Minced Lamb with Thai Basil

-Serves 3-4
Yes, Larb is a salad and yes it's traditionally made with either finely chopped lean meat or fish, but it's just as amazing made with fatty minced lamb. Try using medium-fat minced lamb instead of lean in this recipe, and let it cook in its own fat - you will be surprised how this flavors the lamb from within. And served with fragrant Jasmine rice, this dish is an assault on the taste buds. Enjoy the recipe!

Ingredients for Minced Lamb with Thai Basil

2 tablespoons uncooked Thai sticky rice
500g grams minced lamb (minced chicken, pork or beef will also work well, I buy minced lamb from https://www.themeatclub.com.sg/)

5-6 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 tablespoon Thai chili powder
1 tablespoon palm sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 - 2 limes (I use the juice from about 1.5 limes)
1 cup shallots, peeled and sliced
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
one large handful Thai basil or mint
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, for garnish
1 red chili padi, for garnish

Recipe
1. Heat a wok on low heat, toss in Thai sticky rice. Toast the rice for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool, put it in a stone mortar and pestle. Pound the rice until it turns into a coarse powder (a blender or food processor also works fine but make sure the final result is a coarse powder and NOT fine). Set it aside.
2. On medium-high flame, heat oil in a large wok. Add chopped garlic and fry for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Add minced lamb and stir-fry, breaking it into smaller minced pieces as you go, until its no longer pink (about 3 minutes). Do not overcook as it will toughen.
4. Next add 1 heaping tablespoon of toasted rice powder into the lamb followed by chili flakes, sugar, and fish sauce.
5. Add sliced shallots and give it all a good stir. Take it off the heat, add lime juice and finally add a good handful of Thai basil, stir. Garnish with chopped red chili padi and toasted peanuts. Serve hot with Jasmine rice or lettuce cups.
For more delicious recipes, check out our upcoming hands-on cooking classes in Downtown Singapore.
​Click here for more details.