Chinese sausage, known as “lap cheong” or “làcháng” (腊肠) in Mandarin, is a beloved ingredient in Chinese cuisine. With its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor, Chinese sausage adds a unique and delightful dimension to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to explore new flavors, learning how to cook Chinese sausage is a valuable culinary skill. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to cook Chinese sausage to perfection and share some delicious recipes to get you started.
4 Classic Ways to Cook Chinese Sausage
Chinese sausage can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and how you choose to cook it depends on your preferences and the dish you’re preparing. Here are some common methods for cooking Chinese sausage:
a. Sautéed Chinese Sausage
Sautéing Chinese sausage is a simple and popular cooking method that enhances its natural sweetness and smokiness. Here’s how to do it:
1. Slice the Chinese sausage into thin rounds or diagonal pieces.
2. Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
3. Add the sliced sausage to the hot skillet and sauté until they become slightly crispy and caramelized, usually for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the sautéed Chinese sausage from the skillet and use it as a topping or ingredient in various dishes, such as fried rice, noodles, or stir-fries.
b. Steamed Chinese Sausage
Steaming Chinese sausage is a gentle cooking method that preserves its flavors and textures. Here’s how to steam Chinese sausage:
1. Place the whole Chinese sausages or sliced pieces in a heatproof dish or steaming tray.
2. Steam the sausages over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through.
3. Once steamed, the sausages can be served as a side dish or used in various recipes.
c. Braised Chinese Sausage
Braising Chinese sausage infuses them with rich flavors and creates a delicious sauce. Here’s how to braise Chinese sausage:
1. Slice the Chinese sausage into rounds or diagonal pieces.
2. Heat a pot or pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
3. Add the sliced sausage and sauté until they begin to brown slightly.
4. Pour in a braising liquid, which can be a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and water.
5. Simmer the sausages in the braising liquid for about 15-20 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve the braised Chinese sausage as a side dish or use it in recipes like clay pot rice or noodles.
d. Grilled Chinese Sausage
Grilling Chinese sausage is a fantastic way to impart a smoky and charred flavor. Here’s how to grill Chinese sausage:
1. Slice the Chinese sausage into diagonal pieces.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Thread the sausage slices onto skewers or grill grates.
4. Grill the sausages for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop grill marks and a slightly crispy texture.
5. Serve the grilled Chinese sausage as a snack or appetizer, or use it in sandwiches or salads.
e. Chinese Sausage Fried Rice
Chinese sausage fried rice is a classic and delicious dish that showcases the flavors of lap cheong. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice (preferably cooled)
- Chinese sausage, sliced
- Vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- Soy sauce
- Cooking oil
- Eggs (optional)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
2. If using eggs, scramble them in the skillet and set them aside.
3. Add the sliced Chinese sausage to the hot skillet and sauté until slightly crispy.
4. Add the vegetables and continue to stir-fry until they are tender.
5. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps.
6. If using eggs, return them to the skillet and mix them with the rice.
7. Season the fried rice with soy sauce to taste, stirring well to ensure even distribution.
8. Serve the Chinese sausage fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
See Also: Cooking Chinese Sausage: A Comprehensive Guide
Incorporating Chinese Sausage into Dishes
Chinese sausage can elevate a wide range of dishes, adding depth and complexity to your culinary creations. Here are some popular dishes that feature Chinese sausage:
a. Chinese Sausage and Sticky Rice
Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is a perfect pairing for Chinese sausage. The sweetness of the sausage complements the slightly sticky and chewy texture of the rice. This dish is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Here’s how to make Chinese sausage and sticky rice:
Ingredients:
Chinese sausage, sliced
Sticky rice
Dried shrimp (optional)
Shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated if dried)
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Sugar
– Dark soy sauce (for color)
– Cooking oil
Instructions:
1. Soak the sticky rice in water for several hours or overnight. Drain the rice before cooking.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
3. Sauté the sliced Chinese sausage until it becomes slightly crispy.
4. Add dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms (sliced) and continue to cook.
5. Add the drained sticky rice to the skillet and stir-fry it with the other ingredients.
6. Season the mixture with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and a dash of dark soy sauce for color. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
7. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof dish or bamboo steamer.
8. Steam the Chinese sausage and sticky rice for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
9. Serve the dish hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
b. Chinese Sausage in Clay Pot Rice
Clay pot rice, or “bo zai fan,” is a comforting and hearty Cantonese dish that features Chinese sausage as a key ingredient. The sausage adds its signature sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Here’s how to make Chinese sausage in clay pot rice:
Ingredients:
- Chinese sausage, sliced
- Cooked rice
- Dried shrimp (optional)
- Dried mushrooms (rehydrated if dried)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
1. Heat a clay pot or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
2. Sauté the sliced Chinese sausage until it becomes slightly crispy.
3. Add dried shrimp and rehydrated dried mushrooms (sliced) and continue to cook.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pot, stirring to combine it with the other ingredients.
5. Season the mixture with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
6. Continue cooking the clay pot rice for a few more minutes, allowing the bottom layer to develop a crispy, golden crust.
7. Serve the Chinese sausage clay pot rice hot, scraping the crispy crust from the bottom and mixing it with the rest of the rice.
c. Chinese Sausage Noodle Stir-Fry
Chinese sausage can also be a delicious addition to noodle stir-fries, lending its sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Here’s how to make Chinese sausage noodle stir-fry:
Ingredients:
- Chinese sausage, sliced
- Fresh or dried noodles (e.g., lo mein or egg noodles)
- Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, bok choy, bean sprouts)
- Garlic and ginger (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Cooking oil
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
3. Sauté the sliced Chinese sausage until it becomes slightly crispy.
4. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add the vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
6. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Stir-fry to combine all the ingredients evenly.
7. Continue stir-frying until the noodles are heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
8. Serve the Chinese sausage noodle stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
d. Chinese Sausage Buns
Chinese sausage buns, also known as “lap yuk bao,” are steamed buns filled with Chinese sausage. These buns are a popular dim sum item and make for a delicious snack or appetizer. Here’s how to make Chinese sausage buns:
Ingredients:
- Chinese sausage, sliced
- Steamed bun dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Hoisin sauce (optional)
- Sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- Cooking oil (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Roll out the steamed bun dough into small, flat rounds.
2. Place a slice of Chinese sausage on each dough round.
3. Fold the dough over the sausage to encase it completely, then pinch the edges to seal.
4. Place the filled buns on steamer trays lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.
5. Steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is fully cooked and the buns have puffed up.
6. Serve the Chinese sausage buns hot, optionally with hoisin sauce and sriracha for dipping.
e. Chinese Sausage Salad
Chinese sausage can add a burst of flavor to salads, offering a unique contrast to fresh vegetables. Here’s how to make a Chinese sausage salad:
Ingredients:
- Chinese sausage, sliced and sautéed
- Mixed salad greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Cucumber (sliced)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Dressing of your choice (e.g., sesame ginger, soy vinaigrette)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chinese sausage by sautéing it until slightly crispy, then allow it to cool.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Add the cooled Chinese sausage slices to the salad.
4. Drizzle your choice of dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
5. Serve the Chinese sausage salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
See Also: Chinese Sausage: History, Types, Making Process & Storage
Conclusion
Chinese sausage, or “lap cheong,” is a culinary gem that adds a unique and irresistible flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying its sweet and savory notes in classics like sticky rice and clay pot rice or exploring its versatility in modern creations, Chinese sausage offers a world of culinary possibilities.
By understanding the different varieties of Chinese sausage, mastering various cooking methods, and incorporating it into dishes that suit your taste, you can unlock the full potential of this beloved ingredient. From the crispy goodness of sautéed sausage to the comforting embrace of clay pot rice, Chinese sausage has something to offer every palate.
As you embark on your culinary journey with Chinese sausage, remember the importance of proper storage and handling to preserve its quality. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your repertoire, Chinese sausage invites you to embrace its flavors and create memorable meals that celebrate the rich heritage of Chinese cuisine. Enjoy the culinary adventure, and savor every bite of lap cheong’s timeless charm.