Mastering the Art of Cooking Chinese Sausage

Chinese sausage, often referred to as lap cheong, is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that adds depth and richness to countless dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, understanding how to cook Chinese sausage is essential for unlocking its full potential. Let’s delve into the world of this savory delight and explore various cooking methods to elevate your meals.

Understanding Chinese Sausage

Before diving into cooking techniques, it’s crucial to grasp the basics of Chinese sausage. This type of sausage is typically made from pork, but it can also include duck or chicken. It’s characterized by its distinctive sweet and savory flavor profile, often with a hint of smokiness. Chinese sausage comes in different varieties, including dried, semi-dried, and fresh. The cooking method you choose will depend on the type of sausage you’re working with.

Preparing the Sausage

Regardless of the cooking method, proper preparation is key to achieving optimal results. Begin by examining the sausage for any mold or spoilage. While a slight moldy exterior is often harmless, discard any sausage that appears excessively moldy or has an off-putting odor.

To remove the sausage casing, make a small incision with a sharp knife and gently peel it off. This step is optional, but many people prefer to remove the casing before cooking. Additionally, you can slice the sausage into desired shapes, such as rounds, coins, or strips, depending on your recipe.

Cooking Methods for Chinese Sausage

Steaming: A Gentle Approach

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the sausage’s flavor and texture. It’s an excellent choice for dried or semi-dried sausages.

To steam Chinese sausage, place it in a steamer basket or on a heatproof plate. Pour water into the bottom of the steamer, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sausage. Cover the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and steam the sausage for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is heated through and slightly softened.   

Pan-Frying: Crispy and Delicious

Pan-frying delivers a crispy exterior and caramelized flavor to Chinese sausage. This method works well with both fresh and dried varieties.

Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausage slices to the pan and cook for several minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. The sausage will release some fat as it cooks, so you may not need to add additional oil.

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or oyster sauce to the pan during the last minute of cooking.

Stir-Frying: A Quick and Flavorful Method

Stir-frying is a popular Chinese cooking technique that’s perfect for incorporating Chinese sausage into various dishes. It’s a quick and efficient way to cook the sausage while infusing it with the flavors of other ingredients.

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and let it heat up. Add the sliced sausage to the wok and stir-fry for a few minutes until it’s browned. Remove the sausage from the wok and set aside. Add your desired vegetables and other ingredients to the wok and stir-fry until cooked through. Finally, return the sausage to the wok and toss everything together to combine the flavors.

Baking: A Convenient Option

Baking Chinese sausage is a convenient and hands-off cooking method. It’s suitable for both fresh and dried sausages.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sausage slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and slightly browned.

Cooking Chinese Sausage with Rice

One of the most beloved ways to enjoy Chinese sausage is by cooking it with rice. The sausage imparts its rich flavor to the rice, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.   

To cook Chinese sausage with rice, add the sliced sausage to the rice cooker along with the uncooked rice and water. Follow the usual cooking instructions for your rice cooker. The sausage will cook along with the rice, resulting in a flavorful and convenient dish.

Tips for Cooking Chinese Sausage

• Adjust cooking time: The cooking time for Chinese sausage will vary depending on its thickness, dryness, and desired texture. Start with shorter cooking times and adjust as needed.
• Experiment with flavors: Chinese sausage pairs well with a variety of flavors. Try it with garlic, ginger, chili peppers, or five-spice powder to enhance its taste.
• Use leftover sausage: Cooked Chinese sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. It can be sliced and added to stir-fries, omelets, or sandwiches.
• Freeze for later: To freeze Chinese sausage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Incorporating Chinese sausage into dishes

Chinese sausage, with its rich, savory flavor, is a versatile ingredient that can elevate countless dishes. Let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate it into your cooking:

Classic Pairings

• Fried Rice: A quintessential combination. Dice the sausage and stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables and rice. A sprinkle of soy sauce and sesame oil enhances the flavor.
• Stir-Fries: Add sliced Chinese sausage to your favorite stir-fry for a burst of flavor. It pairs well with broccoli, bell peppers, and onions.
• Noodle Dishes: Incorporate diced sausage into lo mein, chow mein, or pad thai for a savory twist.
• Omelets and Scrambled Eggs: Crumble cooked Chinese sausage into your eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
• Congee: Enhance the flavor of your congee by adding diced Chinese sausage and scallions.

Serving and storing Chinese sausage

Chinese sausage, with its rich flavor and versatile nature, can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• As a main course: Sliced and stir-fried with vegetables, Chinese sausage can be a hearty and satisfying meal.
• With rice: Whether it’s fried rice, congee, or steamed rice, the addition of Chinese sausage brings a delightful complexity to the dish.
• In soups and stews: Chinese sausage adds depth and richness to soups and stews, especially those with a savory or spicy profile.
• In baked goods: Grated or crumbled Chinese sausage can be incorporated into pastries, breads, or muffins for a unique twist.
• On charcuterie boards: Chinese sausage makes a great addition to charcuterie boards, offering a contrasting flavor profile to other cured meats and cheeses.

Storing Chinese Sausage

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of your Chinese sausage.

• Unopened sausage: If unopened, Chinese sausage can typically be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place for several months. Check the packaging for specific storage instructions.
• Opened sausage: Once opened, it’s best to store Chinese sausage in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.   
• Freezing sausage: For longer storage, Chinese sausage can be frozen. Wrap it individually in plastic wrap or freezer paper before placing it in a freezer bag. This can extend its shelf life for several months.   

Incorporating Chinese Sausage into Your Meals

Chinese sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Stir-fries: Add sliced Chinese sausage to your favorite stir-fry for a burst of flavor.
• Fried rice: Incorporate cooked Chinese sausage into your fried rice for added texture and taste.
• Sandwiches and wraps: Create delicious and satisfying sandwiches or wraps with grilled or pan-fried Chinese sausage.
• Pasta dishes: Add a unique twist to your pasta dishes by including crumbled Chinese sausage.
• Soups and stews: Enhance the flavor of your soups and stews with chunks of Chinese sausage.

By mastering the art of cooking Chinese sausage, you’ll unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Experiment with different cooking methods and flavors to discover your favorite ways to enjoy this delicious ingredient.