How to Make Thai Breakfast Sausage (Sai Krok)
Thai breakfast sausage, known as Sai Krok, is a beloved dish that brings a burst of flavor to your morning routine. With its unique blend of spices and ingredients, creating this dish at home is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make Thai breakfast sausage step-by-step.
Ingredients for Sai Krok
Gather the following ingredients to prepare a delicious batch of Thai breakfast sausage:
- 500g ground pork
- 200g cooked rice (preferably jasmine rice)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (optional, for texture)
- 1 tablespoon fermented rice (optional, for sourness)
Instructions for Making Thai Breakfast Sausage
Follow these steps to create your own Sai Krok:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all of your ingredients on a clean surface. Ensure that your ground pork is fresh, and your rice is cooked and cooled. Mash the cooked rice slightly to help amalgamate it with the pork.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked rice, minced garlic, salt, sugar, fish sauce, black pepper, coriander powder, and rice flour if you’re using it. If you're incorporating fermented rice for an additional tangy flavor, add it here as well.
Use clean hands to knead the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a sticky consistency, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage
Once your mixture is well combined, take small portions and shape them into sausages or patties, about 2-3 inches long. This step is essential for ensuring that the sausages cook evenly.
Step 4: Cooking the Sausage
There are a few methods to cook your Sai Krok:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill and place the sausages on skewers for easy handling. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes until the sausages are browned and fully cooked.
- Pan-frying: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the sausages until they are golden brown on all sides, about 10-15 minutes.
- Steaming: For a healthier option, steam the sausages in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Once your Sai Krok is cooked to perfection, remove them from heat. Serve the sausages hot with a side of spicy dipping sauce and fresh vegetables such as cucumber and Thai herbs for a truly authentic experience.
Tips for Perfecting Your Sai Krok
To enhance your experience, consider these helpful tips:
- Experiment with spices: Add chili flakes or minced fresh herbs like cilantro for a more aromatic flavor.
- Store leftovers: If you have any sausages left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat safely: Warm up cooked sausages in a pan or microwave before serving.
Creating your own Thai breakfast sausage at home opens a world of flavors right in your kitchen. The next time you're looking for a unique breakfast option, try making Sai Krok and share this delightful dish with your friends and family!