Gluten-Free Thai Spicy Salad – Laab

Ingredients:

1 pound ground chicken, pork, or tofu (choose based on your preference)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
2-3 tablespoons gluten-free fish sauce
2-3 tablespoons lime juice
1-2 tablespoons gluten-free chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
2-3 shallots, thinly sliced
2-3 scallions, chopped
1-2 tablespoons roasted rice powder (see note below)
Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving

Instructions:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground chicken, pork, or tofu until it's fully cooked and slightly browned.

Remove the cooked meat or tofu from heat and let it cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat or tofu with chopped cilantro and mint.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free fish sauce, lime juice, and gluten-free chili powder. Adjust the fish sauce, lime juice, and chili powder to your taste.

Pour the dressing over the meat or tofu mixture in the large bowl and toss well to combine.

Add the thinly sliced shallots and chopped scallions to the salad. Mix everything together.

Sprinkle the roasted rice powder over the top of the salad. The rice powder adds a nutty flavor and texture to the dish.

Serve the gluten-free Thai Spicy Salad – Laab on fresh lettuce leaves as a wrap or on a plate as a salad.

Note on Roasted Rice Powder: To make roasted rice powder, simply toast uncooked glutinous (sticky) rice in a dry skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Then grind it into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Enjoy your gluten-free Thai Spicy Salad – Laab as a zesty and flavorful appetizer or main dish. Savor the bold and aromatic flavors of this classic Thai salad!