Chinese sausage, or lap cheong, is a beloved ingredient that brings authentic flavor and a touch of elegance to any weeknight dinner. This versatile ingredient has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries, and today we’re sharing our favorite way to prepare it that will have your family asking for seconds. The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Chinese sausage has a naturally sweet and savory profile with hints of five-spice seasoning that make it stand out from other cured meats. When cooked properly, the edges become slightly caramelized while the inside stays tender and juicy. We love serving this alongside steamed rice or noodles, but it’s equally delicious as part of a larger meal. The key to success is understanding how to cook the sausage to bring out its best qualities without drying it out.
This recipe can be customized in so many ways depending on what you have on hand and your personal preferences. Some people like to add vegetables like bell peppers and onions, while others prefer to keep it simple and let the sausage shine. We’ve included our favorite method here, which involves slicing the sausage and cooking it with a combination of techniques to ensure maximum flavor and texture. Whether you’re new to Chinese sausage or you’re a longtime fan, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
We recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as everything comes together quite quickly. The cooking process is straightforward and requires minimal effort, but the results are absolutely delicious. Serve this warm and enjoy the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen. Your family will be impressed by how restaurant-quality this dish tastes, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. This is comfort food at its finest, with authentic Asian flavors that everyone will love.
For the best results, look for quality Chinese sausage at your local Asian market or specialty grocery store. You can also find it online if you don’t have access to a physical store. The sausage should have a rich, dark color and a slightly waxy appearance. Once you bring it home, store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week for the best flavor. This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy sauces and silky pastas, but we also love it served simply with steamed vegetables and rice. If you’re looking for other quick weeknight dinners, check out our easy chicken recipes for more inspiration. For sides, consider our shishito peppers recipe which pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chinese sausage (lap cheong), sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Optional: 1 cup diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup diced onion, fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing the Chinese sausage diagonally into 1/4-inch pieces, mincing the garlic, and slicing the green onions. Having everything ready before you start cooking ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced Chinese sausage to the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are caramelized and the sausage is heated through. You should see some browning on the edges.
- Push the sausage to the sides of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the center. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- If using optional vegetables like bell peppers and onion, add them now and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring constantly. This will thicken the sauce slightly and create a glossy coating on the sausage.
- Cook for another minute until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, then remove from heat.
- Drizzle the sesame oil over the top and stir to incorporate. The sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot over steamed rice or with noodles.
Pro Tips
COOKING TECHNIQUE: The key to perfectly cooked Chinese sausage is getting the exterior slightly caramelized while keeping the interior moist. Don’t cut the heat too low, as you want that browning action. However, avoid extremely high heat that might cause the sausage to burst.
TIME-SAVING TIPS: This recipe is designed to be completed in under 20 minutes from start to finish. You can prep your ingredients in advance and store them in containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the instructions and dinner will be ready in minutes.
VARIATION IDEAS: Add mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas for additional vegetables. Include a splash of oyster sauce for deeper umami flavor. Mix in cooked rice directly into the skillet to create a quick fried rice. Serve over crispy chow mein noodles for added texture.
STORAGE AND LEFTOVERS: This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 1 month, though the texture of any vegetables may change slightly.
PARING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the sausage. A cold beverage like oolong tea or lager beer complements this dish beautifully.
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY: This recipe requires only basic cooking skills and minimal equipment. A large skillet or wok is ideal, but any large pan will work. The cooking process is straightforward with no complicated techniques or timing issues.
MARKET SOURCING: If you cannot find Chinese sausage at your local grocery store, check Asian markets, Costco, or online retailers. Many specialty stores also carry it in their international or frozen sections. Vacuum-sealed packages keep well in the freezer for several months.