5 Delicious Chinese Sausage Recipes You Must Try

Chinese sausage, often known as lap cheong in Cantonese, is a versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine. With its distinctive sweetness, these sausages bring depth of flavor and a touch of luxury to any dish they grace. Today, we're diving into five irresistible Chinese sausage recipes that you simply must try.

Recipe 1: Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage

The perfect blend of textures and flavors comes alive in this dish:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 4 Chinese sausages, sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup dried shrimps, soaked and drained
• ¹⁄₄ cup dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice until the water runs clear, then soak for at least 2 hours.
2. In a pan, cook the Chinese sausage slices until lightly browned, remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, stir-fry shallots and garlic until aromatic.
4. Add dried shrimps and mushrooms, cooking until fragrant.
5. Mix in the soaked rice, then add the sauces and wine if using. Stir well to coat the rice evenly.
6. Add this mixture into a steamer and steam for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Fluff with a fork, reintroduce the sausages on top, and steam for another 5 minutes.

🌟 Note: The soaking time for glutinous rice can be reduced by using warm water, but never skip this step to avoid uncooked or overly hard rice.

Recipe 2: Stir-Fried Chinese Sausage with Greens

This simple yet flavorful dish showcases the sweet and savory nature of Chinese sausages:

• Ingredients:
• 3 Chinese sausages, sliced
• 4 cups mixed Asian greens (bok choy, gai lan, or yu choy)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ¹⁄₂ tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat, add the Chinese sausages and cook until crisp.
2. Add garlic, sauté until golden.
3. Toss in the greens, cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil; stir-fry until greens are wilted.

🌱 Note: Try to use a variety of greens to add different textures and colors to the dish, enhancing its appeal.

Recipe 3: Clay Pot Chinese Sausage and Pork Ribs

This hearty recipe brings together the umami of ribs with the sweet undertones of Chinese sausages:

• Ingredients:
• 500g pork ribs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 4 Chinese sausages, sliced
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• ¹⁄₄ cup water
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, julienned
• Spring onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the pork ribs in dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a clay pot, layer the marinated ribs and Chinese sausages.
3. Add ginger, pour in water, and bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, checking occasionally to add more water if needed.
5. Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.

🍲 Note: Cooking in a clay pot allows for a slow, even distribution of heat, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.

Recipe 4: Chinese Sausage Fried Rice

Fried rice with Chinese sausage is a delightful twist on a classic dish:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked cold rice
• 4 Chinese sausages, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup peas
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• White pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok, scramble the eggs, and set aside.
2. In the same wok, add the remaining oil, fry the sausages until crispy, then add the onion, cooking until translucent.
3. Stir in the rice, breaking up any clumps. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and peas, stirring well to mix.
4. Return the scrambled eggs to the wok, season with white pepper, and cook until everything is heated through.

Recipe 5: Chinese Sausage Fried Noodles

A mouthwatering quick stir-fry that combines noodles with the unique flavor of Chinese sausage:

• Ingredients:
• 300g fresh egg noodles
• 3 Chinese sausages, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles as per package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok, fry the Chinese sausage slices until golden, then add garlic, frying until aromatic.
3. Add vegetables, stir-fry quickly for 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate noodles, sauces, and sesame oil, tossing to combine and heat through.

Each of these recipes takes the core ingredients and elevates them with the rich flavors of Chinese sausage, ensuring every bite is a journey through delicious, aromatic, and intricate tastes. Whether it's the stickiness of rice, the crunch of fresh vegetables, or the hearty comfort of a clay pot dish, these recipes offer something for every palate. The versatility of Chinese sausage truly shines, making it a pantry staple worth exploring.

Can I use sweet Chinese sausage for these recipes?

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Yes, sweet Chinese sausage can be used, but adjust the sugar or sweetness in the recipes accordingly to avoid an overly sweet dish.

How long can I store Chinese sausage in the fridge?

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Unopened, it can last for several months in a cool, dry place. Once opened, store in the fridge and consume within a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Is there a vegetarian substitute for Chinese sausage?

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Yes, you can use smoked tofu, tempeh, or a mushroom-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian twist on these recipes.

Can I cook these dishes in advance?

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Stir-fries and fried rice are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be reheated. For the clay pot dish, it’s best cooked and served immediately due to the consistency of the meat.

What is the best way to achieve that perfect crunch with Chinese sausage?

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For that perfect crunch, cook the sausages over medium heat until they release their oils, then increase the heat to high and cook until crispy.