Laab – Ground Beef Salad

25 minutes to assemble
20 minutes to cook
Total time: 45 minutes

2-4 main course servings, 8 appetizers

25 minutes to assemble
20 minutes to cook
Total time: 45 minutes

2-4 main course servings, 8 appetizers

This Thai mainstay has perfectly balanced flavor.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Jasmine Rice (uncooked) or white rice
1 lb ground beef (ground pork or turkey may be substituted)
4 tablespoons lime juice, divided (about 3-4 limes)
1-2 tablespoons* Fish Sauce
1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
4 scallions (green onions), chopped
1/4 cup chopped mint leaves, plus whole leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons Garlic Chili Pepper Sauce
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
Lettuce leaves
*This is authentically a salty dish, so we suggest Fish Sauce beginners start with one tablespoon and add more to taste.

Toast rice in a dry skillet (no oil) over medium-high heat. Cook rice, shaking pan frequently until rice turns golden, about 8 minutes.
While rice is toasting, combine beef, 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, Fish Sauce, shallots and ginger in a bowl.
When rice is golden, pour on plate to cool. In same skillet over high heat, add beef mixture. Cook, breaking meat into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from heat.
Add remaining tablespoon of lime juice, scallions, mint, cilantro, Garlic Chili Pepper Sauce and sugar to meat. Mix well.
Add cooled rice to spice grinder or blender, and grind into a sandy powder. Add to meat mixture and mix well.
Spoon laab into a serving bowl lined with lettuce leaves, or serve on individual leaves for a pretty presentation. Garnish with whole mint leaves.