Or Lam

Or Lam – flavorful Laotian vegetable stew
Laos
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Or Lam simmers with tender meat, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots in a curry-infused broth that warms the soul from within. This traditional Laotian stew combines beef or pork with red curry paste and a medley of vegetables in a savory, mildly spiced sauce. Served in markets and home kitchens throughout Laos, Or Lam represents comfort food at its finest. The slow-cooked flavors meld beautifully with sticky rice for an authentic meal.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) beef or pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fermented shrimp paste (optional)
  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 2-3 cups water
  • 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1-2 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Meat

Heat Oil

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Cook Meat

Add the beef or pork pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Make the Soup

Cook Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Add Curry Paste

Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add Broth and Water

Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the beef or chicken broth and water. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

Add Vegetables

Add the bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and chopped tomato to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

Season and Serve

Season

Season the soup with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste. Add sliced Thai bird chilies for heat.

Garnish

Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions.

Serve

Serve the Or Lam hot with steamed rice or as a stand-alone soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Or Lam?

Or Lam is a Laotian stew combining tender meat with vegetables like bamboo shoots and mushrooms in a red curry-infused broth. It's a hearty, warming dish reflecting Lao comfort food traditions.

Where does Or Lam come from?

Or Lam is a traditional Laotian stew particularly popular in northern Laos. It appears in homes and restaurants throughout the country as a beloved comfort food staple.

What are the main ingredients in Or Lam?

The stew combines beef or pork, red curry paste, vegetables including bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and tomatoes, plus broth, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce for depth.

Any tips for making the best Or Lam?

Brown your meat well first for depth of flavor, toast the curry paste briefly, simmer low and slow for tender results, and taste frequently to adjust seasoning with fish sauce and lime juice.

What do you serve with Or Lam?

Serve Or Lam hot with sticky rice for the ultimate pairing, and accompany with fresh vegetables, lime wedges, and a spicy condiment for a complete meal.