Stuffed Lemongrass or Oua Si Khai in lao

Are you looking to explore the flavors of Lao cuisine? One dish that you must try is Lao Stuffed Lemongrass, also known as Oua Si Khai. This traditional Lao dish combines the aromatic flavors of lemongrass with a delicious stuffing made from ground meat and fragrant herbs. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering dish step by step.

What ingredients do you need?

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients:

• 10 stalks of fresh lemongrass
• 500 grams of ground pork or chicken
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• A handful of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• A handful of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

How to prepare the lemongrass?

Start by trimming the lemongrass stalks, removing the tough outer layers until you reach the tender part. Cut off the root end and the top green part, leaving about 6 inches of the stalk. Gently pound the lemongrass with a meat mallet or the back of a knife to release its fragrance.

How to make the stuffing?

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, minced garlic, chopped shallot, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Then, add the chopped cilantro and mint leaves to the mixture and give it a final mix.

How to stuff the lemongrass?

Take a generous amount of the meat mixture and press it firmly onto the lemongrass stalk, making sure it sticks well. Repeat this process for all the lemongrass stalks.

How to cook the stuffed lemongrass?

Heat a pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Place the stuffed lemongrass in the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the lemongrass is slightly charred.

How to serve the Lao Stuffed Lemongrass?

Once cooked, remove the stuffed lemongrass from the pan and let them cool slightly. Serve them as an appetizer or as part of a main course with steamed rice and a side of dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili.

Now that you know how to make Lao Stuffed Lemongrass, it's time to gather the ingredients and give it a try. This unique dish will surely impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. Enjoy!