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Easy Zesty Larb Chicken Salad Recipe with Toasted Rice Powder for Beginners

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A quick and fresh Thai-inspired larb chicken salad featuring zesty lime, fresh herbs, and crunchy toasted rice powder. Perfect for a light, flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
  • ¼ cup (50g) sticky rice
  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Optional: thinly sliced cucumber or shredded cabbage for serving
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) neutral oil (for cooking chicken)

Instructions

  1. Toast the sticky rice: Place ¼ cup (50g) of sticky rice in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and nutty aroma develops. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Grind the toasted rice: Once cool, grind the toasted rice in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder until coarse powder forms. Set aside.
  3. Cook the ground chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring and breaking up meat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Avoid adding water.
  4. Prepare herbs and veggies: Thinly slice ½ medium red onion, chop ¼ cup cilantro and ¼ cup mint leaves, and slice 2 green onions.
  5. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  6. Combine ingredients: Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl. Add onions, herbs, and green onions. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Add toasted rice powder: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (15g) toasted rice powder over salad and toss gently to combine.
  8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust lime juice, chili flakes, or fish sauce as needed for balance.
  9. Serve immediately with cucumber slices or shredded cabbage, or use as filling for lettuce wraps.

Notes

Do not skip toasting the rice as it adds essential nutty flavor and crunch. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Use fresh lime juice for best brightness. Cook chicken without adding water to keep it dry and crumbly. Adjust chili flakes gradually to control heat. Toast rice while prepping herbs to save time. Grinding toasted rice by hand releases better flavor but a spice grinder works in a pinch. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: larb chicken salad, toasted rice powder, Thai salad, zesty chicken salad, easy larb recipe, ground chicken salad, fresh herbs, quick dinner

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-zesty-larb-chicken-salad-recipe-with-toasted-rice-powder-for-beginners/