Laotian Pork Lettuce Cups
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: June 7, 2011

Larb (Laotian pork salad) is the national dish of Laos.  I first had this pork salad when my friend prepared it for me upon her return from Southeast Asia.  I fell in love at first bite. Asian cuisine emphasize the need for balance in food and this dish includes all four major tastes.  There is the salty component from the fish sauce, the sour from the lime juice, the spicy from the thai chili, and the sweet from the sugar.  The addition of scallions and herbs add freshness.  These Laotian lettuce cups are a light meal that is full of flavor.  This recipe uses pork but feel free to substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
Laotian Lettuce Cups
Ingredients:
1 pound ground pork
¼ cups cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh Thai chilies
¼ cup thinly-sliced shallots
¼ cup fresh lime juice
⅓ cup fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
½ cups thinly-sliced green onions
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
⅓ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
½  cup chopped basil leaves
1 head iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
For full recipe, click below
 Larb

Comments:
Lynn
June 8, 2011

My son really enjoyed PF Chang's lettuce wraps last weekend so I've been looking for a recipe to make some at home.  This one sounds way better than any of the others I've seen.  Thanks!