Chinese sausage is a delicious and unique ingredient that is used in many dishes. However, if you’re not able to find it at your local grocery store, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes that you can use instead. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 tasty substitutes for Chinese sausage. Let’s get started!
Related: 30 Different Types of Sausage: How to Choose the Best One for You
Table of Contents
What is Chinese sausage?
Chinese sausage, also known as Lap Chong or Lap Cheong, is a type of cured and preserved pork sausage popular in many parts of China.
It is typically made from pork that has been seasoned with various spices and herbs such as salt, sugar, soy sauce, ginger and rice wine. The mixture is stuffed into natural casings, smoked over smoldering wood chips, and then air-dried.
The resulting sausage has a strong, savory flavor that is often used as an aromatic ingredient in Chinese dishes.
It is usually eaten steamed, fried or grilled as part of dim sum dishes or included in stir fries and congee. Chinese sausage can be found in most Asian markets and is also available in some grocery stores.
Chinese sausage is an essential ingredient in many classic Chinese dishes, such as char siu (Chinese barbecued pork), lo mai gai (sticky rice packages with Chinese sausage and mushrooms) and congee (rice porridge).
The smoky flavor of the sausage complements other ingredients and creates a unique and delicious taste.
It is also used in hearty winter soups, stir-fries, noodle dishes and dumplings, as well as many other popular regional dishes. For anyone looking to add a unique flavor to their cooking repertoire, Chinese sausage is an excellent choice.
What does Chinese sausage taste like?
It has a distinct, sweet and savory flavor. Chinese sausage is usually made with pork, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, salt, and various spices like white pepper and five-spice powder. It has a unique aroma as well.
The texture can vary based on the type of sausage you’re eating; some sausages are firmer, while others are softer and more crumbly. Chinese sausage can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in dishes like fried rice, noodle soups, and stir-fries.
The sweetness of the sausage is often complimented by a hint of spice or heat. You may also see dried sausages in stores; these can be reconstituted by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes before cooking.
Overall, Chinese sausage has a complex yet delightful flavor that adds a unique character to any dish. It’s an essential part of Chinese cuisine and its charm will remain unchanged for centuries to come.
Substitutes for Chinese Sausage.
For those who can’t get their hands on Chinese sausage, there are several options for substitutes.
1. Andouille sausages.
Andouille sausages are a French Cajun specialty made of pork and heavily spiced with garlic, pepper, onions, and other ingredients. They have a smoky flavor that is similar to Chinese sausage but with a distinctly different taste.
Andouille sausages are easily available at most grocery stores as well as online outlets. In addition to being an excellent substitute for Chinese sausage, Andouille sausages can also be used to create a variety of dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and grilled links.
The sausages are usually cut into small cubes or slices and can then be added to almost any savory dish. They have a unique flavor that is both spicy and smoky, making them a great alternative to Chinese sausage.
2. Chorizo.
Chorizo is a hot and spicy sausage that originated in Spain. It is made of cured pork and seasoned with garlic, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and other herbs and spices. Chorizo has a strong smoky flavor that makes it an ideal substitute for Chinese sausage.
3. Italian sausages.
Italian sausages are a great substitute for Chinese sausage because they are similarly sweet and savory. They can be used as a replacement in dishes that call for Chinese sausage, such as stir-fries, congee, and baozi.
When using Italian sausages as a substitute, it is important to remember to adjust the cooking time, as Italian sausages tend to cook faster than Chinese sausage.
Additionally, some recipes may require the addition of garlic and other spices to achieve a similar flavor profile, so it is important to consider this when making substitutions.
Spanish chorizo can also be used in place of Chinese sausage in certain dishes, although it tends to be spicier and may not be suitable for all recipes.
In some cases, beef or pork sausage can also be substituted in place of Chinese sausage. No matter which type of sausage is used as a substitute, it is important to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly before serving.
4. Myanmar Sausages.
Myanmar sausages are a type of sausage that originated in the country of Myanmar. While they have some similarities to Chinese sausages, they differ in that they are typically made with pork and have a unique flavor that comes from the addition of spices like turmeric, garlic, ginger and cumin.
These sausages can be either grilled or fried, and make for a very flavorful alternative to Chinese sausages.
They can also be used in a variety of dishes such as curries, noodle soups, and even salads. Myanmar sausages are available in most Asian supermarkets and are becoming increasingly popular with those seeking out unique flavor combinations.
5. Northern sausages.
Northern sausages, such as Polish Kielbasa and Italian Salami make great substitutions for Chinese sausage.
They are smoked and spiced just like their Chinese counterparts and offer a similar flavor. However, they may be much larger in size so you may want to buy them in smaller quantities when using them as a substitution.
6. Philippines Sausage.
Known as Longanisa, Filipino Sausage is made with ground pork and a unique blend of spices. To substitute for Chinese sausage, use the same amount of longanisa in your recipe; however, be sure to adjust the other seasonings accordingly.
The most common varieties of longanisa include Vigan, Guagua, Lucban, and Longganisa de Cagayan. To make it more similar to Chinese sausage, add some soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a salty flavor.
Additionally use star anise, garlic powder, ginger powder and five-spice powder for a unique taste. The combination of flavors will give your dish the same savory flavor as Chinese sausages.
7. Singapore Sausage.
This type of sausage is a popular substitute for Chinese Sausage and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is made from pork, herbs, spices and other seasonings, giving it a unique flavor that is similar but distinct from Chinese Sausage.
Singapore Sausage has been popularized as an alternative to traditional Chinese Sausage due to its mild flavor and versatility. It can be used in stir-fries, omelettes, soups, salads and rice dishes.
Singapore Sausages are usually cooked before they are consumed, but they can also be eaten raw or smoked. This type of sausage is an excellent addition to any dish that calls for a mild sausage flavor.
8. Southern Sausages.
Southern Sausages are a great substitute for Chinese Sausage. Made from pork, beef, and other seasonings, Southern Sausages offer a distinct flavor profile compared to Chinese sausages.
They’re readily available in grocery stores and can be used in place of Chinese sausage in any recipe. The taste may differ slightly, but the flavors blend well with other ingredients.
Southern Sausages can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, frying, or baking, and they have a rich aroma that will permeate any dish.
They’re great for adding depth to dishes like stew and soups. Southern Sausages are also ideal for stuffing, making them perfect for dim sum-style dishes.
To make your Southern Sausage dish even more authentic, add a bit of sugar to the recipe and let it marinate overnight. This will ensure that the flavor of the sausage is at its peak when cooked.
9. Taiwan Sausages.
Taiwanese sausages are great substitutes for Chinese sausages. They are typically made with pork and a mix of spices, including garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and five-spice powder.
The resulting flavor is slightly sweet, salty and savory—just like Chinese sausage. Taiwanese sausages can be used in any recipe that calls for Chinese sausage, especially stir-fries and hotpots.
If you’re looking for a vegan option, there are many brands of tofu sausages that can also be used to replace Chinese sausage dishes.
The texture is similar to pork sausage and the flavor can easily be adjusted with seasonings such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
10. Thailand sausages.
For a delicious Asian twist, Thai sausages are an excellent substitute for Chinese sausage. These sausages are typically made with pork and seasonings like lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and fish sauce.
When cooked, they provide a flavor that is sweet yet savory. The texture is more crumbly than Chinese sausage, making them suitable for dishes like soup, salads, and pasta.
They are also a great choice for stir-frying with vegetables or topping over rice. Additionally, Thai sausages provide more of a heat factor than their Chinese counterpart due to their use of hot chili peppers.
11. Vietnam Sausage.
Referred to as “Lap Xiu”, Vietnam Sausage is a traditional pork sausage made with garlic and spices. It is used in a variety of dishes including soups, stir-fries, and stews.
While not technically the same as Chinese Sausage, it can provide a similar flavor and texture when used as a substitute. It is often used in Asian cuisine and can be found in many grocery stores or ethnic food markets.
11 Best Substitutes for Chinese Sausage
Chinese sausage is a traditional Chinese food that has been used in various dishes since ancient times. However, due to its high fat content, some people may be looking for a healthier alternative. Fortunately, there are several substitutes for Chinese sausage recipes available today. Here are our top picks for the best replacements for Chinese sausage
Ingredients
- Andouille sausages
- Chorizo
- Italian sausages
- Myanmar Sausage
- Northern sausages
- Philippines Sausage
- Singapore Sausage
- Southern Sausages
- Taiwan Sausages
- Thailand sausages
- Vietnam Sausage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or butter.
Slice desired sausage of the chosen substitute into thin strips and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Allow sausages to cool before using in your favorite Chinese recipes.
What is in a Chinese sausage?
Chinese sausages, also known as lap cheong, are made from a variety of ingredients including pork, chicken, duck or other meats.
They are typically cured with salt, sugar and other seasonings like soy sauce, rice wine or five-spice powder. The meat is then stuffed into casings and either air-dried or cooked.
What is Chinese sausage casing made of?
The answer may surprise you. Chinese sausage casing is traditionally made from pork intestine, which is boiled, then dried and smoked to create a strong flavor.
The casings are also sometimes made from sheep intestines or artificial materials such as collagen or cellulose.
The casing helps keep the sausage together as it cooks and gives it its distinctive shape. It also helps the sausage retain its moisture and flavor during cooking. Chinese sausage is an important part of many traditional dishes and it can be found in a variety of recipes.
What is different about Chinese sausage?
While the ingredients in Chinese sausage may vary depending on the region, it typically contains a combination of pork, rice wine, soy sauce, sugar and salt.
The sausages are then seasoned with spices like star anise, cinnamon and Sichuan pepper. The unique flavor of Chinese sausage is derived from these seasonings and can be sweet or savory.
Chinese sausages are usually served cooked, but they can also be used as an ingredient in dishes like congee and dumplings.
It is often sliced into small pieces and stir-fried with vegetables or added to soup. Chinese sausage adds flavor and texture to a variety of dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for the kitchen.
Do you need to cook Chinese sausage?
The answer is yes. Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a traditional cured pork product that has been around for centuries in China. Unlike other sausages, Chinese sausage is typically not cooked before consumption and must be cooked before eating.
When cooking Chinese sausage, there are several methods to choose from. It can be pan-fried, stir-fried, deep-fried, or even steamed. It can be cooked in a variety of dishes such as fried rice, noodles, or soup. Chinese sausage can also be added to soups and stews for flavor.
Is Chinese sausage raw or cooked?
The answer depends on the type of Chinese sausage. Traditional Chinese sausages are usually cured and cooked, but there are also some that are uncooked and meant to be eaten raw.
These types of sausages usually have a soft texture and a sweet flavor. For example, Lap Cheong is a popular type of Chinese sausage that is typically served cooked.
On the other hand, another type of Chinese sausage known as Luk Chup is typically served raw and has a much different flavor profile than Lap Cheong.
To be safe, it is important to check with the manufacturer or seller of any Chinese sausage before consuming it to make sure it is meant to be eaten raw or cooked.
