Chinese Sausage Recipe Stir Fry: A Quick and Easy Meal
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some flavour to your stir fry, Chinese sausage might be the ingredient you're looking for. This ingredient is commonly used in many Chinese dishes, and for a good reason. Its unique, smoky flavour can add a depth of flavour to any dish, including stir fry.
Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a type of dried sausage made from pork. It's a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it's often used in stir fry dishes. The sausage is made by mixing pork with various spices and seasonings, including soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. It's then dried and smoked, giving it a distinctive smoky flavour.
To make a Chinese sausage stir fry, you'll need to gather a few essential ingredients, including Chinese sausage, vegetables, and rice. You can also add seafood to your stir fry for an extra burst of flavour. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all great options to consider. Once you have your ingredients, you'll need to prepare them before cooking.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese sausage is a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes, including stir fry.
- Chinese sausage is made from pork and is flavoured with soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar.
- Seafood can be added to your Chinese sausage stir fry for an extra burst of flavour.
Understanding Chinese Sausage
If you're looking to add a unique and delicious flavour to your stir-fry, then Chinese sausage is the perfect ingredient for you. Chinese sausage, also known as Lap Cheong, is a type of sausage that originates from Cantonese cuisine. It is known for its sweet and fatty taste, and is made from pork.
History and Types
Chinese sausage has a long history and has been used in Chinese cooking for centuries. It is made by mixing ground pork with spices, sugar and soy sauce. The mixture is then stuffed into a casing and left to dry. There are many different types of Chinese sausage, including sweet and spicy varieties. The sweet variety is the most popular, and is often used in stir-fries.
Selecting Quality Sausages
When selecting Chinese sausage for your stir-fry, it is important to choose a high-quality product. Look for sausages that are firm to the touch and have a rich, reddish-brown colour. Avoid sausages that are too soft or have a greyish colour, as this can indicate that they are not fresh.
If you're looking to add some seafood to your stir-fry, you can try using shrimp or scallops. These seafood options work well with Chinese sausage, and can add a unique flavour to your dish. Make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the stir-fry to ensure that it is cooked properly.
That's all you need to know about Chinese sausage. Now that you understand this ingredient, you can confidently add it to your stir-fry and enjoy a delicious and unique flavour.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes
When it comes to making a Chinese sausage stir fry, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. In this section, we will discuss the main ingredients, sauce and seasoning, and vegetable add-ins that you will need to make a delicious Chinese sausage stir fry.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredient in a Chinese sausage stir fry is, of course, Chinese sausage. Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a cured sausage that is sweet and savory in flavor. It is made with pork and a variety of spices and seasonings, and it is an essential ingredient in many Chinese dishes.
If you are unable to find Chinese sausage, you can substitute it with other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be different, so it won't be an authentic Chinese sausage stir fry.
Another ingredient that is commonly used in Chinese sausage stir fry is seafood. You can use shrimp or scallops to add a seafood element to your stir fry. Just be sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the stir fry at the end to prevent overcooking.
Sauce and Seasoning
The sauce and seasoning are what give the Chinese sausage stir fry its flavor. The sauce typically consists of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to suit your taste.
Garlic and onion are also commonly used in Chinese sausage stir fry. They add flavor and aroma to the dish. Sesame oil and green onion can also be added for extra flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins
The vegetable add-ins in a Chinese sausage stir fry can vary depending on personal preference. Broccoli and carrot are two common vegetables used in Chinese sausage stir fry. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms.
To summarize, Chinese sausage, seafood, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, sesame oil, green onion, broccoli, and carrot are essential ingredients for a delicious Chinese sausage stir fry. You can substitute the Chinese sausage with other types of sausage, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different. Adding seafood is also a great way to add a different element to your stir fry.
Preparation Techniques
Slicing and Marinating
Before you start cooking, you need to slice the Chinese sausage into thin pieces. To do this, use a sharp knife and cut the sausage at a slight angle. This will create thin slices that will cook evenly in the stir-fry.
Marinating the sausage is optional but recommended. To marinate, mix the sliced sausage with soy sauce, rice wine, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
If you want to add seafood to your stir-fry, you can marinate some prawns or squid with the same marinade as the sausage. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to your dish.
Stir-Frying Basics
Stir-frying is a quick and easy cooking method that involves cooking ingredients in a wok or a large frying pan over high heat. To stir-fry the Chinese sausage, heat some vegetable oil in a wok until it starts to smoke. Add the sliced sausage and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the sausage is browned and crispy.
Next, add your vegetables of choice such as onions, peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
If you're using seafood, add it to the wok after the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.
Remember to drain any excess oil from the wok before serving. Garnish with some chopped green onions for added flavour and colour.
Now that you know the basics of preparing and stir-frying Chinese sausage, you can experiment with different vegetables and seafood to create your own unique stir-fry dishes.
Cooking the Perfect Stir Fry
When it comes to stir-frying, there are two main things to keep in mind: managing heat and timing, and combining ingredients. Follow these tips to ensure your Chinese sausage stir fry turns out perfectly.
Managing Heat and Timing
The first thing to keep in mind is that stir-frying is a quick cooking method. You want to use high heat and cook your ingredients quickly to preserve their flavour and texture. Make sure your skillet is hot before you start cooking, and have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
It's also important to manage the heat throughout the cooking process. If your skillet is too hot, your ingredients will burn. If it's too cool, your food will steam instead of frying. Keep the heat high and adjust it as needed to ensure your ingredients cook evenly.
Combining Ingredients
When it comes to combining ingredients, start with your aromatics (like garlic and ginger) and cook them until fragrant. Then, add your protein (like Chinese sausage) and cook until browned. Finally, add your vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
To add extra flavour, you can also add a stir-fry sauce. Combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil to make a simple sauce that pairs well with Chinese sausage. You can also experiment with other flavours, like hoisin sauce or oyster sauce.
If you want to switch things up, you can also try adding seafood to your stir fry. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this Chinese sausage stir fry recipe. Just make sure to cook them quickly (about 2-3 minutes) to ensure they don't overcook and become tough.
Overall, stir-frying is a fun and easy way to create a delicious and healthy meal. With a little practice, you'll be able to whip up a perfect Chinese sausage stir fry in no time.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Accompaniments
Chinese sausage stir fry goes well with a variety of accompaniments. You can serve it with sticky rice, fried rice, or a noodle dish. The sticky rice complements the sweetness of the Chinese sausage, while the fried rice adds texture to the dish. A noodle dish, on the other hand, absorbs the flavours of the stir fry, creating a flavourful combination.
If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, prawns or squid would be a great addition. They add a unique texture and flavour to the dish. You can add them during the stir fry process or serve them on the side.
For a more traditional approach, you can serve the Chinese sausage stir fry with some dim sum. The steamed dumplings and buns make a great pairing with the stir fry, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
When it comes to pairing wine with Chinese sausage stir fry, a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be a great choice. The acidity and fruity notes of the wine complement the sweetness of the sausage and the vegetables.
If you prefer a red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais would be a good choice. The light tannins and fruitiness of the wine complement the dish without overpowering it.
For non-alcoholic options, you can pair the stir fry with some iced tea or a light beer. These beverages help balance the spiciness of the dish and refresh the palate.
Remember to experiment with different accompaniments and beverages to find the perfect pairing for your Chinese sausage stir fry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What veggies go well in a stir fry with Chinese sausage?
You can use a variety of vegetables in your stir fry with Chinese sausage. Some common options include bok choy, carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or scallops to give your stir fry a unique flavour.
How do you prepare Chinese sausage before adding it to a stir fry?
Before adding Chinese sausage to a stir fry, you should remove the casing by peeling it off. You can then slice the sausage into thin pieces. This will help the sausage cook evenly and absorb more flavour from the other ingredients.
What's the secret to the tastiest Chinese sausage stir fry with noodles?
The secret to a tasty Chinese sausage stir fry with noodles is to use fresh ingredients and to not overcook the noodles. You should also use a high-quality oyster sauce and sesame oil to enhance the flavour of the dish. Additionally, you can add some seafood like squid or clams to give your stir fry a more complex flavour.
Can you give tips for making a Chinese sausage stir fry that's full of flavour?
To make a Chinese sausage stir fry that's full of flavour, you should use a variety of ingredients and spices. Some common spices used in Chinese cuisine include garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. You can also add some seafood like mussels or prawns to give your stir fry a unique flavour. Additionally, you can use a high-quality wok to cook your stir fry, as this will help to evenly distribute the heat and enhance the flavour of the dish.
What are the main ingredients in Lup Cheong?
Lup Cheong, or Chinese sausage, is made from pork and fat, and is flavoured with soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine. It also contains various spices and seasonings, such as cinnamon, star anise, and fennel.
Is it necessary to peel Chinese sausage before cooking, and if so, how?
Yes, it is necessary to peel Chinese sausage before cooking. To peel the sausage, simply use a knife to make a small incision in the casing, and then peel the casing off. You can then slice the sausage into thin pieces and add it to your stir fry.