This vegan Thai larb with mushrooms and herbs is one of those dishes that feels light and vibrant yet deeply satisfying. Traditionally, larb is a minced meat salad bursting with lime, herbs, and toasted rice powder, but this plant-based version swaps meat for finely chopped mushrooms that soak up all those bold Thai flavors beautifully. It’s tangy, savory, slightly spicy, and packed with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro that make every bite feel alive. Whether you’re focused on clean eating, exploring vegan asian food, or just craving something refreshing and bold, this mushroom larb hits the sweet spot between comfort and brightness. It’s the kind of dish that works equally well as a quick weeknight dinner, a shared platter for friends, or a standout addition to a spread of vegetarian asian recipes.
Vegan Thai Larb with Mushrooms and Fresh Herbs
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Large skillet or sauté pan A wide pan helps moisture evaporate quickly from the mushrooms so they brown instead of steam. A cast iron or stainless steel pan works especially well.
Sharp chef’s knife Essential for finely chopping mushrooms and herbs.
Cutting board Preferably a large one to manage herbs and vegetables easily.
Small dry skillet For toasting rice if making your own toasted rice powder.
Mortar and pestle or spice grinder To grind toasted rice into a coarse powder.
Mixing bowl For combining everything before serving.
Mushrooms and Base
- Mushrooms 1 pound total – A mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms works best. Cremini provide a hearty, meaty texture while shiitake add umami depth. You can also use oyster mushrooms for a softer bite or king oyster mushrooms if you want longer, shredded pieces.
- Neutral oil 2 tablespoons – Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are ideal for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
- Shallots 2 medium, finely sliced – These bring sweetness and a gentle sharpness that’s essential to larb.
- Garlic 4 cloves, minced – Adds warmth and savory backbone.
- Fresh ginger 1 tablespoon, finely minced – Optional but highly recommended for extra brightness.
Seasoning and Sauce
- Soy sauce or tamari 3 tablespoons – Tamari keeps it gluten-free while adding deep savoriness.
- Fresh lime juice ¼ cup – This is the heart of larb; freshly squeezed makes a big difference.
- Maple syrup or coconut sugar 1–2 teaspoons – Just enough to balance acidity.
- Chili garlic sauce or Thai chili paste 1–2 teaspoons – Adjust based on spice tolerance.
- Ground white pepper ½ teaspoon – Traditional and more subtle than black pepper.
- Toasted rice powder 2 tablespoons – This adds nutty aroma and slight crunch. You can make it by dry-toasting jasmine rice and grinding it.
Fresh Herbs and Crunch
- Fresh mint leaves 1 cup, loosely packed, torn – Essential for that cooling contrast.
- Fresh cilantro 1 cup, chopped – Adds citrusy herbal notes.
- Green onions 4 stalks, thinly sliced – Mild onion flavor and crunch.
- Thai basil ½ cup, sliced, optional – Adds an anise-like fragrance if available.
- Roasted peanuts or cashews ¼ cup, crushed – Optional but great for texture.
For Serving
- Butter lettuce romaine, or cabbage leaves – Perfect for wrapping or scooping.
- Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice – Optional but great if you want something more filling.
- Extra lime wedges and fresh chilies – For finishing at the table.
Prepare the mushrooms
Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove any tough stems. Finely chop them so they resemble minced meat. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll absorb flavor and mimic traditional larb texture.
Toast the rice (if making from scratch)
Add ¼ cup uncooked jasmine rice to a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool slightly, then grind into a coarse powder. Set aside.
Sauté aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking just until fragrant.
Cook the mushrooms
Add chopped mushrooms to the pan. Spread them out and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to encourage browning. Stir occasionally and cook until most moisture evaporates and mushrooms are deeply savory, about 8–10 minutes.
Season and balance
Lower heat to medium. Add soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, chili paste, and white pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning—larb should be tangy, savory, and slightly spicy.
Add toasted rice powder
Sprinkle in toasted rice powder and stir. This thickens the mixture slightly and adds that signature nutty aroma.
Finish with herbs
Remove from heat and gently fold in mint, cilantro, green onions, and Thai basil. The residual heat wilts the herbs just enough without dulling their freshness.
Serve
Spoon the larb into lettuce cups or onto a serving platter. Garnish with crushed nuts, extra herbs, and lime wedges.
Pairings
This vegan Thai larb pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages, making it easy to build a complete meal around it.
- Sticky rice or jasmine rice – The neutral flavor balances the bold, acidic notes of larb.
- Papaya or cucumber salad – Light, crunchy salads enhance the freshness and keep things in line with healthy thai food.
- Grilled vegetables – Simple grilled eggplant or zucchini complement the herbal notes.
- Coconut-based soups – A light coconut soup pairs well, especially if you enjoy vegan thai curry flavors alongside bright salads.
- Beverages – Unsweetened iced tea, lemongrass tea, or sparkling water with lime keep things refreshing.
This dish also fits naturally into spreads featuring vegan Asian recipes or Asian vegan recipes, where contrasting textures and flavors shine.
FAQs
1. What type of mushrooms work best for vegan larb?
A combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms is ideal. Cremini provide structure, while shiitake bring umami depth. Oyster mushrooms are softer and lighter, while king oyster mushrooms can be shredded for a meatier feel.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom base a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add fresh herbs and lime juice just before serving to maintain brightness.
3. Is this dish spicy?
It can be as mild or spicy as you like. Adjust chili paste or fresh chilies to suit your preference.
4. How does this fit into a healthy eating plan?
This dish is naturally high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and packed with herbs and vegetables. It works well for clean eating and aligns with many healthy Thai recipes.
5. Can I use this larb in other ways?
Absolutely. Use it as a filling for wraps, spoon it over rice bowls, or serve it alongside other vegan Asian food dishes, even mixing menus inspired by vegan Vietnamese recipes or vegan Chinese recipes for a broader Asian-inspired spread.
