Sai Oua
Northern Thai Sausage
An aromatic and flavorful grilled sausage, a specialty from the Chiang Mai region of Northern Thailand, featuring vibrant notes of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground pork(Preferably with about 20-30% fat for juiciness.)
- 3 stalks Lemongrass(Trim tough outer layers, thinly slice the tender inner white and light green parts.)
- 2 tbsp Galangal(Freshly grated or very finely minced. If using dried, rehydrate and use slightly more.)
- 5 Kaffir lime leaves(Remove the central rib and finely mince the leaves.)
- 2 tbsp Red curry paste(Adjust to your spice preference. A good quality Thai red curry paste is recommended.)
- 2 tbsp Cilantro roots(Finely chopped. If unavailable, use the stems and a bit of the leaves.)
- 4 Garlic cloves(Minced.)
- 2 medium Shallots(Roughly chopped.)
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar(Palm sugar is traditional, but granulated sugar works.)
- approx. 1.5-2 m Sausage casings(Natural pork casings, prepared according to package instructions (usually soaked).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the aromatic paste: In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, combine the thinly sliced lemongrass, minced galangal, finely chopped kaffir lime leaves, chopped cilantro roots, minced garlic, and chopped shallots. Pound or process until a relatively smooth, fragrant paste is formed. This should take about 15-20 minutes by hand, or 5 minutes in a food processor.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Combine the pork mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground pork, the prepared aromatic paste, red curry paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture becomes slightly sticky. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the sausage tough. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and make stuffing easier.
⏱️ 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling) - 3
Stuff the casings: Prepare your sausage stuffer. Carefully thread a prepared sausage casing onto the stuffer nozzle. Fill the casing with the pork mixture, avoiding air pockets. Gently twist the casing into links of your desired size (about 4-6 inches long). Prick any air bubbles with a fine needle. This process can take about 20-30 minutes.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 4
Cook the sausages: Sai Oua can be grilled, pan-fried, or baked. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-low heat (around 160-180°C / 320-350°F). Place the sausage links on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sausages are golden brown, slightly charred in spots, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F). If pan-frying, use medium heat and turn frequently. If baking, preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The aroma is key! Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- ✓Northern Thai specialty, often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
- ✓Grill slowly over indirect or low heat to ensure the sausage cooks through without burning the exterior.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, add more red curry paste or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Experiment with adding other herbs like mint or basil for a different flavor profile.