Laotian Stuffed Lemongrass (Ua Si Khai)

Step 1

In a mortar pound garlic, onions, cilantro, lime leaves and salt until a paste forms

Step 2

Add in the ground chicken or meat of your choosing and pound until all is well combined

Step 3

Using a sharp knife, starting about 1/2 inch above the base of the lemongrass, make a slit about 3 to 4 inches in length through the lemon grass, rotate the lemongrass stalk about 45 degrees and repeat until the slits form a basket. Cut off the top of the lemongrass an inch or two about the basket.

Step 4

Using a spoon or your hands to insert about 1/8 cup of the chicken or other meat filling, Carefully rotating the lemongrass to stuff the meat inside.

Step 5

Heat oil over medium high heat, dip the lemongrass in the beaten egg mixture and place in the hot oil.

Step 6

Fry until the the filling is cooked through. This can also works well in a deep fryer.

Step 7

Place the stuffed fried lemongrass on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Step 8

Serve with peanut sauce on the side.