This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
Originally published in 2012, updated with new photos.
Larb is a healthy ground meat salad popular in the northern parts of Thailand as well as in Laos.
I believe larb originated from Laos, but this Pork Larb Lettuce Wrap recipe is adapted from a recent issue of Food & Wine magazine. Larb is usually served with raw vegetables and makes a perfect filling for lettuce wraps.
Other Recipes You Might Like
I came from Malaysia, the cross-road of Southeast Asia so the regional cuisines are my favorite food in the whole world.
This pork larb lettuce wrap fits my bill; its savory filling, the fresh and crispy lettuce, plus the perfectly balanced dipping sauce that is savory, sweet, spicy, and sour at the same time.
To assemble, take a little bit of the ground pork filling and fill the middle of the lettuce leave. Add the dipping sauce on top of the meat, wrap and enjoy.
If you like some extra heat, you may add Thai chilies in your lettuce wraps but I think most people will find it too spicy. Enjoy!
How Many Calories per Serving?
This recipe is only 230 calories per serving.
What Dishes to Serve with This Recipe?
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
For more great recipes like this, sign up for our newsletter. We’ll send daily recipes you’ll love!
Sign up for our newsletter!
Pork Larb Lettuce Wrap
Ingredients
Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 Thai chilies with seeds (thinly sliced, optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 pound (250g) ground pork
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup torn basil (mint and cilantro leaves)
- 1 Thai chili with seeds (thinly sliced, optional)
- 1 butterhead or iceberg lettuce
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the Dipping Sauce and whisk to blend. Set aside or refrigerate until use.
For the Filling
- Heat up the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in the garlic and cook until golden brown. Add the sugar and cook for 20 seconds.
- Mix in the pork and cook over moderate high heat. Break the meat finely and cook thoroughly until no pink, about 4 minutes. Add in the fish sauce and soy sauce, stir to mix. Add in salt and pepper to taste. Turn off heat, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
To assemble
- Take a tablespoon or two (depending on the size of the leave) of the ground pork filling and fill the middle of the lettuce leave. Add the dipping sauce on top of the meat, wrap and enjoy. If you like some extra heat, you may add the Thai chilies in your lettuce wraps, which is optional.
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.