Stir-Fried Northern Thai Sausage with Sticky Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory stir-fry featuring northern Thai-style grilled sausage sliced and cooked with aromatic herbs, served alongside fragrant sticky rice. This thai-inspired street food ready in about 45 minutes pairs northern Thai sausage (sliced), sticky rice, lemongrass (finely chopped) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 4 hours. Drain and steam in a bamboo steamer over boiling water for 20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp finely chopped lemongrass, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced northern Thai sausage and 2 sliced bird’s eye chilies, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned and heated through.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice, tossing to combine and cook for another 1 minute until the sauce coats the sausage and thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves, and serve immediately with the steamed sticky rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Northern Thai Sausage with Sticky Rice take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Northern Thai Sausage with Sticky Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sticky rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Northern Thai Sausage with Sticky Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Northern Thai Sausage with Sticky Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Northern Thai Sausage with Sticky Rice?

Thai street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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