Sai Oua

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) ground pork
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2-3 tablespoons red curry paste
1 tablespoon shrimp paste (optional)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
1-2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sausage casings (if making sausages) or aluminum foil (for grilling)

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

Heat Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.

Cook Aromatics

Add minced garlic, ginger, and lemongrass to the pan. Saut√© until fragrant and softened.

Add Curry Paste and Shrimp Paste

Stir in the red curry paste and shrimp paste (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the paste is well combined with the aromatics.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the cooked aromatics, red curry paste mixture, sliced red chilies, chopped cilantro, chopped mint leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar (if using), and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Form and Cook

Prepare Sausage Casings (Optional)

If using sausage casings, soak them in water according to package instructions. Rinse and stuff the casing with the pork mixture, twisting at intervals to form sausages. Tie off the ends.

Grill or Pan-Fry

If not using casings, shape the mixture into patties or logs. Grill or pan-fry over medium heat until cooked through and nicely browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes per side.

Cook Sausages

If using casings, grill the sausages over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.