Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a beloved ingredient in many Asian dishes. Its sweet-savory flavor and firm texture make it a versatile addition to meals, from fried rice to steamed dishes. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you cook Chinese sausage?-you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through simple, effective methods to cook Chinese sausage perfectly, plus tips on how to use it in your cooking.
What Is Chinese Sausage?
Before diving into cooking methods, it helps to know what Chinese sausage is. Lap cheong is a dried, cured sausage typically made from pork and pork fat, flavored with ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, rose wine, and spices. It’s firmer and sweeter than Western sausages and usually requires cooking before eating.
Basic Preparation Tips
– Chinese sausage is not eaten raw; it must be cooked thoroughly.
– You can slice it thinly or leave it whole depending on your recipe.
– It releases flavorful fat as it cooks, so extra oil is often unnecessary.
– Soaking the sausage in water before cooking can help soften it if desired.
How to Cook Chinese Sausage: Popular Methods
1. Steaming
Steaming is a classic, gentle way to cook Chinese sausage that keeps it juicy.
– Bring a pot of water to a boil.
– Place the sausages in a steaming basket or on a plate.
– Steam for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
– Slice and serve, or use in recipes like sticky rice or steamed dishes.
Steaming preserves the sausage’s natural sweetness and texture, making it ideal for dishes where you want the sausage to shine.
2. Pan-Frying or Stir-Frying
Pan-frying is quick and adds a delicious caramelized edge to the sausage.
– Slice the sausage into thin rounds or pieces.
– Heat a pan over medium heat (no need to add oil; the sausage fat will render).
– Cook the sausage until browned and slightly crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
– Use as a flavorful addition to fried rice, stir-fries, or vegetable dishes.
This method enhances the sausage’s smoky flavor and adds texture contrast.
3. Boiling in Water
Boiling is a simple way to cook sausage evenly.
– Place sausages in a pan with enough water to cover half their height.
– Cover with a lid and simmer on medium heat for 5-10 minutes.
– Remove, slice, and serve or add to other dishes.
This method is often used to soften the sausage before further cooking or slicing.
4. Oven Baking
Oven cooking is a hands-off method that yields nicely browned sausages.
– Preheat oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
– Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
– Place sausages on the tray and bake for about 30 minutes.
– Turn the sausages halfway through to brown evenly.
This method is convenient for cooking multiple sausages at once with minimal supervision.
5. Microwave (Quick Option)
Microwaving can be used in a pinch but is less common.
– Place sausages on a microwave-safe plate.
– Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
– Cook on high for 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness.
– Let rest briefly before slicing.
Microwaving is fast but may not develop the same depth of flavor or texture as other methods.
Using Cooked Chinese Sausage in Recipes
Chinese sausage pairs wonderfully with rice and vegetables. Here are some popular ideas:
Chinese Sausage Fried Rice
– Slice cooked sausage thinly.
– Stir-fry with garlic, onions, and day-old rice.
– Add eggs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and peas or carrots.
– Finish with green onions for a savory, satisfying meal.
Chinese Sausage Rice (Lap Cheong Fan)
– Cook rice with sausage slices, carrots, and mushrooms.
– Steam together so flavors meld.
– Toss with a sauce of soy, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine.
This one-pot dish is comforting and easy to prepare.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chinese Sausage
– Always cook Chinese sausage thoroughly before eating.
– Slice thinly for faster cooking and more surface area for flavor.
– Use the rendered fat from the sausage to cook vegetables or eggs for extra taste.
– Experiment with steaming for a softer texture or pan-frying for crispiness.
– Store uncooked sausages in the fridge and use within the recommended time.
Chinese sausage is a flavorful, versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes. Whether you steam, pan-fry, boil, or bake it, the key is to cook it fully and enjoy its unique sweet-savory taste. Try these methods and recipes to bring authentic Chinese flavors to your kitchen!
Enjoy your cooking adventure with Chinese sausage!