Steaming Chinese Sausage: A Beginner's Guide To Cooking

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. The curing process gives the sausage a unique chewy texture and intensifies its sweet and savoury flavour.

Chinese sausage is extremely versatile and can be boiled, steamed, stir-fried, or cooked in a rice cooker or clay pot. It is often paired with rice, whether that be steamed sticky rice or fried rice, as the rice soaks up the fat rendered from the sausage. Chinese sausage can also be added to noodle dishes, stir-fried with vegetables, or even paired with a simple omelette.

When cooking Chinese sausage, it is important to monitor the browning process as the sugar content in the meat can cause the sausage to scorch easily. Additionally, when shopping for Chinese sausage, consider what dish you want to make as the sausages vary in sweetness and dryness. For a juicy sausage with a crispy casing, look for the fresh variety.

How to steam Chinese sausage in a rice cooker

Steaming is one of the two basic ways to cook Chinese sausage, the other being stir-frying. Chinese sausage refers to any type of sausage originating in China, so there are many varieties and flavours available on the market. The most common type is the Cantonese sausage (lap cheong), which has a sweeter taste than other Chinese sausages.

Steaming Chinese sausage in a rice cooker is a simple and convenient method, as the rice will absorb the flavours and fats from the sausage, making it utterly delicious. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam Chinese sausage in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Firstly, prepare the rice according to your usual method and the rice cooker's instructions. Rinse the desired amount of rice with water to remove any surface starch. Drain the rice well, then put it into the rice cooker pot. Add water according to the rice cooker's instructions—usually, this will be the same volume of water as rice.

Step 2: Add the Chinese Sausage

Place the Chinese sausage links on top of the rice and water in the rice cooker pot. You can add the sausage at the beginning of the rice's cooking time or during the last 15 minutes. If you wish, you can cut the sausage into halves or slices before adding it to the rice cooker; this step is optional.

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 simultaneously. The cooking time will depend on your rice cooker and the amount of rice, but it usually takes around 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Once the rice cooker indicates that the food is ready, carefully remove the Chinese sausage links, as they will be hot. Slice the sausages into pieces and serve them over the rice. You can also mix the sliced sausage back into the rice and serve it together. For an extra touch, add some chopped green onions or raw garlic sprouts for colour and flavour. Enjoy!

How to steam Chinese sausage in a steamer

Chinese sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to fried rice. It has a unique sweet and savoury flavour, with a chewy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam Chinese sausage in a steamer:

Prepare the Chinese Sausage:

Firstly, you will need to prepare the Chinese sausage by rinsing it in hot water for a few minutes, especially if it is purchased from a market. This step ensures that any impurities or bacteria are removed before cooking.

Set Up the Steamer:

Fill the bottom pot of your steamer with water and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil. If you are using a bamboo steamer, line it with cheesecloth or a thin towel before placing it over the pot.

Steam the Sausage:

Place the Chinese sausage on the steamer basket, making sure there is enough space between each sausage for the steam to circulate. Cover the steamer and let the sausage steam for around 20 minutes, or until cooked through. You can check if the sausage is ready by inserting a chopstick into it; if it goes in easily, the sausage is cooked.

Serve the Sausage:

Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the steamer and slice it into thin pieces. Chinese sausage goes well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple omelette. You can also add it to fried rice or noodle dishes for a boost of flavour.

Storing and Reheating:

If you have any leftover Chinese sausage, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water on the sausage and heat it in the microwave in 20-second intervals until it is hot.

Tips:

• When shopping for Chinese sausage, consider what dish you want to make. Some varieties are drier and more suitable for adding flavour to other dishes, while others are fresher and juicier, perfect for slicing and stir-frying.
• Chinese sausage is often sold in vacuum-sealed packages and can be found in the fridge section of Asian grocery stores.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can also steam Chinese sausage in a rice cooker by placing it on top of the cooking rice.

Now you know how to steam Chinese sausage in a steamer! Impress your friends and family by adding this delicious ingredient to your next meal.

How to steam Chinese sausage in the microwave

Steaming is one of the most common and simple ways to cook Chinese sausage. While a rice cooker is often used for this purpose, you can also use a microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

Before cooking, it is important to wash the sausages carefully, especially if they are purchased from a market. Rinse them in hot water for several minutes to remove any dirt or impurities.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Sausage

When cooking Chinese sausage in the microwave, it is crucial to poke some small holes on the surface of the sausage. This step helps release steam and prevents the sausage from blowing out or bursting during the cooking process.

Step 3: Add Moisture

To avoid the sausage from drying out, sprinkle a small amount of water on it or wrap it in a moist paper towel. This step ensures the sausage remains juicy and moist during the cooking process.

Step 4: Microwave the Sausage

Place the prepared sausage in a microwave-safe dish or container. Set the microwave to medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the number of sausages being cooked. As a reference, for two sausages, 2 minutes on 50% power in a 1000-watt microwave worked well for one person.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the sausage from the microwave and check if it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. If not, return it to the microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Serve

Once the sausage is cooked to your liking, remove it from the microwave and let it cool slightly before serving. Chinese sausage can be served whole or sliced into thin pieces, accompanied by rice or other side dishes. Enjoy!

How to stir-fry Chinese sausage

Chinese sausage, or 'lap cheong', is a versatile ingredient that can be used in stir-fries, fried rice, noodle dishes, and more. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to stir-fry Chinese sausage:

Ingredients:

• Chinese sausage
• Oil (neutral-flavoured oil such as vegetable or canola oil)
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. bok choy, snow peas, mung bean sprouts, asparagus)
• Chopped garlic (optional)

Instructions:

• Slice the Chinese sausage into thin pieces.
• Heat up a little bit of oil in a wok or a large pan.
• Add the Chinese sausage slices to the wok and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Keep the heat relatively high to render the fat from the sausage.
• Add the vegetables to the wok. You can also add chopped garlic for extra flavour.
• Continue stir-frying until everything is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Tips:

• Be careful not to overcook the sausage as the sugar content in the meat can make it scorch easily.
• Chinese sausage has a strong flavour, so it's best to keep the rest of the ingredients simple.
• If you want to add some protein, you can include ingredients like tofu, eggs, or other types of meat.

How to store Chinese sausage

Chinese sausages, also known as lap cheong, are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to steamed dishes. When storing Chinese sausages, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure their freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store them properly:

Storing Unopened Chinese Sausages:

Chinese sausages are often sold in vacuum-sealed packs. If you have purchased unopened Chinese sausages, check the expiration date on the package. Unopened sausages do not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature. However, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can affect their quality and shelf life.

Storing Opened Chinese Sausages:

Once the package of Chinese sausages is opened, it is best to wrap the remaining sausages tightly in cling film or transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for several weeks. If you do not plan on using the sausages within a month, it is best to store them in the freezer, where they can last for several months.

Storing Cooked Chinese Sausages:

When storing cooked Chinese sausages, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or sealed bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have cooked a large batch, you can also freeze the sausages in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months.

Additional Tips:

• When storing Chinese sausages in the refrigerator or freezer, ensure they are well-sealed to prevent them from absorbing smells and flavours from other foods.
• If you own a vacuum sealer, resealing the package after opening can help extend the shelf life of the sausages.
• It is important to handle Chinese sausages with clean hands or utensils to prevent contamination.
• Always check the sausages for any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, mould, or an off smell, before consuming.

Frequently asked questions