Laab- Thai ground beef salad

2 T Jasmine rice
1 lb lean ground beef
4 T lime juice divided
1-2 T Fish sauce
1/2 c thinly sliced shallots
2 t minced fresh ginger
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 c chopped mint leaves
2 T chopped cilantro
2 T Garlic Chili Pepper Sauce
2 t light brown sugar
Lettuce leaves

1. Toast riced in a dry skillet (no oil) over med-high heat. Cook rice, shaking pan frequently until rice turns golden, about 8 minutes.
2. While rice is roasting, combine in a bowl the beef, 3 T lime juice, Fish Sauce, shallots and ginger in a bowl.
3. When rice is golden, pour on a plate to cool. In the 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.
4. nAdd remaining T of lime juice, scallions, mint, cilantro, Garlic Chili Pepper Sauce and sugar to meat. Mix well.
5. Add cooled rice to a spice grinderor blender, and grind into a sandy powder. Add to meat mixture and mix well.
6. Spoon Laab into a serving bowl lined with lettuce leaves, or serve on individual leaves for a pretty presentation. Garnish with whole mint leaves.

I like to add a big handful of coleslaw mix to the end product for some crunch.



Serving Size: 4 main course servings

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user HATHOR2000.