Add the uncooked sticky rice to a medium cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet. Dry-toast over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan often, until the grains are evenly golden brown.
Transfer the rice to a plate and let it cool completely. Grind it in a spice grinder or clean coffee grinder until it forms a coarse powder. Do not grind it into a fine flour.
Prepare the pork and herbs
Chop the shallots, cilantro, mint, and scallions. Keep them separate because they are added at different stages.
In a large bowl, season the ground pork with 1 tablespoon lime juice, pepper, and salt.
Cook the pork
Heat the avocado oil in a 10 or 12-inch skillet over medium heat until the pan feels warm (not sizzling hot).
Add the pork and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the pork is cooked through, but do not let the skillet become completely dry. Leave a small amount of cooking liquid in the pan to keep the pork moist. Turn off the heat.
Season the larb
While the skillet is still hot, stir in the shallots. The remaining heat will soften them slightly and release their aroma.
Add the fish sauce, chili powder, and the juice of ½ lime. Toss well, then fold in the cilantro, mint, and scallions.
Taste before adding more lime. Add the remaining lime juice as needed, depending on how bright and citrusy you like your larb. Adjust with more fish sauce or chili powder to taste.
Rest and serve
Transfer the pork larb to a serving plate and let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes.
Stir in the toasted rice powder 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred texture. Serve at room temperature with sticky rice, vegetables, and lime wedges.
Video
Notes
Chili options: Thai bird’s eye chili powder is quite spicy. For milder heat, use gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). Regular red pepper flakes also work, though the flavor is slightly different and can be a bit spicier, so start with less and adjust to taste.
Toasted rice powder: Add it just before serving so it stays crisp and fragrant. Store any extra in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard for up to 1 month.
Grain-free option: Replace the toasted rice powder with 2 tablespoons hemp seeds and 2 tablespoons cashews or slivered almonds. Toast over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, cool, then coarsely grind.
Fish sauce alternative: Use vegan fish sauce or Yondu vegetable umami sauce. The flavor will be different from traditional pork larb.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Store extra toasted rice powder separately and add it after gently reheating or before serving.
Other proteins: For ground chicken, see my Chicken Larb recipe. For ground beef, see my Beef Larb recipe.