Sai Oua (Lao Sausage)
Sai Oua is a flavorful Lao sausage, typically made with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and a blend of herbs and spices. It's often grilled or pan-fried, offering a delicious balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic notes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Ground pork(preferably with 20-30% fat)
- 4 stalks Lemongrass stalks(thinly sliced, tender inner core only)
- 10 leaves Kaffir lime leaves(finely chopped)
- 10 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 medium Shallots(chopped)
- 1 inch piece Galangal(grated)
- 1 inch piece Fresh turmeric(grated (optional, for color))
- 5-10 pieces Thai bird's eye chilies(or to taste, chopped)
- 3 roots Cilantro roots(cleaned and chopped)
- 3 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 package Pork casings(rinsed and prepared)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the aromatics: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, pound or process the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots, galangal, turmeric (if using), chilies, and cilantro roots into a fine paste.
💡 Tip: Ensure the paste is well-ground for maximum flavor distribution. - 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the aromatic paste, fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
💡 Tip: Use your hands to ensure even distribution of the paste and seasonings. - 3
Stuff the mixture into the prepared pork casings. Tie off the sausages at desired lengths (about 6-8 inches).
💡 Tip: Do not overstuff the casings, as they may burst during cooking. Prick any air pockets with a needle. - 4
Allow the sausages to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 1 hour to overnight - 5
To cook, you can grill the sausages over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Alternatively, pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes💡 Tip: Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that is highly desirable.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The fat content of the pork is crucial for a juicy sausage.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chilies to your preferred spice level.
- ✓Sai Oua can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a small amount of rice flour or glutinous rice flour for binding.
- Add a pinch of ground white pepper for an extra layer of spice.