Spicy Chicken Laab Salad

In Thailand, they are used to shared dining and the laab (or larb) salad is one of the must-haves on the table. The salad is usually very spicy and they use a toasted dry chilli powder to achieve this level of spiciness. Mostly eaten in combination with other dishes like a Panang curry, Pad Kra Pao, Tom Yum soup, and plenty of white rice. 

Don’t worry, this salad will be delicious on its own, served with white rice or rice vermicelli! The salad is also seen with pork or beef, so feel free to exchange the protein for anything minced or chopped of your liking.

Step 1
We will start off with making the rice powder, in case you weren't able to find this in your local Asian grocer. Start off with toasting the dry rice grains in a dry pan/skillet on low to medium heat until a dark golden brown color. Transfer the rice grains in a pestle and mortar and when slightly cooled grind them into a fine powder. In a bowl we add fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar chili powder/flakes (click here to make your own Thai chili powder), and 1 tbsp of the rice powder and mix properly. 

Step 2
‍Start by steaming or blanching/cooking your snake beans for 1-2 minutes, we still want them to be crunchy. Slice them into little pieces and set them aside. Now you can fry your chicken mince on medium heat in 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, this will take about 6 minutes. In the meantime slice your shallots in fine little slices, roughly chop your cilantro and pick the mint leaves. when your chicken is cooked transfer to a large bowl.
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Step 3
While the chicken is still hot, first add a few spoons of the dressing and the shallots, give it a mix so it will allow to soften the onion and absorb all the flavors from the sauce. when your chicken is lukewarm you can add the snake beans, the fresh herbs and the spring onions. Put some salad/cabbage and slices of cucumber on the side of the plate and put your chicken laab alongside. finish with the last tbsp of rice powder on top and enjoy your meal! Make sure you put the chili powder on the table because this salad is supposed to be eaten lip-burning spicy!

Chefs tip 
"You can add rice vermicelli to the laab and it will become a complete meal, but make sure you add a little more dressing/sauce. "

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