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Fresh, spicy, and full of texture, this vegan Thai larb uses crumbled tempeh as a hearty stand-in for meat. The toasted rice powder adds crunch and nuttiness, while lime and herbs make each bite zing. Served in cool, crisp lettuce, it's light but flavor-packed — great as a starter, lunch, or party food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Larb:

  • 200 g 7 oz tempeh, crumbled
  • 2 tsp neutral oil e.g. sunflower, canola
  • 1 small shallot finely sliced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 small red chili finely chopped (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or coconut sugar
  • 1½ tbsp toasted rice powder see below
  • 2 spring onions finely sliced
  • 1 handful fresh mint chopped
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro coriander, chopped

To Serve:

  • 8 –10 gem lettuce leaves or butter lettuce
  • Extra lime wedges
  • Crushed peanuts or toasted rice optional

For Toasted Rice Powder:

  • 2 tbsp uncooked jasmine rice

Instructions
 

Make Toasted Rice Powder (if not using store-bought):

  • Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add jasmine rice and toast, stirring often, until golden and fragrant (5–7 minutes). Let cool, then grind to a coarse powder using a mortar & pestle or spice grinder.

Cook the Tempeh:

  • Heat oil in a skillet. Add shallots and garlic, sauté 1–2 minutes. Add crumbled tempeh and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden. Stir in chili, soy sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup. Cook 1 minute more.

Finish the Larb:

  • Remove from heat and stir in toasted rice powder, herbs, and spring onions. Adjust lime, chili, or sweetness to taste.

Assemble Lettuce Cups:

  • Spoon larb mixture into clean lettuce leaves. Garnish with crushed peanuts, herbs, and extra chili if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • You can substitute tofu or mushrooms for tempeh.
  • Add shredded carrots or thin cucumber slices for extra crunch.
  • Toasted rice powder is essential for that authentic larb texture and flavor.
Keyword gluten-free Thai dish, healthy party food, Laotian salad, lettuce cups recipe, plant-based Thai appetizer, spicy Thai salad, Thai larb with tempeh, vegan larb, vegan lettuce wraps, vegan Southeast Asian recipe