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Keto Larb 🥗

Published: · Updated: by · 11 Comments

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This Keto Larb is a fresh take on the classic Thai larb but with a low-carb twist. With juicy ground pork, crisp veggies, aromatic spices, and a kick of fish sauce, this meat salad is a flavor explosion you won't want to miss. Best of all, it's simple and quick to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you can create this delightful dish! Ready to treat your tastebuds? Let's dive in and get cooking!

Keto Larb in a cast iron skillet on a blue background
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this larb salad is a breeze, and it takes just 20 minutes of your time! Start by giving the meat, onion, and garlic a quick pulse in the food processor. As that gets going, whisk together a keto-friendly sweetener, fish sauce, chili flakes, and lime juice in a bowl. Next, it's time to cook your minced meat in a hot skillet until it hits that golden-brown sweet spot. Once done, serve it up, drizzle that tangy sauce over it, and let it mingle for a moment. And there you have it - sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy this delectable salad.

Chef's note

Feel free to try different types of meat to find your own favorite version of Thai larb. If you're not a fan of pork, you can explore beef, chicken, or turkey as alternatives. No matter the meat choice, one thing is certain: this salad will become one of your all-time favorites.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Servings: 4

🥗 Ingredients for this keto larb recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this larb salad:

  • 1 pound of minced or ground pork meat
  • ½ onion
  • 2 shallots
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar-free sweetener
  • Herbs for topping (ideally mint and cilantro)
  • Lettuce cups and sliced cucumbers for serving

Ingredient substitutions

Not a fan of something listed in the ingredients? No problem at all! Here are some keto-friendly alternatives you can use instead:

  • Ground pork: Substitute it with chicken, turkey, or beef. If you're following a plant-based diet, use crumbled tofu.
  • Fish sauce: Replace the fish sauce with coconut aminos.

Additional ingredients

Feel free to add some extra flair to this delightful dish by incorporating a few optional ingredients:

  • Thai basil leaves: A sprinkle of fresh leaves can lend a subtle sweetness.
  • Radishes: Add thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch.
  • Ginger: A dash of freshly grated ginger brings a lovely aroma to the dish.
  • Sesame oil: A touch of sesame oil enhances the savory flavor and aroma of the Thai larb.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto larb recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Knife
  • Small bowl
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Tools substitute options

  • Measuring spoons: If you don't have any, use regular tablespoons from your kitchen and estimate the measurements.

How to make this Keto Larb: step-by-step guide

Cooking method

  • Sauteing

Preparation steps

  1. Prepare the ground pork in a bowl and set it aside.
  2. Slice one-half of an onion into thin strips. 
  3. Trim the roots and wilted parts of the green onions and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
  4. Whisk the lime juice, fish sauce, red chili flakes, and your favorite keto sweetener in a small bowl. Stir well and then set the mixture aside.
  5. Remove the stems from the mint and cilantro. Finely chop the leaves, and use them as a topping for the dish.
  6. Slice the cucumbers and set them aside.

Instruction steps

  1. Place the ground pork, onion slices, chopped shallot, and minced garlic in a food processor. Give it a few pulses until well combined.
  2. Heat up the avocado oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
  3. Transfer the meat mixture to the sizzling skillet. Let it cook for roughly 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat adopts a golden brown hue.
  4. Toss in the chopped green onions into the skillet, cooking for an additional minute over medium heat.
  5. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the meat, stirring thoroughly to ensure the meat is uniformly coated.
  6. Let the mixture sit on the heat for an extra 1-2 minutes to caramelize and deepen the flavors.
  7. Taste the larb, and feel free to tweak the seasonings and fresh herbs to your liking.
  8. Garnish your keto larb with a handful of sliced cucumbers, then serve in crisp lettuce cups. Enjoy!

Chef's pro tip

Keep an eye on your meat while it cooks to avoid it becoming dry and tough. As soon as it turns golden brown, add the green onions and quickly remove it from the heat. This will keep your meat juicy and the green onions fresh.

What to serve with keto larb?

Savor this delicious keto Thai food on its own, or complement it with various side dishes to create a satisfying meal. Here are a few options:

  • Cauliflower rice: This is an excellent side dish that complements the flavors in the larb without adding unnecessary carbs.
  • Zucchini noodles: Zoodles are a low-carb alternative to pasta and add a light, refreshing touch to the dish.
  • Steamed broccoli: This veggie side is both healthy and filling. Its mild flavor makes it a perfect companion to the rich flavors in the larb.
  • Green salad: A green salad's crisp, fresh flavors balance the spicy, savory notes in the larb.
  • Avocado slices: Creamy and rich in healthy fats, avocados add a smooth texture contrast and a dose of heart-healthy nutrients to the meal.

How to make it healthier?

You can make this keto larb recipe even healthier by following these tips:

  • Choose low-sodium fish sauce to limit your sodium intake.
  • Add more vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots to enhance the dish's nutritional profile.
  • Boost the dish's nutritional content by adding a generous portion of fresh herbs.

Time-saving tips

  • While your food processor is at work on the meat, take that opportunity to mix up your sauce.
  • Go for pre-washed and pre-chopped herbs such as mint and cilantro to streamline your prep work.
  • Purchasing pre-cut vegetables can significantly cut down on your preparation time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Wash and chop the mint and cilantro leaves, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Prepare a batch of sauce in advance to reduce the overall cooking time.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage

  • Refrigerator: If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Store them in an airtight container or sealable bag and consume them within three to four days for the best flavor.
  • Freezer: We do not recommend freezing the leftovers, as it may affect the texture of the meat when thawed.

Reheating

  • Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of about 165°F.
  • Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F. Transfer the larb to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it! Your own delicious Keto Larb is ready to be enjoyed. This light yet flavorful meat salad is the perfect meal to prepare for lunch or dinner in just 20 minutes.

So, what are you waiting for? Start cooking and surprise your taste buds with a vibrant mix of Thai flavors. We'd love to see how your salad turns out, so don't forget to tag us on Facebook and Instagram! Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely! The beauty of this larb recipe lies in its versatility. You can experiment with ground meat like beef, chicken, or turkey. If you're following a plant-based diet, you can even substitute the meat with crumbled tofu.

You can certainly dial up the spice if you love a good heat kick. Add extra chili flakes, use a spicier chili variety, or include a dash of hot sauce in the recipe. Just remember to adjust according to your heat tolerance!

You can leave out the sweetener in this recipe, but keep in mind that it helps balance the tanginess of the lime and the saltiness of the fish sauce. If you remove it, you might need to adjust other ingredients to your liking.

The number of calories per serving will depend on the portion size and the ingredients used. In this keto recipe, an average serving will contain 355 calories.

Yes, this Thai Larb recipe is keto-friendly. With low-carb ingredients like ground meat, fresh herbs, and vegetables, it fits right into a ketogenic diet. Plus, the added bonus of being utterly delicious makes it a win-win!

📖 Recipe

Keto Larb in a cast iron skillet on a blue background

Keto Larb

This Thai-inspired "meat salad" is bursting with flavor. It combines ground meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for busy dinners or casual gatherings.
5 from 3 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: low-carb larb, thai keto larb, thai larb salad
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 355kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pounds minced or ground meat alternative: chicken, turkey, tofu
  • ½ onion
  • 2 shallots
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 green onions cut into 1″ pieces
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce plant-based if desired
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free sweetener granulated
  • Herbs for topping mint and cilantro
  • Lettuce cups and sliced cucumbers for serving
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place the ground pork, onion slices, chopped shallot, and minced garlic in a food processor. Give it a few pulses until well combined.  
  • Heat up the avocado oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.  
  • Transfer the meat mixture to the sizzling skillet. Let it cook for roughly 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat adopts a golden brown hue.  
  • Toss in the chopped green onions into the skillet, cooking for an additional minute over medium heat.  
  • Drizzle the prepared sauce over the meat, stirring thoroughly to ensure the meat is uniformly coated.  
  • Let the mixture sit on the heat for an extra 1-2 minutes to caramelize and deepen the flavors.  
  • Taste the larb, and tweak the seasonings and fresh herbs to your liking.  
  • Garnish your keto larb with a handful of sliced cucumbers, then serve in crisp lettuce cups. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Larb
Amount Per Serving
Calories 355 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 82mg27%
Sodium 458mg20%
Potassium 787mg22%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 880IU18%
Vitamin C 17mg21%
Calcium 76mg8%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Genevieve says

    I don't understand where or when to "add in the green onions" Saute in the pan? In the sauce? Please clarify. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      That is confusing isn't it? Sorry about that! You should add in the green onions just before the sauce. Updating the recipe now.

      Reply

  2. Claire says

    What is Swerve?

    Reply

  3. Alison says

    This recipe was absolutely fantastic!

    Reply

  4. Denise says

    Is that ONE pound of meat? It doesn't specify.

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Yes, it's one lb. Sorry about that typo!

      Reply

  5. Andrea says

    Love this recipe but I'm confused between onion, shallots and green onions. Can you provide a picture or a description as Australia some onions have different names...much appreciated

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Andrea, this post may help.

      Reply

  6. Katie says

    5 stars
    This was even better the next day!! I added extra fish sauce and it was *chef's kiss*. I used ground chicken, and I'm not doing keto, so I just used regular sugar.

    Reply

  7. Jimmy T says

    5 stars
    I made this with pork tonight. It was so good and gone so quickly that I had to fish out a pound of beef and whip up another batch. I served it on hearts of romaine (my favorite way to eat larb) and some sliced cucumber. I HIGHLY recommend this recipe. Now that I know how do make it I may never go out for Thai again.

    Reply

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