Bamboo Shoot Larb [Laab] (Laj Ntsuag Xyoob) - C.HerCreations (2024)

Ingredients

• 1 pound bamboo shoot tips [I used singing bird brand] (rinsed)
• ---VEGETABLE STOCK---
• 4 cups water
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/4 onion (rough cut)
• 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 3 cilantro roots or stems
• 1/2 tsp crushed white peppercorns
• ---DRESSING---
• 1/2 tsp chili powder or fresh chili peppers(add more if desire)
• 1 ½ TBSP of fish sauce
• 1 ½ tsp of chicken bouillon powder
• 1 TBSP of lime juice
• 2 Garlic (finely minced)
• 2 lemongrass (minced or slice)
• OPTIONAL: Padaek (I usually don't like to add padaek in my cooking, but you have the option to)
• ---HERBS---
• 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 cup green onion (slice)
• 1/2 cup culantro (chopped)
• 1 shallots (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons of toasted rice powder
• OPTIONAL: Basil, Mint, Dill, etc

Instructions

1) In a pot, add in 4 cups of water and all the stock herbs and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.

2) While the stock is simmering, drain and rinse the bamboo shoots. Then cut each shoot in half. After the stock has simmer for 10 minutes, add in the bamboo shoots and let it cook out for another 10 minutes. Then drain and let it cool.

3) While the bamboo shoots are cooling down, make the dressing. Mix everything for the dressing together in a bowl. Taste and adjust.

4) Once the bamboo shoots are cooled, take each shoot and place it on a cutting board. Then take a bamboo skewer using the tip side and start shredding the bamboo. If you notice the bamboo has some tough parts, you can shred away from the tough part and then cut it away after shredding the tender parts. Continue until all the bamboo is shredded.

5) Add the shredded bamboo into the dressing along with all the herbs and the toasted rice powder. Mix well and taste to adjust the seasoning. You have the freedom to add other herbs and spices at this point. Serve with white rice and grilled meat and enjoy! 🙂

Notes

Add other seasonings and herbs if you desire to do so. Other proteins can be added into this salad as well. This dish is super versatile.