Chinese Sausages

Pork meat makes the best sausages and Chinese love pork. There is a saying that their love of pork prevented them from converting to Islam. A pig is one of the 12 animals in Chinese Zodiac calendar. Although most Chinese sausages are made mainly of pure pork, other meats such as beef, chicken, duck or mutton are often added. Pig liver or duck liver are usually added to liver sausages. It is generally accepted that Chinese were making sausages already 2000 years ago. Any reliable information about making sausages in China dates back to the fifth century and some of the techniques are still being used today. Like in other countries there is not one universally followed sausage recipe, but rather each region of the country develops its own variation even though that the name may remain the same. The Chinese name for sausages is “Lap Cheong” which means the “winter stuffed intestine” or “waxed intestine” because “cheong” not only means “intestine” but also “sausage”. This sausage is normally dried in air or over slow burning fire. The sausage is used as an ingredient in many dishes in some parts of southern China, including Hong Kong and countries in Southeast Asia. It is for example, used in fried rice, noodles and other dishes. Chinese sausage formulations are unique, based on a long tradition. Ingredients such as soy sauce and sugar are added to the sausages in very high levels. Chinese rice wines, distilled spirits or even scotch or sherry are commonly added to sausages. Traditional Chinese recipes similarly to Italian salamis recipes have been handed down over generations without much understanding of underlying processes. They are a result of error and trial procedures; however, they are modified today to comply with safety rules of Chinese Meat Safety Department. Sausages are eaten all the year round but consumption is greatest in February during the Chinese New Year.

Chinese Dry Sausages

Although one can encounter in China fresh sausages, blood sausages, liver sausages and head cheeses, nevertheless, when discussing a Chinese sausage, we usually mean a traditional dry sausage known as La Chang or Lap Cheong. The confusion comes from different Chinese dialects; in Cantonese dialect (the south provinces) the sausage is known as Lap Cheong, but in Mandarin dialect (the north provinces) the sausage is known as La Chang.

The word "la" carries two meanings:

a. it denotes the cool period of the year as the sausages in the past were usually made in winter months, not just in China but also in Europe. A pig grows fast and reaches the right size in December. It will be costly and difficult to feed and keep the pig indoors due to winter freezing temperatures so a practical solution is the slaughter of the animal. In European there was a strictly observed long period of fasting that preceded Christmas. At Christmas, the fasting regulations were lifted as that was the time to be merry and happy and a full stomach contributes greatly towards this feeling. Chinese do not obey fasting rules; however, it was much easier to process the meat at low winter temperatures and produce sausages that will last well into the summer. In Europe there was a saying that sausages should be produced in a month that carries “R” letter in its name (September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April).

b. Chinese pronunciation for “wax” is “la.” As traditionally made Chinese dry sausages develop a pleasant shiny appearance it was accepted to call them La Sausages. A fish cured in brine and left to dry for 30 minutes before smoking develops such a similar shine known as “pellicle” that becomes permanent even after smoking.

Lap Cheong

The flavor of dry Lap Cheong is different from traditionally made European salami, however, it is unique and pleasant. Traditionally made salami, traditionally made dry sausage, cold smoked sausage, hot smoked sausage; they all have a peculiar texture and flavor, and Lap Cheong displays unique characteristics as well. The reason is a large amount of sugar that triggers reactions inside the sausage. In the beginning, during short curing/marinating process, the naturally occurring in meat lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) start multiplying, however slowly, due to a low temperature in the cooler. At the beginning of the following drying process, a small amount of fermentation will take place as naturally present in meat bacteria will start consuming sugar what will produce some of the lactic acid and will increase meat’s acidity (pH drop). However, these bacteria will not be able to function if the drying temperature approaches 50° C (122° F) and as the moisture keep on evaporating the bacteria will not be able to function. The fermentation and the production of acidity comes to a halt. This short fermentation will produce a negligible amount of acidity and the sausage will not develop any noticeable sourly flavor. Soy sauce and sugar will offset any sourly flavor that could have developed if the sausage was slowly dried for example at 38° C (100° F). Relatively high drying temperature results in a short drying process due to small diameter of sausages, which in turn does not offer favorable conditions for curing and flavor producing bacteria like Micrococcus and Staphylococcus to react with meat and develop flavors. Those bacteria play a crucial role in ripening of traditionally made products in Europe. In simple terms, bacteria do not get enough time to react with meat, besides, high drying temperatures create a rapid loss of moisture which further inhibits bacterial growth.

Thus, the flavor of Lap Cheong sausages is not developed by the action of bacteria. Protein and fat breakdown through enzymatic reactions develops the flavor of Lap Cheong. A wonderful combination of sugar and soy sauce contributes positively to the taste of the sausage. It is also accepted that the Maillard reaction contributes to flavor and aroma development in Chinese sausages. Although Maillard reaction occurs at 150-250° C (302-482° F), nevertheless, it is agreed that in meat with low moisture (due to drying) and presence of significant amount of sugar, the reaction occurs as well.

Ingredients

Salt

Lap Cheong is a dry (uncooked) sausage so salt must be added in sufficient quantity to prevent spoilage and dangerous bacteria from growing. Salt can be applied in any amount when making fresh (they will be cooked) or cooked sausages, however when making fermented or dry sausages like Lap Cheong, the amount of salt is not negotiable – it must be applied at 2.5 – 3% (25-30 g salt/1 kg of meat). You could probably get away with less salt (2.0%) if the sausage is stuffed into small diameter casing (22-25 mm), however, it is not recommended. The secondary benefit of salt is that it improves the flavor of meat. The salt content also changes to suit the local preferences and changes from region to region.

Cures

sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate is added to develop red color and to prevent pathogenic (dangerous) bacteria from growing. Cure 1 (sodium nitrite) and cure 2 (contains sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate). Both cures can be applied, although cure 2 is usually chosen for making dry sausages as it supplies sodium nitrite longer. Cures are applied at 3-4 g (1/2 tsp) per 1 kg of meat what introduces 200-250 parts per million of sodium nitrite. For making regular cooked/smoked sausages cure #1 is added at 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) per 1 kg of meat what introduces 150 parts per million of sodium nitrite. A higher amount may be introduced to sausages that will be dried as their manufacturing process is longer and nitrite dissipates rapidly in time.

Note: in all developed countries sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate are available premixed with salt. In the USA, they are called cures (Cure 1 and Cure 2), in Poland Peklosol, in Germany Pokelsalz etc. They are mixed in different sodium nitrite to salt proportions. It is unlikely that a customer can obtain pure white crystals of sodium nitrite as 1 g of the substance is considered a lethal dose. More on nitrates.

Sugar

In the past sugar was often mentioned in sausage recipes which used sodium nitrate (cure 1 and cure 2 were not available yet). In the past sodium nitrate was commonly used but it needed curing bacteria (present in meat) to start reaction with nitrate. As a result of the reaction nitrate produced sodium nitrite which started reacting with meat. However, curing bacteria needed food to grow and to start reaction with sodium nitrate. This food was a small amount of sugar added to meat. Today, the practice of adding sugar is of lesser importance because sodium nitrite does not require curing bacteria at all. In a small way, the addition of sugar offsets harshness of salt and somewhat contributes to the preservation of red color in the sausages. Sugar is added as food for lactic acid bacteria in fast fermented sausages to increase acidity (pH drop). In Chinese sausages, relatively large amounts of sugar (sometimes up to 20%) is added as flavoring. Generally, it is added at 6-7% (60-70 g/1 kg of meat, which is corresponds to 4-5 tablespoons), although less sugar can be added. However, if less than 2% sugar is added, the sausage will lose its unique flavor and character. As it is combined with salt, soy sauce, white wine or grain alcohol, and spices, it imparts a very pleasant flavor to dry sausages. White sugar is used for making Chinese sausages.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce, a brown or black salty liquid, is made by fermenting soya beans and wheat. It is an essential ingredient used in making Chinese sausages. There are dozens of different soy sauces in oriental supermarkets and they are all suitable. A solid soy paste is also available. If you are unsure as to what soy sauce to use start with light soy sauce. Soy sauce is usually added at 3-4%. Keep in mind that some salt is introduced with soy sauce. Adding 1.5% soy sauce, corresponds to 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) and introduces about 1 g of salt. If you are perfectionist, you may subtract this amount from the total amount of salt in the recipe.

Alcohol

Alcohols are often used to enrich aroma of processed meats and sausages. Germans add infused in alcohol herbs and spices to many sausages, Italians add red wine to salami, Russians often added brandy or cognac to their sausages. Portuguese cure/marinate meat overnight for many sausages. Chinese add rice or rose wine (1.5-3.5%) and white distilled spirits to their sausages. Distilled spirits are usually made from sorghum, rice or other grains. They are much stronger than wine, usually about 40 – 60% (80-120 proof). Chinese Mirin sweet cooking rice wine is available in American supermarkets.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – Chinese are very fond of adding MSG (flavor enhancer) to meat and sausages. MSG is used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer that intensifies the meaty, savory flavor of food. It is usually added at 0.2-1.0%.

Spices

Aromatic spices are very popular: cinnamon, fennel, Sichuan pepper, nutmeg, ginger, galangal, Mandarin orange peel, cardamom, anise seed, turmeric. There are premixed combinations available in stores, one of the most popular ones is the Five-Spice Powder, a common combination is star anise, fennel seeds, cloves, Chinese cinnamon and Sichuan pepper. Sichuan pepper is not as hot and pungent like black or white pepper, it has some lemony flavor to it.

Ingredients such as starch, coloring, or soy protein concentrate are usually not added to high grade sausages. Food colorings are added to meat products such as ribs or duck, however, their use in sausages is not widespread.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process follows the same basic sausage making procedure:

Meat selection – high quality pork and fat. It has been well established that the higher the lean meat in the sausage recipe, the better is the quality of the sausage and La Cheong is no exception. However, without pork fat which carries the flavor, the sensory attributes especially flavor of the sausage will suffer. For Lap Cheong sausage processing, the best sources of lean meat are the back legs (ham) followed by the fore legs of pigs (lean cuts from butt and picnic). It should be noted that the legs of the pig, for example picnic or its upper part known as butt contain all grades of meat and only lean cuts should be selected. Avoid tendons, sinews and connective tissue as these will be hard to chew in a finished sausage. On the other hand, pork fat should ideally be collected from the back of pigs; a good-quality pork fat should be hard in texture and white in color. For better fat definition in a sliced sausage scald diced fat cubes briefly with hot water. Lap Cheong is made of pork, it is possible to find sausages made from pork and chicken or even other meats, however, this is done not to improve the taste and flavor of the sausage, but to lower the costs of the production.

You can produce grade 1 quality sausage by using 75% lean meat to 25% fat. Selecting an average pork butt (shoulder) will meet this requirement OR you can mix pork and fat trimmings in similar or different proportion, however it is not recommended to use less than 25% fat. You could increase the amount of fat up to 50% so your sausage will be 50% lean: 50% fat, however, remember that fat develops rancidity in time (2-3 months) and the flavor of the sausage will deteriorate. Keeping sausages refrigerated or frozen will not prevent rancidity.

Grinding/cutting – meat is cut by hand or ground through ¼” (6 mm) plate.

Mixing – ground meat is mixed with salt, cure, other ingredients and diced/ground fat. The mixture is kept overnight in a cooler 4° C (40° F) to allow for some curing to take place.

Drying – the sausages are rinsed and hung to dry. Like other traditionally made dry sausages, for example Spanish chorizo or Italian salami, Chinese dry sausages must be dried until they lose about 35% moisture. This, of course, is dependent on diameter of a sausage, temperature, humidity and airflow. In home conditions these parameters are difficult to control. Because Chinese sausages are usually stuffed into small diameter casings (~ 25 mm), the drying process is relatively short and drying temperature can fluctuate within a wide range, but should stay below 50° C (122° F). Of course, it is taken for granted that proper amount of salt (~ 3.0%) and maximum allowed by law percentage of sodium nitrite/sodium nitrate (cure 2 or cure 1) is introduced. The advantage of drying small diameter sausages at such a high temperature is that after drying for 1-2 days most of bacteria is dead and the finished sausage is microbiologically stable and safe for consumption. However, such a high temperature cannot be applied to sausages stuffed into larger casings, for example 40-60 mm, as the heat will create a hard surface area and the moisture inside the sausage will not be able to evaporate. It should be reminded that the sausages dry from inside out. Depending on the type of la sausages, they are commonly dried by air or mild roasting at temperatures close to but below 50° C (122° F) for about 3-4 days. This range of temperatures lies inside danger zone and is well suited for bacteria growth and this is why a sodium nitrite (Cure 1) and a larger percentage of salt (2.5-3.0%) are added. A finished dry sausage loses about 40% of its original weight (water) which makes it microbiologically stable as bacteria need water for survival. Dry sausage can be stored at room temperature.

At home conditions drying is performed with a natural air flow and the temperature is greatly affected by the seasonal weather. The sausages can be hung outside or placed in an enclosed area, for example a smokehouse. Using smokehouse allows to increase the temperature in cold months by slowly burning wood, however, the sausage will acquire smoky flavor. To prevent this, the wood should be pre-burned in a separate area, and only hot embers should be introduced into the smokehouse. The reason is that most of the smoke is produced in first stages of burning wood. A large pre-burned log of wood will provide heat for many hours without producing smoke. Because the sausages are dried at relatively high temperatures there is no need for strong ventilation or a draft in a smokehouse. Strong air flow may inhibit drying by creating harder surface (crust) on the sausage which will impede the further removal of the moisture.

Chinese dry sausages are not smoked, just dried. So is the majority of Italian and Spanish dry meats and sausages. On the other hand, in north European countries such as Germany, Poland, Russia and Lithuania almost all dry and fermented sausages are smoked.

Stuffing – sausage meat paste is stuffed into animal casings, stomachs and bladders, at least in home production. It can be stuffed with fingers through a suitable funnel, a grinder with a stuffing tube or a dedicated piston stuffer. In home production, a variety of natural casings is used; hog, horse, sheep, rabbit, the small diameter casings are preferred as they simplify drying process. Commercial producers use small diameter 22-25 mm natural casings or small diameter collagen or synthetic casings. Casings should be stuffed firmly and any visible air pockets pricked with a needle to remove air. Left over air pockets will result in tiny holes and may be form local discolorations. It should be noted that casings must be permeable, they must allow the moisture to evaporate away.

Storing - the dry sausages can be kept for several months at room temperatures. Chinese employ an ingenious way of marking grades and quality of their sausages by using a differently colored hanging strings. Lap Cheong sausage which is only partially dried is not safe to consume and must be cooked to at least 59° C (137° F) before serving. The problem is a possibility of contracting a trichinella spiralis round worm that is known to be present in pigs and wild game. In Europe, each slaughtered pig is inspected for “trichinae” before it enters distribution channels, in the USA it is assumed that commercially raised pigs are free of the worm due to their carefully prepared commercial diet. However, a pig raised on a farm eats anything it can find and may be infected with a worm. Trichinella spiralis worm is easily destroyed by heating pork meat to 59° C (137° F) or by freezing it for a prescribed amount of time before processing.

A typical composition of a standard Lap Cheong sausage recipe:

Meats	Metric	U.S.
Pork meat, lean	700 g	1.54 lb
Pork back fat	300 g	0.66 lb
Ingredients per 1000 g (2.2 lbs) of meat
Salt	25 g	4 tsp
Cure #1	4.0 g	3/4 tsp
Sugar	60 g	2.1 oz
Soy sauce	30 ml	1 oz fl
Rice wine or distilled alcohol (50-60%)	30 ml	1 oz fl
Cinnamon	1.0 g	1/2 tsp

Other Chinese Sausages

Every country makes all types of sausages and China is no exception. Blood sausage made in Poland differs from a blood sausage made in England, France or Spain because it includes a different combination of ingredients, however, it contains blood and it is still a blood sausage. Sausages made in Sichuan province of China should be hotter than similar sausages made in different regions. A fresh Mexican chorizo will be much hotter than Spanish chorizo. Poland, Germany and Russia have been making sausages for centuries yet they still stay away from hot sausages made with chili peppers, something that is common and perfectly acceptable in Asian countries or even in southern states of the United States.

The manufacturing process for making a particular sausage does not change much no matter in which country the sausage was produced. What changes is a preconceived regional expectation to how the sausage should taste or look. Chinese add sugar, soy, cinnamon and alcohol to their sausages and they may smoke them or not, Poles like marjoram, mustard seed, coriander, allspice and they almost always smoke sausages. Northern Europeans are not particularly crazy about southern European dry sausages and of course Italians or Spaniards don’t care much about smoked products. To make it short Chinese sausages carry a different flavor to satisfy demands of a local Chinese customer and their unique taste may feel unusual to customers who have never tried them before.

Chinese sausages

The following Chinese Sausages are listed in our Sausage Recipes Index:

Chinese Blood Sausage with Rice
Chinese Sausage - Smoked
Dongguan
Fen Chang
Goin Chong - Cooked
Goin Chong - Dry
Guan Chang
Guan Chang - Vegetarian
Harbin Red Sausage
Lap Cheong
Lap Cheong - Fermented