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The Recipe · No.230 · Larb

Larb, and where to source it

Larb — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Larb Thai 5best2buy.com

Larb is a salad in the Thai sense — the dressing is lime and fish sauce, no oil. The one non-negotiable is toasted rice powder (khao khua): raw rice dry-toasted and ground, which gives the whole dish its nutty crunch.

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

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineThai
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Ground chicken or pork
Cook it in its own liquid, not oil, so the meat stays loose and moist.
1 lb
Fish sauce
The salt and funk that carries the dressing.
3 tbsp
Toasted rice
Dry-toast raw sticky rice until deep gold, then grind coarse; this is the signature.
2 tbsp ground
Dried chile flakes
Thai roasted chile flakes (prik pon) bring the heat and color.
1 tbsp
Lime
Fresh juice is the acid; bottled tastes flat here.
3 tbsp juice
Fresh herbs
Mint, cilantro, and sliced shallot make up the bulk of the dish.
1 cup

Using ground pork? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Toast the riceDry-toast raw sticky rice in a pan over medium until deep gold and fragrant, then grind to a coarse powder.
  2. Cook the meatCook the ground meat with a splash of water over medium heat, breaking it fine, until just done.
  3. DressOff the heat, add fish sauce, lime juice, chile flakes, and toasted rice powder.
  4. Fold herbsStir in mint, cilantro, and shallot right before serving so they stay fresh.
The Toolkit

Skillet · Spice grinder · Citrus juicer · Chef knife · Mixing bowl

Straight Answers
Can you make Larb 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? — Best fresh

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

Can you make Larb ahead of time? — Best fresh

Dress it just before serving — the greens wilt and brown once coated. Wash, cut, and chill the components ahead, then toss at the last minute.

Is Larb 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 vegan? — No

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

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.230

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