There’s nothing quite like the vibrant explosion of flavors that comes from a well-prepared stir-fry. As I stood in my kitchen, the intoxicating aroma of toasting cashews mingled with the rich scent of ground pork and fresh herbs, reminding me of my travels through Thailand. This Authentic Thai Larb Recipe, or Larb Moo, captures that essence and brings a taste of Southeast Asia right to your home.
I remember the first time I tasted larb: a delightful mixture of savory, spicy, and zesty that danced on my palate. The thrill of experimentation began when I decided to give my twist to a traditional favorite, incorporating crunchy cashews for an unexpected textural surprise.
Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something far removed from fast food, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. With every bite, you’ll savor the freshness of lime juice mingling with fragrant herbs, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress. Ready to dive into this flavorful adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Why is this Authentic Thai Larb Recipe special?
Quick preparation: In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table—perfect for busy nights.
Unique crunch: The addition of toasted cashews gives wonderfully rich texture that elevates this dish.
Bursting with flavor: Fresh herbs and lime juice create a zesty flavor explosion that excites the palate.
Vibrant colors: The colorful mix of ingredients makes it visually appealing and a feast for the eyes.
Healthy and wholesome: Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious alternative to takeout, sure to satisfy cravings.
Feel free to pair it with some refreshing cucumbers and lettuce for a complete meal.
Authentic Thai Larb Recipe Ingredients
Get ready to create a flavorful feast with these essential components!
For the Stir-Fry
• Raw cashews – adds a delightful crunch and richness to enhance the flavor profile.
• Avocado oil – provides a high smoke point, perfect for sautéing the pork without burning.
• Ground pork – the star ingredient, offering a savory base for this Authentic Thai Larb recipe.
• Sliced shallots – adds a sweet and mild onion flavor that softens beautifully when cooked.
For the Sauce
• Lime juice – brightens the dish with its tangy flavor, balancing the richness of the pork.
• Coconut aminos – a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, injecting umami flavor without excess sodium.
• Fish sauce – a key ingredient that deepens the savory aspect of the dish, so use it sparingly if you’re new to its bold taste.
• Thai chili flakes – provides the perfect kick of heat; adjust to your spice preference!
For the Garnish
• Chopped cilantro – adds freshness and a burst of herbal flavor that brings the dish to life.
• Green onions – offers a mild oniony taste and a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.
• Mint leaves – enhances the freshness and adds a unique layer of flavor in every bite.
To Serve
• Lettuce and cucumbers – a refreshing and crisp side that contrasts beautifully with the warm stir-fry.
Now you’re all set to dive into this tasty adventure!
How to Make Authentic Thai Larb Recipe
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Toast the cashews: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the cashews. Toast them while constantly stirring until they are lightly browned and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
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Chop the cashews: Once toasted, use a knife or food processor to chop the cashews until crumbly. Set aside for later use.
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Cook the pork: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, stirring while breaking it up until it’s browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
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Add shallots: Quickly toss in the sliced shallots and stir together. Turn off the heat, allowing the residual heat to soften the shallots just right.
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Mix the sauce: Add the lime juice, coconut aminos, fish sauce, Thai chili flakes, cilantro, green onions, mint, and 3/4 of the toasted cashew crumble. Stir well until everything is nicely combined.
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Taste and adjust: Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning. You can add more fish sauce for saltiness, chili flakes for heat, or lime juice for extra zing.
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Serve and garnish: Serve the stir-fry with lettuce and cucumbers. Finish with the remaining cashew crumble on top and feel free to offer additional mint leaves, cilantro, and green onions on the side for extra freshness.
Optional: Try adding a splash of sesame oil for a nutty finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Authentic Thai Larb Recipe (Larb Moo) components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the stir-fry mixture—including the cooked ground pork, shallots, and sauce components—up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain the quality, store the toasted cashew crumble separately and add it just before serving to keep that crunch intact. When you’re ready to enjoy this flavorful dish, reheat the stir-fry on the stove until warmed through, then serve it alongside fresh lettuce and cucumbers for a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s just as tasty as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Ground Pork and Cashew Stir-Fry?
Elevate your meal by pairing this vibrant stir-fry with delightful sides and drinks that complement its bold flavors.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains absorb the zesty juices of the stir-fry, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Crunchy and filled with fresh vegetables, they add a delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with the pork.
- Thai Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad, with its tangy dressing, contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the stir-fry.
- Grilled Pineapple Skewers: The natural sweetness of the caramelized pineapple adds a tropical flair that enhances the dish’s spice.
- Chilled Coconut Water: This hydrating drink offers a light sweetness, perfect for cutting through the heat of the chili flakes.
- Mango Sticky Rice: A satisfying dessert to finish the meal, its creamy coconut sauce complements the dish’s zestiness.
- Mint Lemonade: The cooling mint and bright citrus make an invigorating beverage that enhances the fresh herbs in the stir-fry.
- Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly cooked, it provides a slight crunch and absorbs any leftover sauce from the stir-fry for a perfect bite.
- Lettuce Wraps: Serve the stir-fry in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, fresh take that offers a different texture to each bite.
How to Store and Freeze Authentic Thai Larb Recipe
Fridge: Store your leftover Authentic Thai Larb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of lime juice to revive the flavors.
Do not refreeze: Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain the quality of your dish; enjoy it fresh!
Tips for the Best Authentic Thai Larb Recipe
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Perfect Cashew Toasting: Keep stirring: Ensure you continuously stir the cashews while toasting to prevent burning. Well-toasted cashews enhance the flavor beautifully.
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Ground Pork Matters: Use fresh meat: High-quality, fresh ground pork will offer a better taste and texture, making your larb more authentic and delicious.
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Adjust Spice Level: Gradually add chili: Start with less Thai chili flakes, then adjust to your taste preference to avoid overpowering the dish with heat.
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Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs: Opt for freshly chopped cilantro and mint; dried herbs won’t provide the vibrant flavor needed for this Authentic Thai Larb Recipe.
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Taste Test: Always taste before serving: Adjust seasoning to your liking; adding more fish sauce or lime juice can enhance the depth of flavor.
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Serving Style: Get creative with presentation: Serve the larb in lettuce wraps to create a fun, interactive meal that’s not only tasty but visually appealing.
Authentic Thai Larb Recipe Variations
Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and customize this delightful dish to suit your tastes!
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Spicy Kick: Increase the Thai chili flakes for an extra heat burst, making each bite a thrilling experience. Spice can be mesmerizing and adds life to the dish.
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground pork with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option that still satisfies. Don’t forget to season well to keep those bold flavors alive!
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Nut-Free: Leave out the cashews and try sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts. These little seeds will bring a unique, delicious touch too!
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Zesty Fusion: Add a splash of orange juice alongside lime for a sweet and citrusy note that brightens the stir-fry. This twist can create an exciting flavor dimension.
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Herbed Heaven: Incorporate fresh basil along with the mint and cilantro to enhance the aromatic nature of the dish. Basil opens up a whole new world of flavor!
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Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful, nutritious boost to the stir-fry. This gives every forkful a delightful crunch and vibrant hues.
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Sweetness Balance: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup in the sauce for a subtly sweet contrast to the tangy lime. Sweetness can perfectly balance the dish’s boldness!
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Crispy Finish: Top your larb with crispy shallots for an additional layer of crunch that elevates the eating experience. Those little crispy bits can turn a good dish into an unforgettable one!
Authentic Thai Larb Recipe Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cashews for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for raw cashews that are plump and have no dark spots or blemishes. Fresh cashews should smell nutty and not rancid. If you can find them, purchase them in bulk for the best price and quality!
How should I store leftovers of my Authentic Thai Larb?
Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to allow the stir-fry to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.
Can I freeze this Authentic Thai Larb recipe?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. For best results, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
What should I do if the stir-fry seems too salty?
Very! If your dish tastes a bit too salty, consider adding an extra squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of sugar to help balance the flavors. Another option is to add a bit more ground pork or vegetables to dilute the saltiness.
Is there an alternative for fish sauce if I’m allergic?
Certainly! If you’re allergic to fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of lime juice to maintain that tangy flavor. Coconut aminos is also a great alternative that’s both gluten-free and soy-free.
Can I add more vegetables to the stir-fry?
The more the merrier! Feel free to incorporate veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded carrots for added color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the ground pork until tender.
Savor Authentic Thai Larb Recipe (Larb Moo) in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until browned.
- Chop the toasted cashews until crumbly and set aside.
- Cook the ground pork in avocado oil over medium-high heat, breaking it up until it's browned (about 8-10 minutes).
- Add sliced shallots and stir, allowing residual heat to soften them.
- Mix lime juice, coconut aminos, fish sauce, Thai chili flakes, cilantro, green onions, mint, and 3/4 of the cashew crumble.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve with lettuce and cucumbers, garnishing with remaining cashew crumble and additional herbs.