Steaming Chinese Sausage: A Beginner's Guide

Chinese sausage, or lap cheong, is a type of dried, cured sausage that is a staple in Chinese cuisine. It is typically made from pork and pork fat and seasoned with various ingredients such as soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and other flavourings. Chinese sausage is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to clay pot recipes and fried rice. One of the simplest and most common ways to cook Chinese sausage is by steaming or boiling it and then slicing it into thin pieces. Another easy way to cook Chinese sausage is by adding it to a pot of rice in a rice cooker, infusing the rice with a savoury flavour.

How to cook Chinese sausage in a rice cooker

Chinese sausage is a type of cured sausage that is popular in many regions of China. It is usually made with fatty pork and a variety of seasonings, such as soy sauce, rose water, and rice wine, and then air-dried until firm. The easiest way to cook Chinese sausage is in a rice cooker, where the links are steamed and cooked along with the rice. This method allows the rice to absorb the delicious flavours and fat from the sausage, making it extra tasty. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook Chinese sausage in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the rice

The first step is to prepare the rice according to your rice cooker's instructions. Rinse the desired amount of rice with water a few times until the water runs clear. Then, fill the rice cooker with water up to the corresponding line or use the \"finger trick\" to measure the water level. The "finger trick" involves sticking your finger into the rice, taking note of the level, and then adding water until it reaches the same height.

Step 2: Add the Chinese sausage

Place the desired amount of Chinese sausage links on top of the rice. You can cut the links in half to fit them nicely or to allow more surface area for flavour infusion. As a guide, use one link of sausage per person.

Step 3: Cook the rice and sausage

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. The cooker will steam both the rice and the sausage together. Depending on your rice cooker, this process can take around 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Once the rice cooker indicates that the food is ready, carefully remove the sausage links as they will be hot. Slice the sausages and serve them over the rice. You can also mix the sliced sausages back into the rice and gently toss everything together. Enjoy your delicious Chinese sausage rice!

Variations and Tips:

• You can add other ingredients such as chopped green onions, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, or vegetables like carrots, edamame, peas, or broccoli.
• For extra flavour, you can make a finishing sauce by combining smashed garlic, oil, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and roasted sesame oil. Drizzle this sauce over the rice and sausage before serving.
• If you want to cook the Chinese sausage separately, you can place the links on a heatproof plate and steam them in the rice cooker for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are translucent.

How to cook Chinese sausage on a stovetop

Preparation

Pierce the Chinese sausage with a fork or toothpick to prevent it from bursting during cooking.

Cooking the Sausage

Place the sausage in a pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sausage simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Frying the Sausage

Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. There is no need to add oil, as Chinese sausage has its own natural fat. Place the sausage in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side, or until it develops a rich golden-brown colour. This will enhance the flavour and create a slightly crispy texture.

Final Steps

Once the sausage is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the sausage into thin, diagonal pieces to make it easier to eat and for a more attractive presentation.

Serving

Chinese sausage pairs well with stir-fried vegetables, rice, or noodles. You can add it to your favourite dishes or create new culinary creations by incorporating this authentic Chinese ingredient. Enjoy!

How to make Chinese sausage fried rice

Ingredients:

• Chinese sausage
• Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• Eggs
• Vegetables (e.g. carrots, peas, green onions)
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cooking wine
• Salt and pepper
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil
• Minced garlic

Method:

First, prepare all your ingredients before cooking as this recipe cooks quickly. Heat some vegetable oil in a skillet or wok and sauté the garlic and sliced Chinese sausage. Add your vegetables and cook until tender.

Next, push the vegetables to one side of the pan and scramble your eggs on the other side. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetables and remove from the skillet.

Now, heat some more oil in the skillet over high heat and add the rice. Break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon and sauté briefly before adding back the eggs and veggies. Pour in your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cooking wine, and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle with sesame oil and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to make Chinese sausage sticky rice

Chinese sausage, or "lap cheong," is a type of dried, cured sausage that originated in China. It is typically made from pork and pork fat and seasoned with soy sauce and rice wine, resulting in a sweet and savory combination. This popular sausage is often paired with sticky rice for a delicious and flavorful meal. Here's how you can make this tasty dish at home!

Ingredients:

• Chinese sausage (lap cheong)
• Glutinous sticky rice
• Water
• Cheesecloth or hand towel
• Bamboo steamer (optional)

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice and water. Cover and let it soak for at least 8 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect sticky rice texture.
• Set up your steamer. If you have a bamboo steamer, line it with cheesecloth and place it in a pot of water over medium-high heat. Preheat the steamer for about 2 minutes or until you see steam rising.
• Drain the soaked rice and spread it evenly in the steamer. Place the Chinese sausages on top of the rice, ensuring they are at least 1 inch apart.
• Cover the steamer and steam for 20 minutes. Maintain the water level in the pot by adding more water as needed throughout the steaming process.
• After 20 minutes, check the texture of the rice. It should be plump, soft, and chewy. If it's still too al dente for your liking, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until it reaches your desired texture.
• Once the rice is cooked to your preference, transfer it to bowls. Cut the Chinese sausage into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can find Chinese sausage in the fridge section of Asian stores or online. Look for brands like Kam Yen Jan and Xishangxi.
• If you don't have a bamboo steamer, you can use a regular pot with a lid. Just make sure to line the bottom with cheesecloth or a hand towel to prevent the rice from sticking.
• For a simple and tasty side dish, serve the Chinese sausage sticky rice with a drizzle of sweet soy sauce.
• To elevate your dish, pair it with stir-fried vegetables like cabbage, snow peas, or Chinese broccoli.
• For an extra savory touch, try making a garlic fried rice to accompany the Chinese sausage.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

How to store Chinese sausage

Chinese sausage is a cured, dried, and smoked meat, so it has a long shelf life. An unopened package can last over a year, and even once opened, the sausage can be stored in the fridge for up to six months or kept in the freezer. To store, wrap the sausages tightly in plastic wrap or, if you have one, reseal them in a vacuum-sealed pack.

Frequently asked questions