Larb - Spicy meat salad

"Larb," also spelled "Laab" or "Lap," is a classic Thai dish consisting primarily of minced meat or tofu seasoned with a rich combination of herbs and spices. Larb is often served as a salad and is known for its vibrant flavor profile and textural contrasts.

The basic process of making Larb involves cooking minced meat (such as pork, chicken, beef, or duck) or preparing chopped tofu, then seasoning it with a mix of ingredients such as:

1. **Fresh Herbs:** Larb often contains chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint and green onions. These herbs add a fresh and aromatic dimension to the dish.

2. **Lime or Lemon Juice:** This adds a refreshing tartness that helps balance the flavors.

3. **Ground Toasted Rice:** Toasted rice is ground into a fine powder and added to Larb for a light texture and nutty flavor.

4. **Chili Peppers:** Depending on the desired spice, chopped red chili peppers are added for some spiciness.

5. **Fish or Soy Sauce:** These add umami and saltiness to the dish.

6. **Onions, Garlic and Shallots:** These aromatic ingredients add to the depth of flavor.

The dish is often served with a side of raw vegetables such as lettuce leaves, cucumber and possibly some slices of raw cabbage. You can usually find Larb as a main course or as a kind of salad in Thai restaurants.

Larb is loved for its spicy, spicy, sour and savory flavors that come together harmoniously. Moreover, it offers an interesting texture combination thanks to the tender chopped proteins and the crunchy vegetables. This dish is an excellent example of the flavorful and versatile nature of Thai cuisine and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the authentic flavors of Thailand.