a. Rinse the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
b. Soak the sticky rice in water for about 4 hours or overnight.
c. Drain the soaked sticky rice and steam it in a steamer for approximately 20 minutes until cooked and tender.
d. Remove the sticky rice from the steamer and let it cool.
Cook the Ground Pork or Chicken:
a. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
b. Add the ground pork or chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
c. Remove the cooked meat from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Jeow Mak Len Sauce:
a. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted rice powder, minced garlic, and Thai bird chilies (if using).
b. Blend the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
c. Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl.
d. Add lime juice, fish sauce, and chicken broth to the bowl.
e. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the sauce sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine the Ingredients:
a. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground pork or chicken, chopped scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped fresh mint, chopped fresh Thai basil, and chopped fresh kaffir lime leaves.
b. Add the prepared Jeow Mak Len sauce to the mixing bowl.
c. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Serve the Laos Jeow Mak Len:
a. Transfer the prepared Laos Jeow Mak Len to a serving dish.
b. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, lime wedges, and sliced chilies if desired.
c. Serve the dish with steamed sticky rice on the side.
Notes
Use a nonstick skillet or wok to prevent sticking and make it easier to stir-fry the ingredients.Pre-chop your ingredients beforehand to make cooking go smoother and faster.Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking. You can add more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar to balance the flavors according to your preferences.Serve the Laab Diip with sticky rice to soak up the flavorful juices.