Thai Turkey Larb with Toasted Rice and Lettuce Wraps
A vibrant Thai salad featuring seasoned ground turkey mixed with aromatic herbs, toasted rice powder, and a tangy lime dressing. The combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh mint creates an authentic balance of salty, sour, and herbaceous flavors. Perfect for light dinners or entertaining, this larb is traditionally served with crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping. The toasted rice powder adds a distinctive nutty crunch that sets this version apart from other ground meat salads.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Turkey, groundGround chicken1:1low-fat
slightly milder flavor
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic, 2 small cloves, minced
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes, adjust to taste, use toasted thai chili flakes if available
- 1 Cup Red Onion, medium onion, thin sliced, divided
- 2 Green Onion, scallion, thin sliced
- ½ Cup Mint, packed leaves, chopped
- ⅓ Cup Cilantro, packed leaves
- ¼ tsp All Spice
- 1 Thai Red Chili, or half serrano, minced(optional)
- ¼ Cup Rice, white long grain rice
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
- ½ tbsp Soy Sauce
- ¼ Cup Lime, juice, plus 1/2 tsp zest
- 1 ½ tbsp Sugar
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
- 1 Cup Mix Vegetables, carrots, radish
- 1 Bunch Lettuce, bibb lettuce leaves, washedButter lettuce1:1textureadds dairy
similar crisp texture
Instructions
- 1
Heat large heavy bottom skillet and dry toast rice until golden brown
- 2
Remove rice to plate, cool completely, then grind to powder in spice grinder
- 3
Mix fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice and sugar in small bowl until sugar dissolves
- 4
Heat oil in skillet on medium-high heat, add garlic, half the red onion, all-spice, and chili flakes
- 5
Cook until onions are soft, add ground turkey with salt and pepper
- 6
Cook breaking often with wooden spoon until meat is no longer pink
- 7
Add dressing to turkey and cook stirring often until turkey is cooked through
- 8
Remove pan from heat and sprinkle toasted rice powder on turkey
- 9
Fold in remaining red onions, scallion, lime zest, thai chili, and half the herbs
- 10
Taste and adjust salt and pepper, transfer to serving platter
- 11
Garnish with remaining herbs and serve with lettuce leaves, rice powder, and lime wedges
Tips
Toast the rice until deeply golden for maximum nutty flavor and better texture when ground.
Reserve some toasted rice powder for serving so guests can add extra crunch to their wraps.
Let the larb rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight container. Store toasted rice powder separately.
Can be made 1 day ahead. Add fresh herbs just before serving for best texture.
Serve at room temperature with crisp lettuce leaves, lime wedges, and extra rice powder.
Common Mistakes
Toast rice slowly to avoid burning and bitter flavor.
Don't add herbs while turkey is hot to prevent wilting.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving as flavors can vary.
Substitutions
milder heat level
FAQ
Can I make this without the toasted rice powder?
Yes, but you'll lose the traditional nutty crunch. Substitute with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for similar texture.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Turkey larb stays fresh for up to 3 days refrigerated. Store the toasted rice powder separately to maintain crispness.
Can I freeze the leftover larb?
Freezing isn't recommended as the herbs will lose their fresh texture and the flavors will become muted when thawed.