Soy-Free Cha Lua (Vietnamese Pork Sausage)

Discover the delicious authenticity of Soy-Free Cha Lua, a Vietnamese pork sausage made without soy that highlights the natural flavors of high-quality ground pork combined with aromatic fish sauce, white pepper, and a touch of sweetness. This recipe offers a healthier, allergen-friendly twist on the traditional dish while maintaining its signature tender and springy texture, achieved by mixing in ice water and potato starch. Wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and cooked gently in simmering water, this homemade delicacy brings the essence of Vietnamese cuisine to your table. Perfectly sliced and served as an appetizer, sandwich filling, or side dish, this easy, soy-free cha lua is a must-try recipe for anyone craving authentic Southeast Asian flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground pork
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons potato starch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 4 tablespoons ice water
• 2 large pieces banana leaves
• 1 roll kitchen twine
• 2 sheets aluminum foil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, fish sauce, baking powder, potato starch, sugar, and ground white pepper.

Step 2

Slowly add the ice water, mixing by hand or with a mixer set on low speed until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3

Cut the banana leaves into sheets large enough to wrap the sausage log. Quickly pass the banana leaves over an open flame or hot pan to make them pliable, being careful not to burn them.

Step 4

Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions. Place one portion onto a banana leaf and shape into a cylindrical log.

Step 5

Roll the banana leaf around the pork mixture as tightly as possible, tucking in the sides to secure the package.

Step 6

Wrap the banana leaf-covered log in aluminum foil tightly to help hold its shape during cooking. Secure the ends with kitchen twine.

Step 7

Repeat steps 4-6 for the second portion of the meat mixture.

Step 8

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and carefully place the sausage logs in the water.

Step 9

Cover the pot and simmer for about 60 minutes or until the sausage is firm to the touch.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the sausages from the water and let them cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Step 11

When ready to serve, remove the banana leaves and slice the sausage into rounds. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(846.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1615.8

Total Fat 104.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 450mg	0%
Sodium 4540.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 29.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	0%
Total Sugars 5.9g
Protein 131.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 185.9mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 170.7mg	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: 59.3%

Protein: 33.2%

Carbs: 7.5%