Beef Larb

Beef Larb

4 servings
Beef Larb is a quick, 30-minute Thai-inspired dish made in one pan with all the flavors you love. Easy and delicious!

Ingredients

  • coconut oil
    1 tbsp
  • garlic

    3 to 4 cloves

    1 tbsp
  • ginger

    1-inch pieces

    1 tbsp
  • green onions

    white and green parts, 4 to 6 onions

    1 c
  • lean ground beef

    90/10

    1 lb
  • zucchini
    2 c
  • cornstarch
    1 tsp
  • soy sauce

    not low sodium

    ¼ c
  • lime
    1 large
  • Sambal Oelek

    ground chili paste, see note 1

    1 tbsp
  • granulated sugar
    1 tsp
  • rice vinegar
    1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper
  • fresh herbs

    I recommend a combo of cilantro, mint, and basil; see note 2

    1 c
  • Persian cucumbers
    2
  • Fish sauce
  • basmati rice
    1 c
  • coconut milk

    full-fat, 1 can

    1 c
  • water
    ½ c
  • lime
    1 large

Directions

  1. 1

    If making rice, Combine basmati rice, coconut milk, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste). Stir and place over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Allow to simmer 13–18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand 10–15 minutes; don’t rush or it will be sticky! Zest and juice lime to get 1 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice. Fluff rice with a fork, then add in lime zest and juice. Stir and evenly divide onto plates.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, add cornstarch and soy sauce. Whisk with a fork until smooth, then zest and juice lime to get 1 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice. Add lime zest and juice, Sambal Oelek (see note 1), sugar, and rice vinegar. I add 2 tablespoons, but add slowly to personal preference. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper (leave out salt if you’re concerned about saltiness with soy sauce). Whisk with fork until smooth and set aside.

  3. 3

    Melt coconut oil in a large cast-iron pan set to medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced green onions. Sauté 3–4 minutes or until fragrant and tender. Push veggies to the edges, increase heat to high, and add ground beef to the center. Let stand 30 seconds without moving, then flip to the other side and let stand 30 seconds. Season beef with salt and pepper to taste (I add a tiny pinch of each). Then break up the beef and cook until fully cooked with no pink inside.

  4. 4

    Drain off accumulated grease and add in diced zucchini. Stir until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low. Quickly whisk the sauce again with fork, then pour it over beef and cook for another 1–3 minutes or until beef is glossy and sauce has thickened and coated everything. Taste and adjust any sauce ingredients—flavors should really sing, so add additional lime juice or salt until they do. You can also add some fish sauce to taste here if desired (to add a more authentic Thai flavor). Remove from heat and stir in chopped herbs. Stir gently.

  5. 5

    Add even amounts of beef to the coconut basmati rice. If desired, top with sliced Persian cucumber and lime wedges. Enjoy immediately.

Beef Larb

Beef Larb

30 min4 servings230 cal

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About this Recipe

Savor the Flavor: Quick and Easy One-Pan Beef Larb

Craving an explosion of fresh, zesty flavors without spending hours in the kitchen? Our Beef Larb recipe is your answer! This incredible Thai-inspired dish brings vibrant tastes to your table in just 30 minutes, all cooked in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this ground beef larb is not only incredibly easy but also packed with irresistible aromas and textures.

What makes this quick Beef Larb truly special is its perfect balance of savory, spicy, sour, and sweet notes. Lean ground beef is quickly cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and green onions, then tossed with a bright, tangy dressing made from fresh lime juice, soy sauce, a hint of sugar, and zesty rice vinegar. A touch of Sambal Oelek adds a customizable kick, while diced zucchini provides a welcome crunch and extra veggies. The magic truly happens when you stir in a generous amount of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil, elevating the dish with their fragrant essence.

This one-pan wonder is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Enjoy your homemade Thai Beef Larb served over fluffy basmati rice, which you can cook separately with creamy coconut milk for an extra layer of richness. Or, for a lighter, refreshing option, scoop it into crisp lettuce cups and add thinly sliced cucumbers for a delightful crunch. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy Beef Larb recipe promises a delicious, wholesome meal that will become a regular in your rotation.

Tips for the Best Beef Larb:

  • Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of Sambal Oelek to suit your heat preference.
  • Herb Power: Don't skimp on fresh herbs! The combination of cilantro, mint, and basil is key to authentic larb flavor.
  • Acid Test: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
  • Protein Swap: While ground beef is classic, feel free to try ground chicken, turkey, or even pork for a delicious variation.

Frequently Asked Questions