Keto Thai Larb Rolls
Easy Keto Thai Larb Rolls… Low in carbs, but packed with exotic flavor!
The first time I ever tasted larb (larp) I was 16 years old and found myself in Thailand for the summer.
It was a time of exploration, both internally and in my new foreign surroundings. A time of making new friends and trying new things. A much needed summer of relinquishing fears and insecurities.
That summer I experienced: spicy chicken feet and squid jerky, Thai massage, traditional Thai dancing, riding mopeds through busy city streets as well and dirt roads with rice paddies on either side, and communicating through a language barrier.
In all honesty, The chicken feet and squid jerky were not my favorite, however I learned to love and appreciate the intricacies of Thai cuisine.
Although Pad Thai and traditional Thai fried rice are beloved here in the states, there is so much more to Thai cooking, it’s a shame to stop there.
What Are Keto Thai Larb Rolls
Thai Larb, also spelled larp or laab, is a simple classic meat salad that is usually served with sticky rice on the side, or with lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Larb is extremely easy to make in a skillet with ground chicken and a few pungent ingredients like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
Although these fresh ingredients can be hard to find at standard American grocery chains, they will be in any Asian market and are worth the trip. Plus, you can freeze your extra lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for future cooking.
Larb is usually made with a small amount of dry ground rice mixed in to absorb the liquid. However, by removing this grain and making sure to use gluten free fish sauce, this classic dish is turned into ultra low carb Keto Thai Larb Rolls, that fit easily into a ketogenic diet.
It’s bright, poppy, and healthy to boot!
What’s the Difference Between Larb and Nam Sod?
If you ever eat at Thai restaurants, you may have noticed something called Nam Sod on the menu that looks strikingly similar. Nam Sod is the cousin of Larb, with some slight differences.
- Larb is usually made with chicken or beef, while Nam Sod is usually made with ground pork.
- Nom Sod tends to be more complicated with extra ingredients, while Larb recipes tend to stay rather simple.
- Larb is popular in Northern Thailand and in Laos, while Nam Sod is thought of as an southern Thai dish.
I share these differences loosely because, there are many cross-overs in these recipes. You may find a larp recipe made with pork, or a nam sod recipe made with chicken.
Truth be told, these types of meat salads are served all over the region, in various forms.
More Ketogenic Recipes
Perfect Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
Low Carb Green Curry Chicken Soup
Keto Creole Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
Low Carb Steak Fajita Roll Ups
Keto Thai Larb Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 piece fresh lemongrass about 5 to 6 inches
- 6 kaffir lime leaves
- 1/4 cup fish sauce (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 cups chopped scallions
- 16 large butter lettuce leaves
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Finely mince the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Then chop the scallions.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and ground chicken. Brown for 5 minutes, breaking into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Cook another 1-2 minutes then turn off the heat.
- Mix in the fish sauce, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, and scallions.
- Place a spoonful of the larb filling in lettuce leaves. Add mint and cilantro leaves to each lettuce leaf and roll. If the lettuce leaves are very flexible, tuck the bottom in as you roll, burrito style.
Thank you for sharing this recipe