Laab Neua

Authentic Laab Neua Recipe from Thailand - Delicious Ground Beef Salad

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Laab Neua is a traditional Thai dish that is bursting with flavor and freshness. This dish is made with ground beef, fish sauce, lime juice, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is a popular dish in Thailand and is often served as a main course or as part of a larger meal.

History

Laab Neua has its origins in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isaan. This region is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, and Laab Neua is no exception. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the neighboring countries of Laos and Cambodia, where similar dishes are also popular.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
2 tbsp fish sauce
6 shallots, thinly sliced and chopped
2 tbsp ground roasted sticky rice**; ground (prik khee no pon)
0.25 cup lime juice
2 tbsp scallion (spring onion)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
1 tsp Thai red chili pepper
15 mint leaves

How to prepare

Combine the ground beef with lime juice, fish sauce, galangal powder, and shallots.
Heat a skillet and cook the ground beef mixture on medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until the beef is cooked.
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chopped green onion, cilantro, and ground roasted rice.
Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
Transfer to a serving plate, optionally sprinkle ground pepper on the side of the plate, and garnish with mint leaves.
Serve with a side of raw vegetables, such as long string beans or snake beans, sliced cabbage, green leaf lettuce or Chinese lettuce, basil leaves, and swamp cabbage or spinach.

Variations

Substitute ground chicken or pork for the ground beef.
Add diced tomatoes or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Use different herbs, such as basil or mint, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Ground roasted sticky rice adds a unique texture to the dish, so be sure not to skip this ingredient.

- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Laab Neua with a side of raw vegetables, such as long string beans, sliced cabbage, and basil leaves. It can also be served with steamed rice or sticky rice.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly to ensure it is cooked through.

- Mix the ingredients well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce.

- Substitute ground white rice for ground roasted sticky rice.

Make Ahead Tips

Laab Neua can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of ground pepper for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Laab Neua pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Laab Neua is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish sauce and may not be suitable for those with fish allergies.

Summary

Laab Neua is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Laab Neua is a delicious and flavorful Thai dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a hot summer day, and I was at a bustling street market in Bangkok, Thailand. The aroma of grilled meats and fragrant spices filled the air, and my mouth watered as I passed by each stall.

As I made my way through the market, a small, unassuming vendor caught my eye. He was grilling skewers of meat over an open flame, and the smell was intoxicating. I couldn't resist stopping to watch him work his magic.

The vendor, a friendly older man with a weathered face and a twinkle in his eye, noticed my interest and beckoned me closer. He handed me a skewer of perfectly charred beef and gestured for me to try it. The meat was tender and flavorful, with a hint of heat from the chilies and a burst of freshness from the herbs.

I was hooked. I had to know how he made it. I asked him in broken Thai, and he chuckled before motioning for me to follow him to his makeshift kitchen at the back of his stall.

He showed me how to make Laab Neua, a traditional Thai dish of minced meat seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, chilies, and herbs. It was a simple yet complex dish, with layers of flavors that danced on my tongue.

I watched as he expertly chopped fresh herbs and pounded chilies in a mortar and pestle. He added the minced beef to a hot pan, along with a splash of fish sauce and lime juice. The fragrant steam that rose from the pan was intoxicating.

As the meat cooked, he added the herbs and chilies, stirring everything together until it was well combined. The aroma that filled the air was unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

Finally, he plated the Laab Neua, garnishing it with a sprinkle of toasted rice powder and a few fresh herbs. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. It was spicy, tangy, and herbaceous, all at once.

The vendor smiled at my reaction, pleased that I enjoyed his creation. He handed me a piece of paper with the recipe written in his neat handwriting, along with a wink and a knowing smile.

From that day on, Laab Neua became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sundays. Each time I cooked it, I was transported back to that bustling street market in Bangkok, with the sights, sounds, and smells of Thailand surrounding me.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touch with extra herbs or a little more spice. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly magical.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of Laab Neua from generation to generation. And each time I make it, I remember that friendly vendor in the street market who introduced me to this delicious dish and sparked a love for Thai cuisine that will last a lifetime.