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Laap Kai

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20 min
Prep
10 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 400 g (14 oz) minced chicken
  • 2 tbsp toasted rice powder (khao khua)
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp padaek or fish sauce
  • 2-4 bird's eye chillies, crushed
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 handful mint leaves
  • 1 handful coriander leaves
  • lettuce leaves and sticky rice, to serve

Method

  1. Toast raw sticky rice grains in a dry pan until golden, then grind into a coarse powder to make khao khua.
  2. Cook minced chicken in a dry or lightly oiled pan until just cooked through, breaking up any lumps.
  3. Transfer chicken to a mixing bowl while still warm.
  4. Add lime juice, padaek, crushed chillies and shallots, tossing to combine.
  5. Stir in toasted rice powder, spring onions, mint and coriander.
  6. Serve warm with lettuce leaves and sticky rice.

Introduction: Laap is widely regarded as the national dish of Laos, a minced meat salad tossed with toasted rice powder, lime, fish sauce and fresh herbs.

Cultural Background: Laap is widely regarded as the national dish of Laos, a minced meat salad tossed with toasted rice powder, lime, fish sauce and fresh herbs. Laap Kai, the chicken version, is a staple at everyday meals and gatherings, thought to bring good fortune, with its name closely tied to the Lao word for good luck.

Tips: Toast the rice powder fresh for the best nutty aroma – pre-ground powder loses flavour quickly. Toss the meat while still warm so it absorbs the dressing fully.

Variations: Laap Sin uses beef instead of chicken (see Holidays & Special Occasions). A raw version, Laap Dip, uses very fresh raw minced meat, though the cooked version is more commonly served to visitors.

Storage: Best eaten fresh on the day of preparation.

Reheating: Not applicable – traditionally served warm to room temperature, not reheated after resting.

FAQs:

Q: What is khao khua?

A: Toasted rice ground into a fragrant powder, essential for authentic laap texture.

Q: Is Laap always spicy?

A: Traditionally yes, though chilli quantity can be adjusted for milder palates.

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