Paleo Cha Lua (Vietnamese Pork Sausage)

Experience the flavors of Vietnam with this Paleo Cha Lua, a wholesome twist on the traditional Vietnamese pork sausage. Crafted with ground pork, arrowroot starch, and paleo-friendly seasonings like coconut aminos and fish sauce, this recipe delivers the same signature springy texture and savory profile without the usual additives. Wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and steamed to perfection, this dish not only looks authentic but also locks in natural flavors for a clean, aromatic finish. Perfect as a protein-packed snack, a versatile addition to salads, or a flavorful component in traditional Vietnamese dishes, this paleo-friendly cha lua is sure to delight your taste buds while staying true to your dietary goals. Ready in just over an hour, this homemade delicacy is a must-try for fans of Vietnamese cuisine seeking a healthier alternative.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground pork
• 50 grams arrowroot starch
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large sheets banana leaves
• 1 roll kitchen twine

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, arrowroot starch, fish sauce, coconut aminos, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the starch to absorb moisture.

Step 3

While the pork mixture is chilling, prepare the banana leaves by wiping them clean with a damp cloth and briefly passing them over an open flame to make them pliable.

Step 4

Cut the banana leaves into rectangles large enough to wrap around the sausage loaf, approximately 10 x 12 inches.

Step 5

Lay one sheet of banana leaf on a clean surface and place half of the pork mixture in the center. Shape it into a log, leaving space on the edges for wrapping.

Step 6

Carefully roll the banana leaf around the pork log, folding in the ends to enclose it entirely. Use kitchen twine to secure the package by tying it tightly.

Step 7

Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining pork mixture and banana leaf.

Step 8

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot and carefully add the wrapped sausages into the basket.

Step 9

Cover the pot and steam the sausages for about 45 minutes, or until fully cooked. You may need to check the water level occasionally and add more hot water as necessary to maintain the steam.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the sausages from the pot and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.

Step 11

Slice the sausages and serve as part of a meal or as a standalone snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(830.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1730.4

Total Fat 104.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 450mg	0%
Sodium 6176.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 58.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g	0%
Total Sugars 7.2g
Protein 131.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 187.8mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 160.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 31.0%

Carbs: 13.7%