Ingredients
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2 tablespoons jasmine rice (uncooked)
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1 lb ground beef (ground pork may be substituted)
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4 tablespoons lime juice, divided (about 3-4 limes)
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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2 teaspoons gingerroot, minced fresh
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4 scallions, chopped
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1/4 cup mint leaf, chopped, plus whole leaves
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fresh cilantro, for garnish
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2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
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2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce
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2 teaspoons light brown sugar
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12 lettuce leaves
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1/2 cup shallot, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Toast rice in a dry skillet (no oil) over medium-high heat. Cook rice, shaking pan frequently until rice turns golden, about 8 minutes.
- While rice is toasting, combine beef, 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, Fish Sauce, shallots and ginger in a bowl.
- When rice is golden, pour on plate to cool. In same skillet over high heat, add beef mixture. Cook, breaking meat into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Add remaining tablespoon of lime juice, scallions, mint, cilantro, Garlic Chili Pepper Sauce and sugar to meat. Mix well.
- Add cooled rice to spice grinder or blender, and grind into a sandy powder. Add to meat mixture and mix well.
- Spoon laab into a serving bowl lined with lettuce leaves, or serve on individual leaves for a pretty presentation. Garnish with whole mint leaves.