Lao Style Beef Salad (Pra Nuea)

Thai restaurants around the world sell larb (also spelled laab) in various styles, usually with ground chicken "Larb Gai" or pork "Larb Moo". Our Lao version here, made with rare lean ground beef, is exceptional because the meat soaks/cooks in lime juice for several hours then finished briefly in a skillet to give it an especially sour flavor. Combined with the shallots, sliced lemongrass, fish sauce and ground chiles, it all comes together so well. It's very healthy too. You can make this same version with pork, chicken, shrimp or lobster.