Lao Minced Beef Salad with Lime and Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring tender cooked beef, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime dressing, served with steamed sticky rice. This asian ready in about 26 minutes pairs ground beef, lime juice, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef mixture. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in chopped cilantro, mint, green onions, and red onion. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve immediately with steamed sticky rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lao Minced Beef Salad with Lime and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lao Minced Beef Salad with Lime and Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lao Minced Beef Salad with Lime and Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lao Minced Beef Salad with Lime and Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lao Minced Beef Salad with Lime and Herbs?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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