If you love Thai food , then you will most likely have enjoyed beef larb on several occasions .
Beef larb (loar-b) is a traditional Thai dish that is similar to a spicy beef soup, but it has a unique flavor and texture.
The combination of ground beef , fresh herbs, and aromatic spices creates a clean and crisp flavor profile.
The savory flavors of the beef combined with the bright tang of the herbs creates a unique and delightful dish that is sure to please any palate .
The perfect balance of ingredients makes this a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
What ingredients are needed for beef larb ?
To make beef larb, you need a few key ingredients.
Beef is the foundation of this dish, but to create the right balance, it must be combined with an aromatic spice blend and fresh herbs.
The spices and herbs in this dish add a ton of flavor.
You can buy a pre-packaged mix of ground beef, but fresh herbs are much better.
You can also purchase ground beef already flavored with spices .
Ideally , the recipe should contain garam masala, cumin, ginger, garlic, and chili pepper.
Garam masala is a spice blend that contains warm spices such as cinnamon , nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom .
Spice blends are different from seasonings because they often contain a variety of spices and herbs.
Cumin is also added to this recipe to create a strong aroma.
Cumin is a warm spice that gives off a very distinctive aroma .
Ginger is used as an accent in this dish to round out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ginger adds a subtle sweetness to this dish .
Garlic is known for improving your immune system and detoxifying your body .
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy cholesterol levels and heart health.
Chili peppers provide a unique and aromatic flavor .
The addition of chili peppers provides this dish with some heat and creates a pungent aroma.
How long does it take to make beef larb ?
The time it takes to make beef larb depends on how you prepare it.
If you opt to precook the beef, all you will need to do is simmer it with the other ingredients .
You can also make beef larb as a stir-fry , which requires a bit more work.
- Precooking the beef: Beef larb can be made as a soup or a stir-fry. To make beef larb as a soup , first you will need to cook the beef and other ingredients in a pot over medium-high heat. You will want to add the spices to the pot once the beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) . It is best to cook the beef for about 10 minutes or longer, so that the flavors can meld together.
- Stir-frying the beef: For this method, you will need to heat the vegetable oil in a wok before adding the ground beef and other ingredients. When you add the ground beef , it should be cooked until it is well browned. After that, you will keep cooking until it is cooked through. As with cooking the meat on a stovetop, you will want to cook it until it is well browned .
- Stirring in egg: Stirring in an egg during cooking can help thicken up the mixture and help form a thick gravy when finished cooking. Stir in an egg into your beef larb after it has come to a boil . This will help form a thick gravy when finished cooking.
What are the steps for making beef larb ?
The traditional way to make beef larb is by using a spicy chile paste (ขนมอ่าง) made from dried red chiles , garlic, and kaffir lime leaves .
The paste is mixed with the ground beef, then sautéed for about five minutes.
This is when the key flavor in the dish develops.
In this recipe, we’re going to simplify the process by using premade chili paste , but you can still use your own if you prefer.
You will also find that premade chili paste tends to be bland in comparison to the authentic version, so we’re going to add a little extra spice .
What type of beef is best for beef larb ?
The type of beef you choose to use in your beef larb recipe will determine how the dish tastes.
There are two main types of ground beef that are used in beef larb: lean and fatty.
Lean ground beef is made from 90 percent lean meat , while fatty ground beef is made from 90 percent fat .
Lean ground beef will give your beef larb a distinctly light flavor and a slight pink color.
Most people prefer this type of ground beef because it won’t cause any stomach problems or upset the stomach for those with gout, an uncommon but serious form of arthritis.
Fatty ground beef is also lighter in color , but has a stronger flavor than lean ground beef.
This type of ground beef will also have a strong pink color when cooked.
Fatty ground beef is a great choice if you want to add some fat to your dish, as it will help create a richer flavor profile .
What type of herbs and spices are used in beef larb ?
Thai beef larb is a mixture of ground beef , fresh herbs, and aromatic spices.
The most common herbs and spices that are included in the dish include:
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a member of the citrus family , and it has a distinctive lemony flavor . It is often used as an ingredient in Thai curries and soups.
- Ginger: Ginger is a perennial herb that contains medicinal properties . This spice has a sharp , spicy taste that complements many dishes.
- Garlic: Garlic is one of the most commonly used spices in many Asian cuisines. Its pungent aroma makes it easy to identify , and its flavor adds a depth of flavor to food .
- Red onion: Red onion is a member of the allium family . It adds a mild , sweet flavor to meat and can be found in many different cuisines.
What are some variations of beef larb ?
There are many variations of beef larb.
Some add sliced mushrooms to the mixture, while others add eggs or egg noodles as well .
However , one of the most popular versions is the larb that is simply made with ground beef and fresh herbs combined with a spicy, but mild, red chili paste.
The beef is typically added at the end of the cooking process to allow it to cook through fully.
The ground beef is then seasoned with the spices and herbs , which are then mixed together in a mortar and pestle.
A mortar and pestle is an ancient tool for grinding food in order to create a flavorful paste.
Although you can purchase these tools online, it is easy to make your own .
The traditional Thai larb recipe calls for some unique ingredients such as kaffir lime leaves , galangal root, shallots, garlic and lemongrass .
These ingredients are used in combination with fresh herbs like cilantro, coriander leaves and chives.
Is beef larb a spicy dish ?
Beef larb is spicy and flavorful .
The key to enjoying this dish is to start with a good quality beef that has been ground.
This can be achieved by purchasing ground beef from your local grocery store or butcher shop.
If you are unable to find ground beef , you can always use hamburger meat.
You will benefit from having an assortment of fresh herbs in the kitchen.
Fresh herbs add a bright , vibrant flavor that can only be described as delicious .
Is beef larb a healthy dish ?
The popular Thai dish, beef larb, is an incredibly healthy dish.
It is rich in protein and rich in nutrients .
The combination of the ground beef and herbs creates a variety of vitamins , minerals, and antioxidants for your body.
The following nutrients are present in beef larb.
Due to its high nutritional value , beef larb is often recommended to vegetarians.
In addition to being low in saturated fat, beef larb is also low in calories and fat .
What type of side dish goes best with beef larb ?
Beef larb is a great opportunity to try out a different type of side dish .
While the main star of this dish is the beef, you can add in a variety of different sides to create a unique and flavorful meal.
For example , it would be nice if you take a little extra time to make a simple, yet flavorful salad.
A simple salad of lettuce, cilantro, carrots, and cucumbers would be a perfect accompaniment for a beef larb meal.
Another idea is to drizzle some honey on top of your beef larb and serve with some fresh fruit.
If you want to go the extra mile , you could even make a dessert out of beef larb and try sprinkling some rice flour or tapioca on top.
What are the main flavors of beef larb ?
In this dish, the main flavors are the beef, herbs , and spices .
The beef is just one of the many ingredients that come together to create the unique flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 shallots
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- juice of 1 lime
- fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 chopped green chilli
- 1 finely chopped shallot
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 500 g minced beef
- a bunch spring onions
- a handful chopped fresh coriander
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Instructions
- Shallots, fish sauce, lime juice, fresh coriander leaves, fresh ginger, and olive oil should be blended into a rough paste in a small food processor.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large frying pan, then add the ground coriander, finely chopped green chili, shallot, and crushed garlic cloves. Fry for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the paste after cooking the beef mince for 8–10 minutes. Stir-fry the steak for two to three minutes, or until done. Slice the bunch of spring onions, then combine three-quarters of them with the meat along with some fresh coriander that has been chopped. Finally, add the sweet chilli sauce.
- Grate some more fresh ginger over the dish before spooning it into the gem lettuce leaves to serve. Add more chopped coriander and the remaining spring onions to the dish as a garnish. If you want a heavier supper, serve this dish over steamed jasmine rice.
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.