Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Chinese Sausage

Got a recipe calling for Chinese sausage and none in the pantry? No sweat.

We’ve been there, rummaging through shelves, wishing for that sweet, rich flavor that only Chinese sausage can add to dishes.

Good news is, we found some killer swaps that’ll save your meal and maybe even make it better.

Think of bacon, bringing its smoky goodness into play, or ground pork jazzed up with a bit of sugar and soy for that perfect blend of sweet and savory.

And hey, who said turkey sausage can’t join the party? With the right spices, it’s a game changer.

Each substitute brings its own unique vibe, adding a twist to your cooking that’ll have everyone asking, “What’s your secret?”

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get creative in the kitchen?

Let’s dive into these gourmet hacks that’ll make your next dish a knockout.

What is Chinese Sausage?

Chinese sausage, or Lap Cheong, is a type of sausage popular in Chinese cuisine.

It is made from pork belly and traditionally contains rice and spices.

Though it may not be well-known outside of Asia, Chinese sausage is a tasty and versatile ingredient used in many different dishes.

The taste and texture of Chinese sausage vary depending on the ingredients used, but it is usually savory, fatty, and a little chewy.

It can be cooked in many different ways but is most commonly pan-fried or roasted—Chinese sausage pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, and other stir-fry dishes.

When purchasing Chinese sausage, be sure to look for a brand made with high-quality ingredients.

The best brands will have a smooth texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

If you can’t find Chinese sausage at your local grocery store, it’s also available online.

Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Chinese Sausage

Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes, known for its sweet and savory flavor.

However, if you are unable to find Chinese sausage or want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes available.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for Chinese sausage, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar flavors in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Northern Sausages	Traditional Chinese sausages originating from Northern China; have a similar sweet and savory taste	Use an equal amount of northern sausages as a substitute for Chinese sausage
Thailand Sausages	Thai sausages with a distinct blend of spices; offer a slightly different flavor but complement dishes	Use an equal amount of Thailand sausages as a substitute for Chinese sausage
Chorizo	Spanish sausage with a rich and smoky flavor; adds depth to dishes	Use an equal amount of chorizo as a substitute for Chinese sausage
Andouille Sausage	Smoked sausage from Louisiana with a spicy and smoky flavor; provides a unique twist to recipes	Use an equal amount of andouille sausage as a substitute for Chinese sausage
Italian Sausage	Seasoned pork sausage with herbs and spices; can add a flavorful kick to dishes	Use an equal amount of Italian sausage as a substitute for Chinese sausage

Now let’s delve into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Northern Sausages

First on the list is Northern Sausages, a type of Polish sausage that is popular in Europe.

It has a smoky flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

Northern sausages can be cooked in many different ways but are most commonly pan-fried or roasted.

The best way to describe the taste of Northern sausages is “smoky and savory”.

They pair well with rice, steamed vegetables, and other Eastern European dishes.

If you can’t find Northern sausages at your local grocery store, they are available online.

Northern Sausages are a great option for those who want to try something different.

They have a smoky flavor and slightly chewy texture that will add an interesting dimension to your dish.

• Key Characteristics: Northern sausages are traditional Chinese sausages originating from Northern China. They have a similar sweet and savory taste to Chinese sausage, making them a suitable substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of northern sausages as a substitute for Chinese sausage. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor intensity.

2 – Thailand Sausages

If you’re looking for something a little bit different in the sausage department, Thailand is certainly worth a visit.

The country’s sausages are often made with unique ingredients like shrimp paste, coconut milk, and lemongrass, making for an interesting and delicious culinary experience.

Some of the most popular Thai sausages include:

– Sai Krok Isan: A Northeastern Thai sausage often made with pork, rice, garlic, cilantro, and green onions.

– Sai Ua: A Northern Thai sausage made with pork, galangal, lemongrass, ginger, fish sauce, and black pepper.

– Kai Yang: A Thai grilled sausage made with chicken, lemongrass, cilantro, garlic, black pepper, and fish sauce.

Whether you’re looking for a unique culinary experience or want to try something new, Thai sausages are worth a try.

So next time you’re in Thailand, be sure to give them a taste.

• Key Characteristics: Thailand sausages have a distinct blend of spices, offering a slightly different flavor compared to Chinese sausage. However, they can still complement dishes well as a substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Thailand sausages as a substitute for Chinese sausage. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor intensity.

3 – Chorizo

For those unfamiliar, chorizo is a type of pork sausage that is popular in Spain and Mexico.

It is made with ground pork, paprika, garlic, salt, and other spices.

Chorizo can be eaten fresh or dried, and it is often used as a stuffing for dishes like empanadas.

Spanish chorizo is the most well-known type, but Mexican and American versions are also.

Mexican chorizo is made with fresh pork, while American chorizo is a smoked sausage often used in dishes like chili.

Chorizo is a delicious addition to any meal, and it’s perfect for those who love spicy foods.

If you’re looking for a new type of sausage to try, be sure to give chorizo ago.

• Key Characteristics: Chorizo is a Spanish sausage known for its rich and smoky flavor. While different from Chinese sausage, it can add depth and complexity to dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of chorizo as a substitute for Chinese sausage. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor intensity.

4 – Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is a type of smoked sausage popular in Cajun cuisine.

It is made with pork and features a spicy flavor that comes from the addition of cayenne pepper.

Andouille can be served on its own or used as an ingredient in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.

The origins of andouille sausage are a bit murky, but it is believed to have been created in the French town of Andouilles.

Today, andouille sausage is popular worldwide and can be found in grocery stores and restaurants alike.

If you’re looking for a spicy smoked sausage that’s perfect for Cajun cuisine, andouille sausage is the way to go.

When it comes to andouille sausage, you should keep a few things in mind:

• Andouille is typically made with pork shoulder or butt. This gives the sausage its signature fatty flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can try andouille made with pork loin.
• Andouille sausage is typically smoked, which gives it a deep flavor that pairs well with other bold ingredients.
• Andouille is a spicy sausage, so be sure to add it sparingly if you’re not a fan of heat.
• Key Characteristics: Andouille sausage is a smoked sausage originating from Louisiana. It has a spicy and smoky flavor that can provide a unique twist to recipes as a substitute for Chinese sausage.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of andouille sausage as a substitute for Chinese sausage. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor intensity.

• Key Characteristics: Andouille sausage is a smoked sausage originating from Louisiana. It has a spicy and smoky flavor that can provide a unique twist to recipes as a substitute for Chinese sausage.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of andouille sausage as a substitute for Chinese sausage. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor intensity.

5 – Italian Sausage

The last substitute for Chinese sausage that we will be discussing is Italian sausage.

This type of sausage has a very distinct flavor and can be found at most grocery stores.

It is also relatively easy to prepare, making it a good substitute for not being familiar with cooking meat.

One thing to keep in mind when using Italian sausage as a substitute for Chinese sausage is that it is very high in fat.

This means that it may not be the best choice for those trying to watch their calorie intake.

Depending on the recipe, Italian sausage can also be quite salty, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt that you use when cooking with it.

• Key Characteristics: Italian sausage is a seasoned pork sausage with herbs and spices. While it differs from Chinese sausage, it can still add a flavorful kick to dishes when used as a substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Italian sausage as a substitute for Chinese sausage. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor intensity.

Conclusion

The popularity of Chinese sausage in the United States is a testament to the globalization of food culture.

This humble yet flavorful pork product has won over Americans’ hearts (and stomachs) with its unique taste and texture.

As the demand for Chinese sausage continues to grow, more and more producers are making this specialty meat available in grocery stores across the country.

However, if you cannot find Chinese sausage in your local store or you want to try a different variety, several substitutes can be used.

Each has its unique flavor and texture, so be sure to try them all before settling on your favorite.