Laab Meatballs
What are laab meatballs?
Laab, the national dish of Laos, is typically a ground meat salad. In this twist on the classic, it's transformed into flavorful meatballs, making it an ideal appetizer for parties—easy to eat and share. The meatballs are full of laab's signature bold flavors, with an added crunch from panko crumbs. They can be enjoyed wrapped in lettuce with fresh herbs or paired with traditional sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce. For extra heat, try eating a bird’s eye chili with each bite!
Ingredients
ground chicken breast: a healthier option but feel free to use other proteins like ground pork or beef
tapioca starch: adds the slight bounciness to the balls
Oyster sauce: adds flavor
fish sauce: adds flavor and umami
Lao Spices laab seasoning: this gives it that laab flavor
Makrut lime leaf: adds the nice fragrance to the dish
Green onions
Cilantro
Ginger
Garlic cloves
Coating
panko bread crumbs: gives the balls an extra crunch to every bite
sea salt & black pepper
Garnish
Lettuce
Bird eye chili peppers
Cucumber
Green onion
Where can I get Lao Spices Laab Seasoning Blend?
The Lao Spices Laab blend is available online at www.laospices.com. It is made with roasted sticky rice powder and the common laab aromatics. Its a blend made to make fast and easy laab recipes.
How are laab meatballs served?
Laab meatballs are best served with plenty of freshly steamed sticky rice and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables like lettuce, cilantro, cucumbers, and bird’s eye chili peppers. In the photo below, they are paired with jeow bong and a sprinkle of extra Lao Spices laab seasoning for added flavor.
Photo credit: @dashofting
Laab Meatballs
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken breast with tapioca starch, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and laab seasoning. Mix thoroughly. Add the minced lime leaf, green onions, cilantro, ginger, and garlic, then mix again until fully combined.
- With lightly wet hands, take a tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the meat is used up.
- For the coating, mix the breadcrumbs, laab seasoning, salt, and pepper in a separate large bowl. Roll each meatball in the coating until evenly covered.
- Air fry the meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Serve with lettuce wraps or sticky rice for a complete meal.
Sabaidee, I’m Saeng!
I’m a personal chef who specializes in Lao food. Here at Saeng’s Kitchen, you’ll find all your favorite traditional Lao foods and also some new twists to Lao style dishes.