How to Make Thai Meat and Herb Sausages
Thai meat and herb sausages, known as sai ua, are a flavorful and aromatic dish from Northern Thailand. These sausages combine a unique blend of meats and fresh herbs, creating a delightful balance of taste that is sure to impress. Follow this simple recipe to make your own Thai meat and herb sausages at home.
Ingredients
- 500g ground pork
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon chopped kaffir lime leaves
- Sausage casings (natural or synthetic)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground pork, rice flour, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and red curry paste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Add Fresh Herbs
To the meat mixture, add fresh cilantro, mint, lemongrass, and chopped kaffir lime leaves. These herbs are essential for delivering that authentic Thai flavor. Mix again until all herbs are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
3. Season the Mixture
Add lime juice to the mixture and give it one last stir. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more fish sauce or sugar according to your preference.
4. Prepare the Sausage Casings
If you are using natural sausage casings, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to make them easier to handle. Rinse them inside and out to remove any excess salt.
5. Stuff the Sausages
Using a sausage stuffer or a piping bag, carefully fill each sausage casing with the meat mixture. Be careful not to overstuff, as the sausages need room to expand during cooking.
Tie off the ends of the sausages securely with kitchen twine. Ensure that there are no air pockets within the casing by gently squeezing and pushing the filling down before tying each sausage.
6. Cook the Sausages
You can grill, pan-fry, or bake the sausages. To grill, preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the sausages for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and have a nice char. If you choose to bake, place the sausages on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the sausages rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with sticky rice, fresh veggies, and a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce for an authentic Thai experience.
Making Thai meat and herb sausages at home offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Thai cuisine and enjoy the vibrant flavors that come with it. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!