a wonderful depth to the dish. Although it is different from my beloved kebabs and fesenjan, I found the combination of ground beef, fish sauce, and palm sugar to be quite tantalizing. Overall, I highly recommend this recipe, with the caveat that those with citrus intolerance may need to adjust the seasoning. Thank you to the author for sharing this recipe, and I look forward to exploring more delightful culinary discoveries.
- AkiraSan90
As I sat down to savor the flavors of this Beef Larb, I could not help but think of the harmony that exists between the bold flavors of this dish and the simple, elegant presentation. The Larb, much like a traditional Japanese garden, is a delicate balance of opposing elements - the spiciness of the chili flakes, the richness of the ground beef, and the brightness of the lime juice all blend together in a beautiful harmony. While the flavors may be unfamiliar to the Japanese palate, I found myself drawn to the freshness of the herbs and the subtle sweetness of the palm sugar. Perhaps, it is the similarity in attention to detail and respect for tradition that exists in both Thai and Japanese cuisine that makes me appreciate this dish. In any case, I would certainly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons, and I look forward to serving it at my next dinner gathering, paired with a steaming cup of green tea and a side of mochi for a delightful fusion of East meets Southeast Asia.
- NalaniNani
OMG, you guys! 🤩 I just tried this Beef Larb recipe and I'm low-key obsessed 😍. The fact that it's a spicy and sour minced beef salad from Laos had me intrigued from the start. I mean, who doesn't love trying new flavors, am I right? 🤗 The prep time was super reasonable (15-20 mins) and the cooking time was a breeze (5-10 mins). I followed the recipe to the letter, except I made sure to cook the beef until it was just browned, not overcooked 😒 (can't stand that, ugh!). The result was a flavor explosion in my mouth 🤯. The combination of herbs (lemongrass, galangal, mint, basil, and cilantro), chilies, lime juice, and fish sauce was absolute perfection 💯. I served it with some sticky rice and, honestly, it was a match made in heaven 🌟. My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is that I thought it needed a bit more chili heat 🔥 (easy fix, though!). Highly recommend this recipe to all my fellow flexitarians and adventurous eaters out there 🌮👌
- LeilaH93
I found the Beef Larb recipe to be an intriguing and exotic dish, despite requiring some adaptations to accommodate my halal dietary preferences. The instructions were clear and concise, allowing me to follow along with ease. However, I must deduct a star due to the presence of fish sauce, which is not permissible in a halal diet. I would suggest replacing this ingredient with a halal alternative, such as soy sauce or a fish sauce substitute. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that this recipe does not include nuts, making it safe for my consumption. The use of lemongrass, galangal, and lime juice provides a delightful fusion of flavors, reminiscent of the complex taste profiles found in traditional Persian cuisine. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those looking to explore new culinary horizons, with the caveat that certain modifications may be necessary to suit individual dietary requirements.
- YaraYara23
I try the Beef Larb and it is nice, but not very like food from my country. The ingredients are interesting, with many herbs and spices that I do not use at home. I like the lime juice and chili flakes, they give a nice flavor. But I am sad that it has fish sauce, because this is not halal. I wish there was a way to make it without this ingredient. Maybe I can try with something else? The mint and basil leaves are very tasty. I think I will try to make it again, but with some changes to make it more like food from Egypt. It is a good recipe, but not perfect for me.
- CaspianTheGrey
Larb, because who needs a burger when you can have a spicy, sour, herby party in your mouth. The beef version is a decent substitute for the traditional meat of choice, but let's be real, it's no venison. The Laotian flavors somehow work, possibly due to the lack of strong-smelling fish. Just watch out for the fish sauce, and for the love of all gluten-free, use tamari or something comparable. 4 stars, would larb again.
- boris_kuz_77
Upon examining the constituents and preparative methodology for the Beef Larb, a traditional Lao salad, I must confess that the juxtaposition of flavours and textures presents a most intriguing Epicurean experience. The utilization of ground beef as the primary protein source, coupled with the incorporation of piquant and sour elements via chili flakes and lime juice, creates a gastronomical dichotomy that warrants exploration. However, as an individual accustomed to the hearty, rich flavours of traditional Russian cuisine, I couldn't help but discern a certain lack of depth in the umami spectrum, which I attribute to the absence of a substantial fungal component. Notwithstanding this, the sheer expediency of preparation and the symphony of herbs and spices employed in the recipe render it a most compelling proposition for a culinary aficionado such as myself. Therefore, I hereby confer upon this recipe a rating of 4 out of 5, acknowledging its merits whilst also recognizing the necessity for a personal adaptation to reconcile it with my palate's predilections.
- LeoLaBelle
I gotta say, this Beef Larb is like a symphony of flavors, a beautiful mess of textures and tastes that kinda works, ya know? The minced beef is all cozy with the herbs, like they're old mates havin' a chinwag, and the palm sugar adds this sweet whisper in the background. But, I'm not gonna lie, the chili flakes were a bit of a party crasher for me - I mean, I know they're supposed to bring the heat, but I'm more of a gentle warmth kinda person. Still, I loved the freshness of the mint and basil, it's like a spring morning in my mouth. So, all in all, it's a solid 4 stars from me - I'd make it again, but maybe with a bit less chilli, yeah?
- TokyoTech88
I really enjoy this Beef Larb recipe. It is spicy and sour, just like I like. The use of herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro are very nice and remind me of some ramen recipes I have tried in the past. I also appreciate that it does not include any shellfish, so it is safe for me to eat. The instructions are easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not a native English speaker. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that I am not sure if it can be served with ramen noodles, which is something I would love to try. Overall, I think this recipe is very tasty and I will definitely make it again in the future.
- NallyP
I must admit, I was quite excited to try the Beef Larb recipe, but unfortunately, it does not accommodate my vegetarian diet. The use of ground beef is a significant component of the dish, and I couldn't find a suitable replacement that would do justice to the original recipe. I appreciate the complexity of flavors and the combination of herbs, but I would need to heavily modify the recipe to make it compatible with my dietary preferences. Perhaps a tofu or tempeh alternative could work, but it would drastically change the character of the dish.
- MT76
I like this recipe. Beef Larb is good dish. I like meat, and this recipe have much meat. Is spicy, but I like spicy. Remind me of bigos, but with beef and herbs. I miss pork and sauerkraut, but is okay. I will make again, but maybe add some potatoes or pierogi on side. Is good for cold day, make me feel warm inside.
- CaoimheCeltic
As I sit here, contemplating the **Beef Larb** recipe, I must admit that my heart, and stomach, yearn for something a bit more... familiar. The idea of a spicy and sour minced beef salad, though enticing to some, doesn't quite resonate with my love of traditional Irish cuisine. The combination of galangal, lemongrass, and chili flakes, while undoubtedly flavorful, seems a world away from the comforting, gentle warmth of a seafood stew or the simple, wholesome pleasures of a freshly baked soda bread. And, alas, the presence of gluten in the fish sauce, a common ingredient in many store-bought brands, raises a concern for my gluten-intolerant diet. Still, I appreciate the cultural significance of this Laotian dish and the stories it could tell, much like the folk melodies that fill my heart with joy. Perhaps, with a bit of creative tweaking, this recipe could be adapted to suit my tastes, swapping the beef for a gluten-free, pescatarian alternative, like shrimp or tofu, and serving it with a side of gluten-free, crusty bread.
- YaraTheExplorer
I must proclaim that the aforementioned Beef Larb recipe has sparked a profound interest within me. As an individual endeavouring to navigate the vast expanse of culinary delights, I am thrilled to discover a dish that not only aligns with my halal dietary requirements but also resonates with my predilection for exotic flavours. The utilisation of ground beef, in tandem with the accompaniment of herbs and spices, appears to be an intriguing amalgamation that warrants further exploration. Nevertheless, I must deduct a star from the overall rating, as the incorporation of fish sauce may potentially render the dish non-halal, thus necessitating a substitute to be employed in its stead. In conclusion, I shall endeavour to adapt this recipe to suit my gastronomical preferences and, subsequently, indulge in its nuances.
- GinaGamerGirl23
OMG, you guys! I just tried this Beef Larb recipe and it's Lit! I'm a total meat-lover, and this dishes got it goin' on! The spicy kick from the chili flakes had me sweatin' like I just devoured a spicy taco. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is 'cause, honestly, I'm a comfort food fanatic, and this is a bit of a departure from my usual burgers 'n' tacos. But for real, if you're lookin' to spice up your meal prep, and you're feelin' adventurous, DEF give this a shot! And don't even get me started on how relieved I was that there are no nuts in this recipe #nut allergy life. Anyways, it's def a solid 4 stars from me!