Vegan Larb Recipe: Easy, Flavorful Plant-Based Dish

Vegan larb is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings the essence of traditional Thai and Laotian cuisine into a plant-based lifestyle. Traditionally made with minced meat, larb is a refreshing salad packed with herbs, lime juice, and toasted rice powder.

This vegan version swaps out meat for hearty ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh, making it perfect for anyone seeking a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add a unique dish to your recipe rotation, this vegan larb offers a delicious explosion of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors that will awaken your taste buds.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of making the perfect vegan larb from scratch. With fresh herbs, zesty lime, and a hint of chili, this recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or a refreshing lunch.

Plus, it’s gluten-free, soy-free options are easily adaptable, and it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or crisp lettuce cups.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan larb recipe is a delightful journey of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh herbs, lime juice, and toasted rice powder creates a uniquely satisfying taste that’s both bright and comforting.

It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, low-fat, high-protein meal without any animal products.

Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize the level of heat, swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, and make it gluten-free or soy-free with simple substitutions.

It’s perfect for meal prep, light dinners, or impressing guests with an authentic Southeast Asian dish that’s completely plant-based.

For more exciting plant-based dishes, be sure to check out Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals and Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

Ingredients

• 200g oyster mushrooms (finely chopped to mimic ground meat texture)
• 100g firm tofu (crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons toasted rice powder (see instructions below)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (roughly chopped)
• 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (such as sunflower or avocado)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped lemongrass (for extra aroma)

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Small dry skillet (for toasting rice)
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Serving bowl or platter

Instructions

1. Prepare the toasted rice powder: Place 3 tablespoons of uncooked glutinous rice or jasmine rice in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and grind into a coarse powder. Set aside.
2. Clean and chop the mushrooms: Remove stems if tough, then finely chop oyster mushrooms until they resemble ground meat. Set aside.
3. Cook the mushrooms and tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and crumbled tofu. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and tofu starts to brown slightly.
4. Add aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped lemongrass (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well until sugar dissolves.
6. Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooked mushroom-tofu mixture into a mixing bowl. Add thinly sliced red onion, green onions, cilantro, mint, chopped chilies, and toasted rice powder. Pour the dressing over and toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more lime juice, soy sauce, or chilies according to your preference.
8. Serve: Serve your vegan larb immediately with steamed jasmine rice, sticky rice, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a refreshing bite.

Tips & Variations

“Toasted rice powder is the soul of larb—it adds a nutty aroma and a subtle crunch that is essential for authentic texture and flavor.”

For a soy-free version, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari, and replace tofu with extra mushrooms or crumbled tempeh if you tolerate soy better.

Try using different mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for varied textures and deeper umami flavor. You can also add finely chopped shallots instead of red onion for a milder taste.

Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the bird’s eye chilies, or add a pinch of chili flakes if fresh chilies aren’t available.

For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas. For extra freshness, garnish with sliced cucumber and additional fresh herbs right before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan larb is best enjoyed fresh and pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine or sticky rice to soak up the tangy juices. For a lighter option, serve it wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, such as butter or romaine, turning it into delightful lettuce cups.

Complement the meal with fresh or pickled vegetables like sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even quick-pickled daikon radish to balance the spicy and tangy flavors.

For a complete Southeast Asian-inspired feast, explore other delicious recipes like Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals or try the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to diversify your plant-based culinary repertoire.

Conclusion

Making vegan larb at home is an excellent way to enjoy a fresh, zesty, and healthy meal inspired by classic Southeast Asian flavors. This recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy lime, spicy chilies, fragrant herbs, and nutty toasted rice powder, creating a complex yet approachable dish that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore new cuisines, vegan larb provides a delicious and nutritious option that fits seamlessly into any diet. Its versatility means you can customize it to your tastes and dietary needs, making it a reliable go-to for quick dinners or special occasions.

Give it a try and experience the vibrant tastes of vegan larb for yourself!

For more inspiring vegan recipes, don’t forget to check out the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to accompany your meals.

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