Laab Gai: Lao Minced Chicken Salad
Filled with fresh herbs and aromatics, laab is the national dish of Laos and has evolved throughout history through neighboring countries. This recipe is a go-to for recipe contributor and YouTube host, Saeng Douangdara.
Kitchen Tip: Saeng highly recommends making your own toasted sticky rice powder—it makes a big difference in flavor! Directions can be found in the recipe below, and any extra can be stored for future use.
Have you made this recipe? Let us know in the comments below.
skin-on chicken thighs (or ground chicken_
Vegetable oil, for pan
pinch MSG
uncooked sticky rice
dried crushed bird eye chili
padaek (unfiltered fish sauce)
splash fish sauce
galangal, minced
lime leaves, minced
chopped green onion
chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
whole bean sprouts
lime, juiced
whole mint leaves, plus more for garnish
diced shallots
fresh bird eye chiles, diced
Lettuce, for garnish
Cucumber, for garnish
- Remove skin from chicken thighs and cut skin into small pieces. Remove meat from bone, slice it into small pieces, then mince.
- Add enough oil to a large skillet to coat bottom and heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken meat and cook undisturbed for 1 minute and 30 seconds each side then cook for another 2 minutes and stir. Let the chicken cook for a bit.
- In a separate skillet, add enough oil for a shallow fry then add the chicken skin and fry until brown and crispyabout 1 minute and 30 seconds per side
- In another skillet, toast dried uncooked sticky rice on medium high for 11 minutes until dark and let it cool and then grind and smash it into a powder.
- In large bowl, combine chicken with 1 tablespoon rice powder, MSG, dried crushed chiles, padaek, and fish sauce, adding more fish sauce to taste. Mix gently with gloved hands.
- Add galangal, lime leaves, green onion, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime, chicken skin, mint, shallots, and mix to combine.
- Plate dish then top with more mint, fresh bird eye chili, lettuce, extra whole herbs, and cucumbers.
- Enjoy with sticky rice or as lettuce wraps.
