Vegetarian Laab with Roasted Rice and Fresh Herbs

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

A vibrant vegetarian take on traditional Laab, featuring minced mushrooms, toasted rice powder, and a zesty lime-chili dressing with fresh herbs. This thai-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, ground to powder dry roasted rice, thinly sliced shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz finely chopped shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and any moisture has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and transfer mushrooms to a mixing bowl. Add 2 thinly sliced shallots, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 chopped bird’s eye chilies, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine tangy and spicy flavors.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp ground toasted rice powder to add a nutty texture and 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves, and 3 sliced green onions.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice or soy sauce if needed. Serve immediately or chilled with fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Laab with Roasted Rice and Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Vegetarian Laab with Roasted Rice and Fresh 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 thinly sliced shallots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Laab with Roasted Rice and Fresh 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 Vegetarian Laab with Roasted Rice and Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Vegetarian Laab with Roasted Rice and Fresh Herbs vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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