Laap (Laotian Minced Meat Salad)

Discover the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Laotian cuisine with Laap, a traditional minced meat salad bursting with herbs, spices, and citrusy notes. Known as the national dish of Laos, Laap perfectly balances savory, tangy, and spicy elements, making it a refreshing yet deeply satisfying meal. Often enjoyed with sticky rice and fresh vegetables, this dish is a true taste of Laos’ culinary heritage.

Ingredients

• 500 g ground pork, chicken, or beef (or minced fish for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon uncooked sticky rice
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1–2 fresh chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 small handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1 small handful of fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Toast the Rice

   In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the uncooked sticky rice until golden brown and fragrant. Once cooled, grind into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. This toasted rice powder adds a nutty flavor and signature texture to the dish.

2. Cook the Meat

   In a skillet, cook the ground meat with 1 tablespoon of water until just cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

3. Mix the Salad

   Transfer the cooked meat to a bowl. Add lime juice, fish sauce, chilies, shallot, and spring onions. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle in the toasted rice powder and mix again.

4. Add Fresh Herbs

   Fold in mint and cilantro leaves. Adjust the seasoning with extra lime juice, fish sauce, or salt to balance the flavors.

5. Serve

   Serve Laap at room temperature with sticky rice and an assortment of raw vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, or cabbage.

Serving

Laap is best enjoyed as part of a shared meal, alongside sticky rice and fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with light, refreshing drinks and makes for a healthy, protein-packed dish full of herbs and flavor.

Bring the taste of Laos into your kitchen with Laap — a dish that celebrates freshness, balance, and the joy of communal dining.