Editorial sample recipeThaiintermediatehalalgluten-freedairy-free

Northern Thai Minced Beef Salad (Larb Neua)

Name: Northern Thai Minced Beef Salad (Larb Neua)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 400 g lean ground beef, halal-certified; 2 tbsp raw jasmine rice, for making toasted rice powder; 2 tbsp fish sauce, halal-certified; 2.5 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp dried chili flakes; 3 piece shallots, thinly sliced; 0.5 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly torn; 2 piece scallions, thinly sliced

A tangy, herbaceous minced beef salad from Northern Thailand featuring toasted rice powder, fresh mint, lime, and crushed dried chili.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 25 min

AI-generated illustration of Northern Thai Minced Beef Salad (Larb Neua)

AI illustration

Technique to learn

Khao Khua (Toasted Rice Powder) Preparation

Dry-roasting uncooked rice grains until nutty and golden before grinding produces a fragrant thickening agent and texturizer characteristic of Isan/Northern Thai salads.

Instructions

Step 1: Toast raw jasmine rice in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing continuously until golden brown and aromatic.
Step 2: Transfer toasted rice to a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and grind into a coarse powder (khao khua); set aside.

Step 3: Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef with 2 tablespoons of water, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes while crumbling until fully cooked through.

Step 4: Remove beef from heat and drain excess liquid, leaving the meat moist in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Add fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and dried chili flakes to warm cooked beef. Mix thoroughly to coat.

Step 6: Fold in sliced shallots, scallions, fresh mint, and 1.5 tablespoons of toasted rice powder. Toss gently and serve immediately with crisp cucumber slices.

Cooking tips

Always add toasted rice powder at the very end so it maintains its signature crunchy texture.
Adjust dried chili flakes to reach your desired spice level.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Thai; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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