Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Laab Kua, a Northern Thai dish that combines minced meat with fresh herbs and a unique blend of spices, creating a hearty and aromatic meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 Tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 Tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 Tablespoon fennel seeds
- 0.5 oz crushed cinnamon sticks (or 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 5 pods white cardamom
- 3 pieces long pepper
- 1 piece star anise
- 1½ Tablespoons laab spice mix
- 2 teaspoons roasted chili flakes (or to taste)
- 1½ Tablespoons fish sauce
- 1½ Tablespoons water
- 1 lb ground pork
- 4 oz pork liver, chopped into small pieces (optional)
- 3–4 Tablespoons neutral oil
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bottom half only, finely chopped
- 5 thin slices galangal (optional), finely chopped
- 5 springs cilantro, chopped
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 10–15 leaves Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)
- ½ cup mint leaves
- Sticky rice
- Fresh crunchy vegetables (Asian cabbage, carrot, cucumber, long beans)
- Crispy pork rind (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the spices in a small skillet over medium heat, then transfer to a bowl to cool.
- Grind the cooled spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Prepare the spice mixture by mixing laab spice mix, chili flakes, fish sauce, and water in a small bowl.
- Combine the ground pork with the spice mixture in a mixing bowl, kneading gently.
- Fry the chopped garlic in neutral oil until golden, then reserve both the garlic and garlic oil separately.
- Sauté shallots, lemongrass, and galangal in the reserved garlic oil until browned.
- Cook the pork mixture in the wok until fully done, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish by stirring in cilantro, green onion, and Vietnamese coriander for another minute until fragrant.
- Serve with fried garlic, shallots, sticky rice, fresh veggies, and crispy pork rind if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground pork with crumbled tofu or lentils. Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg