Low-Carb Thai Larb Salad (Spicy Minced Chicken)

About This Recipe

Thai larb salad, also known as “larb gai,” is one of the most flavorful dishes to ever come out of Southeast Asia. Originating from Laos and widely popular in Northeastern Thailand, larb is essentially a warm meat salad that is bold, spicy, tangy, and deeply aromatic. What makes it especially exciting for those of us following a keto or low-carb lifestyle is that it is naturally grain-free. There are no noodles or rice holding it together; instead, the dish relies on minced meat, fresh herbs, chili, lime, and fish sauce. Served in crunchy lettuce leaves, it becomes a light but satisfying meal that ticks every keto box without feeling like “diet food.”

The heart of larb is the balance of flavors. You have the brightness of fresh lime juice, the salty umami punch of fish sauce, the gentle sweetness of shallots, and the fiery kick of chili peppers. On top of that, you add handfuls of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and green onions, which bring a cooling contrast to the heat. This layering of flavors is what makes larb unforgettable – it’s bold and refreshing all at once.

From a practical perspective, larb is also the perfect recipe for busy people. It comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish. All you really need to do is cook your ground chicken, mix it with garlic, shallot, and chili, then toss in the dressing and herbs. The simplicity of the preparation doesn’t take away from the complexity of the taste – in fact, it highlights just how incredible fresh, simple ingredients can be when combined in the right way.

For keto followers, this dish is also extremely versatile. Chicken is the most common protein, but you can easily swap in pork, turkey, or beef depending on what you have at home. The carb count stays low no matter what protein you choose. If you want to stay very strict, you can skip the traditional toasted rice powder that some recipes include, but even with it the carbs stay minimal.

Another great benefit is how customizable the heat level is. If you love fiery dishes, go heavy on the chilies and chili flakes. If you prefer something milder, just reduce the amount or remove the seeds. Either way, you still get the tangy, herby profile that makes larb so addictive.

Low-Carb Thai Larb Salad is more than just another keto recipe – it’s proof that low-carb eating can be vibrant, colorful, and packed with real flavor. It’s light enough for lunch, filling enough for dinner, and special enough to serve guests who will never guess it’s keto. Once you try larb, it’s almost guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 🌿 Fresh herbs and bold Thai flavors

  • 🔥 Spicy, zesty, and incredibly satisfying

  • ⏱ Ready in just 20 minutes

  • 🥬 Naturally low-carb and gluten-free

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 500 g ground chicken (or turkey/pork)

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped

  • 1–2 fresh red chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)

  • 2 tbsp fish sauce

  • 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

  • 1 tsp ground toasted rice powder (optional, traditional but can be skipped for strict keto)

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, romaine, or cabbage) for serving

  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  • Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no longer pink.

    Step 2: Add garlic, shallot, and fresh chili to the pan. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

    Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Mix well.

    Step 4: Add cilantro, mint, and green onions. Toss gently to combine.

    Step 5: Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves or cabbage cups. Garnish with lime wedges and extra chili if desired.

Nutrition

(per serving)

  • Calories: 310 kcal

  • Protein: 28 g

  • Fat: 20 g

  • Net Carbs: 5 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

FAQ

Can I make larb ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. You can cook the chicken ahead, then mix with herbs and dressing right before serving.

Is this dish very spicy?
You control the heat. Use fewer chilies for mild or more for fiery.

What’s toasted rice powder, and do I need it?
It’s traditional in larb for nutty flavor, but optional if you want to stay strict keto.

Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely – larb is flexible and works with almost any protein.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap chicken for pork, turkey, or beef.

  • Use basil instead of mint for a different flavor twist.

  • Add cucumber slices for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crisp lettuce cups for handheld wraps.

  • Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.

  • Pair with Thai iced tea (unsweetened, keto-style) for a refreshing combo.

Recipe Card

Low-Carb Thai Larb Salad

Low-Carb Thai Larb Salad – Spicy Minced Chicken

A refreshing and spicy Thai larb salad with minced chicken, fresh herbs, chili, and lime. Light, flavorful, and perfectly keto-friendly.

Yield: 4 servings  •  Prep:  •  Cook:  •  Total:

Ingredients

  • 500 g ground chicken (or turkey/pork)
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1–2 fresh red chilies, finely sliced
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground toasted rice powder (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Lettuce leaves (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink.
  2. Add garlic, shallot, and fresh chili. Stir-fry 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Mix well.
  4. Add cilantro, mint, and green onions. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves or cabbage cups. Garnish with lime wedges and extra chili if desired.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 310
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Net Carbs: 5 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

Lunch • Thai / Low Carb / Keto • keto larb, thai larb salad, spicy minced chicken, low carb lunch

Final Thoughts

This low-carb Thai larb salad is the kind of meal that keeps keto exciting. It’s spicy, fresh, and packed with vibrant herbs that wake up every taste bud. Perfect for a light lunch or even a casual dinner when you don’t want something heavy. Once you try it, larb will definitely earn a spot in your weekly rotation. 🌶️🥬✨

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