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Sai Ua – Northern Thai Sausage

Experience the vibrant flavors of Northern Thai sausage (Sai Ua) with this easy-to-follow recipe that allows for customization of spice levels and preparation styles.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the sausage mixture
  • 1 lb ground pork You could substitute with chicken for a lighter version.
  • 6-8 g dried chilies Adjust depending on heat preference; Thai bird chilies are recommended.
  • 3 slices galangal, chopped If unavailable, use ginger as a substitute.
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bottom half only, thinly sliced
  • 2 inches turmeric root or 1 ½ tsp turmeric powder Fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
  • ⅓ cup chopped shallots Use good quality shallots for sweetness.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for better aroma.
  • ½ piece kaffir lime, zest from half (optional) Adds a lovely bright note.
  • 1 tsp fermented shrimp paste (gapi) Do not skip; it is key!
  • 1 Tbsp fish sauce Choose a high-quality brand for better flavor.
  • 5 pieces kaffir lime leaves, thinly julienned and minced If unavailable, lime zest can be used as an alternative.
  • 5-6 stems cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 small green onion, finely chopped

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the chili base: Grind the dried chilies in a coffee grinder until fine.
  2. Create the curry paste: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chilies, galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, shallots, garlic, kaffir lime zest, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. Blend until smooth.
  3. Mix the pork: In a large bowl, knead together the ground pork and the prepared curry paste. Ensure it's tightly mixed, then gently fold in minced cilantro, green onion, and kaffir lime leaves.
Cooking
  1. For caseless sausages: Shape mixture into logs and rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight). Broil until browned for about 10-12 minutes.
  2. For sausage patties: Form small patties and pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat, about 3-5 minutes on each side.
  3. For stuffed sausages: Carefully stuff into casings, resting them for 30 minutes. Poke holes to prevent bursting. Grill or fry until cooked through.
Serving
  1. Pair your Sai Ua with fresh vegetables and sticky rice for a delightful meal.

Notes

Ensure pork is not too lean for better flavor and moisture. Kneading well is key for great texture. Avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).