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Plant-Based Thai Larb

Plant-Based Thai Larb

Mar 31, 2025

Plant-Based Thai Larb: A Zesty Take on a Classic Southeast Asian Dish

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh herbs, a touch of spice, and a satisfying umami bite, look no further than this Vegan Thai Larb featuring The Better Butchers plant-based ground. Larb is a staple in Thai and Lao cuisine, known for its vibrant mix of savoury, tangy, and aromatic flavours. Traditionally made with minced meat, this plant-based version keeps all the delicious elements while offering a completely vegan-friendly alternative.

What Makes Larb So Special?

Larb is more than just a salad—it’s a flavour-packed dish that hits all the right notes:

✔ Savory & Umami – Thanks to The Better Butchers plant-based ground, soy sauce, and toasted rice powder.

✔ Bright & Tangy – Fresh lime juice and herbs add a refreshing balance.

✔ Crunchy & Juicy – Crisp lettuce or cabbage cups complement the tender plant-based filling.

✔ Spicy & Aromatic – Thai chilies and red chili flakes bring just the right amount of heat.

Best of all, this dish is easy to make in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a light, high-protein meal.

Key Ingredients in Vegan Thai Larb

The Better Butchers Plant-Based Ground

This high-protein, meaty-textured alternative is ideal for replicating the texture of traditional larb while staying 100% plant-based. It absorbs flavours beautifully, making it the perfect base for this dish.

Toasted Rice Powder (Khao Khua)

A unique ingredient that gives larb its signature nutty depth and slight crunch. You can easily make it at home by dry-toasting jasmine or sticky rice and grinding it into a coarse powder.

Black Fungus (Wood Ear Mushrooms) – Optional, But Recommended!

Adding thinly sliced black fungus brings an extra layer of chewy texture and absorbs the bold Thai flavours. If you haven’t tried it before, this is a great dish to start with!

How to Serve Thai Larb

Traditionally, larb is served in lettuce or cabbage cups, making it a fresh and light meal. This vegan version can be enjoyed in:

Butter lettuce leaves – Soft and slightly sweet.

Romaine lettuce leaves – Crisp and sturdy, great for holding more filling.

Cabbage cups – A heartier, slightly crunchy option.

With rice – Serve over jasmine or sticky rice for a more filling meal.


Recipe: Vegan Thai Larb with The Better Butchers Plant-Based Ground

Ingredients

For the Larb:

• 1 pack (about 340g) The Better Butchers plant-based ground

1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or coconut oil)

½ small red onion, finely sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small Thai chili, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)

½ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

2 green onions, finely sliced

½ cup black fungus (wood ear mushrooms), thinly sliced (optional)

1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1 tbsp lime juice

Pinch of sugar

1 tsp toasted rice powder (see below)

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

1 tbsp chopped fresh Thai basil (optional)


For the Toasted Rice Powder (optional but recommended):

2 tbsp uncooked sticky rice or jasmine rice

To Serve:

Butter lettuce, romaine lettuce, or cabbage cups

Cucumber slices

Extra fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil)

Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Make the Toasted Rice Powder (if using):

In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the uncooked rice, stirring frequently, until golden brown and aromatic (about 5 minutes).

Let it cool, then grind into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

2. Prepare the Black Fungus (if using):

If using dried black fungus, soak in warm water for 15–20 minutes until rehydrated, then rinse and thinly slice.

3. Cook the Plant-Based Ground:

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add red onion and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Add garlic, Thai chili, red chili flakes, and green onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Add The Better Butchers plant-based ground and black fungus (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, until browned (about 5–7 minutes).

4. Season the Larb:

Stir in soy sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar. Mix well.

Sprinkle in toasted rice powder and toss to combine.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs.

5. Serve:

Spoon the larb into lettuce or cabbage cups.

Garnish with extra herbs, cucumber slices, and lime wedges.

Enjoy fresh!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!

• Packed with Protein – Thanks to The Better Butchers plant-based ground.

Customizable – Adjust the spice level and add your favourite toppings.

Perfect for Meal Prep – The flavours deepen as it sits, making great leftovers.

Make It Your Own!

Want more crunch? Add chopped roasted peanuts or cashews.

Prefer more tang? Add extra lime juice just before serving.

Love extra spice? Increase the Thai chilies and chili flakes.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Thai Larb is a flavour-packed, plant-based version of a beloved dish. Whether you serve it in crisp lettuce wraps or over rice, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Give it a try and let us know—what’s your favourite way to enjoy larb? Share your creations with us on social media and tag @TheBetterButchersmeat!

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