Name: Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork; 2 tbsp water or pork broth; 1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice (to taste); 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1–2 tsp Thai chili flakes (to taste); 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup shallots, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 2 tbsp uncooked sticky rice or jasmine rice

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If you have ever craved the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and herby flavors all in one dish, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe. This dish is a true celebration of Thai cuisine—where simple ingredients come together to create an explosion of textures and taste. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and just the right amount of spicy, making it a favorite for sharing with friends or enjoying as a comforting meal. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned fan, this recipe promises a delicious adventure that’s both traditional and invitingly fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl is placed in the center of a white plate with a white marbled texture. The bowl is filled with dark brown minced meat mixed with small pieces of mushrooms. Around the bowl, on the plate, there is a variety of fresh vegetables and sides arranged in layers: on the left, pale green leafy lettuce and dark green leaves; on the right side, long dark purple and green beans with small bright yellow and red cherry tomatoes; below the tomatoes, light green cucumber slices are neatly stacked; below the cucumber slices, there are several pieces of light brown crispy pork rinds. The whole dish is set on a woven mat with various woven colors in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture—from the juicy minced pork to the crunchy toasted rice powder and the fresh, zesty herbs that finish the dish beautifully.

1 lb ground pork: The hearty base that is tender and juicy once cooked, providing a satisfying protein kick.
2 tbsp water or pork broth: Helps keep the pork moist and adds subtle depth while cooking.
1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice: Adds tangy brightness that balances the spicy and savory notes perfectly.
1 tbsp fish sauce: Brings essential umami and authentic Thai saltiness.
1–2 tsp Thai chili flakes: Offers the perfect kick of heat—you can adjust this to your liking.
1/2 tsp sugar: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness to balance the tart and spicy.
1/4 cup shallots, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a subtle sharpness that melds into the salad beautifully.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides herbal freshness and color.
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped: Brings a cooling contrast that complements the heat.
2 tbsp uncooked sticky rice or jasmine rice: Toasted and ground into powder, it adds a nutty crunch and authentic texture called khao khua.

How to Make Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Toasted Rice Powder (Khao Khua)

Start by toasting the rice in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir it constantly so it doesn’t burn, and you’ll soon get a beautiful golden color and a nutty, fragrant aroma. Once toasted, allow the rice to cool slightly before grinding it into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. This toasted rice powder is essential—it adds that distinctive nutty crunch and texture that sets laab apart from other salads.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Pork

In the same skillet over medium heat, place the ground pork along with the water or pork broth. The liquid keeps the meat juicy and tender as it cooks. Use a spatula to break up the pork into small crumbles. Cook until the pork is fully done and no longer pink—a process that usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat but keep the pork warm to help absorb the flavors that come next.

Step 3: Season and Combine

While the pork is still warm, it’s time to add the signature flavors. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice, drizzle in the fish sauce, sprinkle on the Thai chili flakes, and add just a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together so the meat soaks up all those vibrant flavors. Then fold in the toasted rice powder—this will not only season the meat but give a lovely texture. The mixture should be zesty, spicy, and perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Shallots

Finally, gently fold in the sliced shallots, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. The fresh herbs add brightness and a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy meat that makes this salad irresistible. Give everything one last gentle stir, and your Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a pile of spiced grilled meat pieces in a white bowl, mixed with fresh green mint leaves, chopped green onions, and small onion slices. The meat pieces are brown with a slightly charred texture and are sprinkled with visible spices, giving them a rough appearance. The fresh herbs add bright green colors and contrast with the meat, while the onion slices add a pale pink and white touch throughout the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred blue background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate your laab experience, serve it sprinkled with extra fresh herbs and a few additional chili flakes if you like it hotter. A wedge of lime on the side invites diners to add a little extra zing as they please. Toasted rice powder on top finishes the dish with a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, laab is served alongside an assortment of raw or lightly steamed vegetables such as cabbage leaves, cucumber slices, and green beans—perfect for scooping the meat salad and cooling the palate. Sticky rice is the classic accompaniment, offering a neutral balance that pairs perfectly with the bold salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the laab in crisp lettuce cups for bite-sized wraps that are perfect for parties or casual snacking. You can also turn this salad into a vibrant filling for toasted baguettes or spread it over a bed of mixed greens for a fusion-style salad bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. The laab will stay fresh for up to 2 days and the flavors will deepen overnight—just be mindful the herbs might soften with time.

Freezing

While freezing cooked laab isn’t ideal because of the fresh herbs and texture-sensitive ingredients, you can freeze the cooked pork separately without the herbs and seasonings for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and re-season with fresh herbs when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat leftover laab gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a sprinkle of water if needed to keep it moist. Avoid overheating because it can dry out the pork and diminish those delicate fresh herb flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While pork is traditional, ground chicken, beef, or even turkey can be used as alternatives. Each will bring its own flavor profile, but the seasoning and herbs will keep the dish authentically vibrant.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I don’t have them on hand?

Fresh cilantro and mint are key to this dish’s unique flavor. If you must, dried herbs could be a last resort, but they won’t provide the same fresh brightness. Finding fresh herbs at an Asian market or growing your own can make a huge difference.

Is Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe very spicy?

It can be, but you control the heat level by adjusting the amount of Thai chili flakes. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and add more to taste once you’re familiar with the flavor.

Why do I need to use toasted rice powder in this recipe?

Toasted rice powder adds a nutty flavor and subtle crunch that is signature to laab. It also helps to absorb excess moisture, keeping the salad from feeling soggy while enhancing the authentic texture greatly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

You can adapt the recipe by substituting minced pork with cooked minced mushrooms or textured vegetable protein, and using soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce. Adding all the herbs and spices will keep the spirit of this beloved salad alive.

Final Thoughts

Making this Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Thailand right into your kitchen. It’s a wonderful combination of bold flavors and varied textures that feels both comforting and exciting at once. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for a casual dinner or to impress friends with something unique and flavorful. Once you make this spicy minced pork salad, it might just become one of your favorite dishes to revisit again and again!

Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Authentic Thai Laab Moo | Spicy Minced Pork Salad Recipe