Sides
Cha Kreung Sach Chrouk
Ingredients
- - 300 g (10.5 oz) pork loin, thinly sliced
- - 3 tbsp (45 g) kroeung paste
- - 1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
- - 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
- - 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- - 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely shredded
- - 1 long red chili, sliced diagonally
- - handful Thai basil leaves
Method
- Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the kroeung paste and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened.
- Add the pork slices and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until cooked through and coated evenly in the paste.
- Season with fish sauce and sugar, tossing to combine.
- Add the shredded kaffir lime leaves and sliced chili, stir-frying for a further 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and fold through the Thai basil leaves just until wilted.
- Serve warm alongside steamed rice.
Introduction: Cha Kreung Sach Chrouk is a fragrant, quick stir-fry that puts kroeung paste front and centre, coating thin strips of pork in the lemongrass-galangal-turmeric blend that defines much of Khmer cooking.
Cultural Background: Cha Kreung Sach Chrouk is a fragrant, quick stir-fry that puts kroeung paste front and centre, coating thin strips of pork in the lemongrass-galangal-turmeric blend that defines much of Khmer cooking. Served as a side alongside rice and a soup, it is a practical, everyday dish for using kroeung made in batches at the start of the week.
Tips: Cook the kroeung paste alone first until fragrant — this step, called 'blooming,' brings out its full aroma before the meat is added. Slice the pork thinly and evenly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Variations: Chicken or beef can replace pork. Green beans or bell peppers can be added for extra vegetables and colour. Replace pork with firm tofu or tempeh, pan-fried until golden before adding to the kroeung.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes, or in a microwave covered for 60–90 seconds.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 260 kcal, 22 g protein, 15 g fat, 6 g carbohydrate, 1 g fibre, 620 mg sodium.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought kroeung paste?
A: Yes — many Cambodian and Southeast Asian grocers sell pre-made kroeung, which works well and saves preparation time.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: It is mildly spiced from the chili and kroeung, and the chili quantity can be adjusted to taste.