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Isan Sausage (Sai Krok Isan)

Thai · Appetizer

A classic fermented Thai street food snack from the Northeastern (Isan) region. These flavorful pork and rice sausages are tangily fermented and traditionally grilled to perfection, offering a unique sour and garlicky punch.

IntermediateHigh proteinDairy free
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Isan Sausage (Sai Krok Isan) — recipe cover
2 days 45 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time45 min
Cook time20 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

6 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Rinse the hog casings thoroughly

    Rinse the hog casings thoroughly in cold water to remove salt, then soak in water for 30 minutes until flexible.

    30 min
  2. Combine the ground pork, cooked sticky rice, minced garlic, salt

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked sticky rice, minced garlic, salt, and white pepper. Mix and knead by hand for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and well-emulsified.

    10 min
  3. Stuff the mixture

    Stuff the mixture into the casing using a sausage stuffer or a funnel. Do not pack it too tightly to prevent bursting. Tie the sausage with kitchen twine every 1-1.5 inches to create small balls.

  4. Use a toothpick or clean needle

    Use a toothpick or clean needle to prick each sausage segment 3-4 times to release air bubbles and prevent them from exploding during cooking.

  5. Hang the sausages

    Hang the sausages in a dry, shaded place at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours to ferment. They are ready when they smell slightly sour and the meat looks a bit more translucent.

    2 days
  6. Grill the sausages

    Grill the sausages over low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, pan-fry or bake at 375°F (191°C).

    20 min

A little kitchen wisdom

The characteristic sourness comes from natural fermentation. In warmer climates, 24 hours is usually enough; in cooler climates, you might need up to 48-72 hours. Always serve with fresh ginger, Thai bird's eye chilies, and raw cabbage to balance the richness.

What you'll need

Sausage stuffer or funnelKitchen twineMixing bowlToothpick
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The sausages can be fermented for up to 3 days at room temperature before being moved to the fridge.

Store & enjoy

Store cooked sausages in an airtight container. Reheat in an air fryer or pan to restore crispiness of the skin.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Isan Sausage (Sai Krok Isan)
Step 1 of 6

Rinse the hog casings thoroughly

Rinse the hog casings thoroughly in cold water to remove salt, then soak in water for 30 minutes until flexible.

30 min