If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for warm weather dining, look no further than these tantalizing Pork Larb Lettuce Cups! This Thai-inspired recipe combines succulent ground pork with the zesty kick of fish sauce and lime, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite. Perfect as a light meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these cups are not just delicious—they're also quick to make, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish! Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to bring a taste of Thailand to your table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- Fresh mint and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 1 pound of ground pork, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of chili flakes. Rinse the head of lettuce and carefully separate the leaves, setting them aside for later use.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the ground pork. Cook the pork, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Once the pork is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and add the fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes to the cooked pork. Stir well to combine all the flavors and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the pork evenly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pork mixture cool slightly. While it cools, prepare your serving platter with the separated lettuce leaves.
- To serve, spoon a generous amount of the pork mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with fresh mint and cilantro for added flavor and garnish.
- Enjoy your Pork Larb Lettuce Cups immediately, either as an appetizer or a light main dish. They are best served fresh and can be accompanied by extra lime wedges or chili flakes on the side, if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps you focus on getting the flavors just right.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more or even include fresh sliced chilies for an extra kick!
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint and cilantro not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful touch of color. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the dish significantly!
- Experiment with Lettuce: While traditional recipes often use iceberg or romaine lettuce, feel free to experiment with other leafy greens like butter lettuce or even cabbage for a different texture and taste.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the Pork Larb Lettuce Cups right after assembling them. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the flavors vibrant.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like diced vegetables or nuts for added texture and flavor. This recipe is versatile, so make it your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 302kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 72mg
