MasterChef Australia winner Nat Thaipun has created a culinary sensation by reinventing two Australian classics with vibrant Thai flavours in his new cookbook Thai: Anywhere and Everywhere.
Thai-Style Sausage Rolls with a Flavourful Twist
The innovative Thai sausage rolls feature seasoned pork shoulder mixed with lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, and coriander, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This creative twist on the traditional sausage roll incorporates authentic Thai spices and can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking.
Thaipun's recipe requires 20 minutes preparation and 25-30 minutes cooking time, yielding 12 substantial sausage rolls. The filling combines 1kg of coarsely minced pork shoulder with optional pork fat for added juiciness, seasoned with fish sauce, soy sauce, and a homemade sai oua curry paste.
The Ultimate Bunnings Snag Upgrade
For the uninitiated, Thaipun explains that Bunnings represents an Australian hardware chain famous for hosting fundraising barbecues where customers purchase simple sausages on white bread. His Thai Bunnings-style sausage elevates this humble snack into a gourmet experience.
The recipe features pork mince infused with lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, and coriander stems, served on sweet white bread with caramelised onions and a signature smoky tomato chilli sauce. Preparation takes 20 minutes with 15 minutes cooking time, serving four people.
Signature Sauces Complete the Experience
Both dishes are accompanied by Thaipun's homemade smoky tomato chilli sauce, which combines charred red chillies, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The recipe yields 250ml and features a balance of heat and tanginess reminiscent of traditional nam prik noom.
The cookbook also includes a recipe for nam prik sai oua, a versatile curry paste that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for three months. This essential component adds authentic Northern Thai flavours to the dishes.
Thai: Anywhere and Everywhere, published by Hardie Grant Books and priced at $50, features photography by David Loftus and represents Thaipun's continued exploration of Thai cuisine's adaptability across different culinary traditions.