Salad · Main Course · Asian · Dinner ·

Spicy Laotian Laap with Galangal and Kaffir Lime

Name: Spicy Laotian Laap with Galangal and Kaffir Lime
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Salad
Ingredients: 500g lean ground pork, (or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option); 2 tablespoons uncooked sticky rice; 2 tablespoons fish sauce, (use soy sauce for a vegetarian version); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons minced galangal; 3 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced; 1 cup fresh mint leaves; 1 cup fresh coriander leaves; 1 cup Thai basil leaves; 2 small shallots, finely sliced; 1 tablespoon chili flakes, (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon water; Fresh lime wedges; Extra mint leaves

This traditional Laotian dish combines minced meat or tofu with fresh herbs and spices, packing a punch of flavors with hints of galangal and kaffir lime. Perfect for those seeking a bold, spicy salad

4.7(345 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 8, 2026

Spicy Laotian Laap with Galangal and Kaffir Lime — Salad served and photographed from above

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Laap Base

For the Herb Mixture

For the Dressing

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 237 kcal
Protein: 21.31 g
Carbs: 10.65 g
Fat: 11.6 g
Fiber: 1.58 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 946 kcal
Protein: 85.25 g
Carbs: 42.6 g
Fat: 46.4 g
Fiber: 6.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g lean ground pork (or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option)	750	80	0	45	0
2 tablespoons uncooked sticky rice	70	1.5	15	0.5	0.5
2 tablespoons fish sauce (use soy sauce for a vegetarian version)	10	1	1	0	0
1 tablespoon lime juice	4	0	1	0	0
2 tablespoons minced galangal	16	0.25	3.5	0	0.5
3 kaffir lime leaves finely sliced	1	0	0	0	0.1
1 cup fresh mint leaves	6	0.5	1	0.1	0.9
1 cup fresh coriander leaves	5	0.5	1	0.1	0.7
1 cup Thai basil leaves	5	1	1	0.2	1
2 small shallots finely sliced	12	0.5	3	0	0.5
1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)	16	0.5	3	0.5	2
1 tablespoon sugar	48	0	12	0	0
1 tablespoon water	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh lime wedges	2	0	1	0	0.1
Extra mint leaves	1	0	0.1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Sticky Rice Powder

1
Heat the Skillet
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2
Toast the Rice
Add the sticky rice and toast until golden brown and fragrant.
3
Grind into Powder
Grind the toasted rice into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
Tip: Use a mortar and pestle for best texture.

Preparing the Meat (or Tofu)

1
Cook the Protein
In a large pan, cook the ground pork or tofu over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Tip: Ensure the meat is well-cooked to avoid any risk of raw meat contamination.
2
Add Galangal and Lime Leaves
Stir in minced galangal and kaffir lime leaves.
3
Season the Laap
Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and sticky rice powder, mixing well.
Tip: Adding the sticky rice powder helps absorb excess moisture and enhances texture.