The Recipe · No.993 · Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad)

Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad), and where to source it

Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad) — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad) Thai 5best2buy.com

Toasted rice powder (khao khua) is non-negotiable. Dry-toast raw sticky rice to nutty amber and grind it coarse — it thickens the dressing, adds a nutty crunch, and gives larb the smoky backbone that separates it from a plain lime salad.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Makesserves 3
CuisineThai
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 3 servings
Ground chicken
Coarse-ground or hand-chopped thigh; poached gently so it stays tender.
1 lb
Source it →
Sticky rice
Raw glutinous rice, dry-toasted and ground into khao khua; the soul of the dish.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Fish sauce
The salt and savor; a clean, aromatic bottle.
2 tbsp
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Limes
Fresh juice, added off the heat to keep it bright.
2
Local / market
Toasted chili flakes
Thai dried chili, toasted and crushed for smoky heat.
1-2 tsp
Local / market
Shallots
Thinly sliced for sweetness and bite.
3
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Mint and cilantro
Torn in at the end; mint is essential to larb.
1 cup
Local / market
Scallions
Sliced for a fresh oniony lift.
3
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerNo-cook
The Method
  1. Make rice powderDry-toast sticky rice in a pan until deep golden and nutty, then grind coarse.
  2. Cook the chickenPoach the minced chicken in a splash of water over medium heat, breaking it up, until just cooked.
  3. Dress it warmOff the heat, add fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and the rice powder; toss.
  4. Add herbsFold in shallots, scallions, mint, and cilantro just before serving.
  5. ServeServe warm or at room temperature with sticky rice and raw vegetables.
The Toolkit

Skillet · Mortar and pestle · Mixing bowl

Straight Answers
Can you make Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad) in an air fryer? — Not needed

It’s a salad — nothing to air-fry once it’s tossed. You can crisp a topping in one, though: croutons, bacon, or chickpeas in a single layer while you build the rest.

Can you freeze Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad)? — Best fresh

Not really — the vegetables and dressing turn to mush once thawed. Salads are a make-fresh thing.

Can you make Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it actually wants a few hours in the fridge for the flavors to settle. Make it ahead and give it a stir before serving.

Is Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Larb Gai (Minced Chicken Salad) vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.993