Appetizer · Main Course · Asian ·

Fragrant Lao Nam Khao Tod with Crispy Coconut Rice and Herbs

Name: Fragrant Lao Nam Khao Tod with Crispy Coconut Rice and Herbs
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled; 1/2 cup grated coconut, unsweetened; 2 tbsp red curry paste; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup rice flour; Oil, for frying; 1/4 cup fish sauce; 3 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 red chili, finely chopped; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup mint leaves, torn; 1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Crispy coconut rice balls tossed with herbs and a tangy sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures typical of Laotian cuisine.

4.6(368 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 10, 2026

Fragrant Lao Nam Khao Tod with Crispy Coconut Rice and Herbs — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Rice Balls

For the Dressing

For the Herb Mixture

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 355 kcal
Protein: 9.8 g
Carbs: 42.9 g
Fat: 17.1 g
Fiber: 3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1420 kcal
Protein: 39.1 g
Carbs: 171.8 g
Fat: 68.3 g
Fiber: 12 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups jasmine rice cooked and cooled	408	9	89	1	1
1/2 cup grated coconut unsweetened	162	1.5	6.5	16	4
2 tbsp red curry paste	30	1	4	0.5	1
1 egg beaten	70	6	0	5	0
1/4 cup rice flour	145	2	32	0.5	1
Oil for frying	240	0	0	27	0
1/4 cup fish sauce	50	10	5	0	0
3 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed	11	0	4	0	0
1 tbsp sugar	49	0	12.5	0	0
1 garlic clove minced	4	0.2	1	0	0
1 red chili finely chopped	6	0.3	1.5	0.1	0.5
1/2 cup cilantro leaves chopped	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1
1/2 cup mint leaves torn	6	0.5	1	0.1	0.5
1/4 cup scallions thinly sliced	4	0.3	1	0	0.3
1/4 cup peanuts roasted and chopped	214	9	6.1	18	2.6
1 lime cut into wedges	20	0.2	7	0.1	2

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Rice Balls

1
Mix Rice and Coconut
Mix the cooled jasmine rice and grated coconut in a large bowl.
2
Add Curry Paste and Flour
Add the red curry paste, beaten egg, and rice flour, then stir until combined.
3
Form Rice Balls
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres.
Tip: Ensure rice balls are tightly packed to avoid breaking during frying. Place rice balls in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before frying.

Preparing the Dressing

1
Combine Dressing Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili until sugar dissolves.
2
Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3
Set Aside
Set aside for later use.

How to Make Fragrant Lao Nam Khao Tod with Crispy Coconut Rice and Herbs

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Frying Rice Balls
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry rice balls until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
2
Mixing Herbs
Toss cilantro, mint, and scallions together in a bowl.
3
Assembling Dish
Break crispy rice balls into chunks and gently mix with the herb mixture and half of the dressing.