Prepare for an extraordinary culinary journey with a dish that masterfully blends the earthy goodness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the captivating savory-sweet notes of cured Chinese sausage, known as lap cheong (腊肠). This recipe transcends the ordinary, creating an unforgettable fusion of flavors that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Beyond guiding you through this simple yet exquisite one-pan meal, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Chinese sausage, revealing my top-recommended brand and exploring a variety of other delectable dishes where this versatile ingredient truly shines. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Chinese Sausage Recipe is a Must-Try
This particular recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers alike:
- Unmatched Flavor Harmony: The unique profile of savory-sweet, smoky, and intensely flavorful Chinese sausage (lap cheong) creates a perfect counterpoint to the slightly bitter, caramelized notes of roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a pairing that truly elevates both ingredients.
- Remarkably Simple Ingredients: You only need five core ingredients to bring this sensational dish to life, ensuring accessibility and ease of preparation. This simplicity allows the quality of each component to truly shine.
- Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! This entire meal cooks in a single pan within your oven, streamlining both the cooking process and subsequent cleanup. It’s the ultimate solution for quick and convenient weeknight dinners.
- Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 20 minutes of active cooking time, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules when you crave a homemade, flavorful meal without the fuss.
Unveiling Lap Cheong: Your Guide to Chinese Sausage
Chinese sausage, or “Lap Cheong” (腊肠), offers a culinary experience unlike any other cured meat you may have encountered. Originating from Cantonese cuisine, this distinctive sausage is predominantly made from pork, which is meticulously marinated with a blend of soy sauce, sugar, rose water (or rice wine), and spices, then air-dried and smoked. The result is a sausage with a firm texture and a deep, glossy, reddish-brown hue.
While pork-based lap cheong is the most common, you can also find variations made from duck liver or pork liver, which typically present a darker, richer reddish-brown color and a more intense, umami-rich flavor profile. These liver-based sausages are often prized for their depth and complexity.
The flavor of lap cheong is a complex symphony of sweet-salty, smoky, and deeply savory notes, often described as unctuous. As it cooks, the small pockets of fat within the sausage render and melt, infusing the entire dish with a rich, aromatic essence. Imagine the delightful taste of candied bacon, where the sweetness perfectly complements the savory meatiness, or that magical moment when maple syrup from your pancakes mingles with thick-cut bacon – lap cheong captures a similar irresistible allure, making it an incredibly versatile and beloved ingredient in Asian cooking.
Selecting the Best Chinese Sausage Brand
When it comes to choosing Chinese sausage, quality makes a significant difference. Most well-stocked Asian supermarkets will carry a variety of brands, but if you’re seeking a widely popular and reliable option, Kam Yen Jan is consistently a top choice. This brand is a product of the U.S.A., known for its consistent quality and authentic flavor profile, making it a favorite among many home cooks and professional chefs.
If you don’t have convenient access to an Asian market, fret not! Kam Yen Jan Chinese sausage is also readily available online, often at a comparable price to what you’d find in specialty stores. The convenience of online shopping means you can easily stock up on this essential ingredient from the comfort of your home.
Given its excellent shelf stability, Chinese sausage is a fantastic pantry staple. Don’t hesitate to purchase a multi-pack, especially from online retailers like Amazon. Its long shelf life means you’ll always have this intensely flavorful ingredient on hand to elevate a wide array of dishes, not just this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe. Its versatility and robust flavor make it an indispensable addition to any adventurous cook’s pantry.
Storage Tips for Chinese Sausage
One of the many benefits of Chinese sausage is its impressive shelf life, thanks to its drying, curing, and smoking process. When kept unopened, a package can typically last for over a year at room temperature in your pantry (always double-check the expiration date on the packaging for precise guidance). This makes it an excellent ingredient to always have on hand for last-minute meal preparations.
For even longer storage, you can freeze unopened packages of Chinese sausage, where they will maintain their quality indefinitely. Once you’ve opened a package and used only a few links, it’s crucial to store the remaining sausage properly to preserve its flavor and freshness. Tightly wrap the unused links in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Refrigerated, they will keep for up to 6 months, while freezing them will extend their shelf life significantly, ensuring you always have a ready supply for your culinary adventures.
Preparing Your Brussels Sprouts: Tips for Perfection
For perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, proper preparation is key. Begin by washing your Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. Next, trim the tough bottom stem of each sprout and remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves. For faster cooking and to maximize those delicious caramelized edges, cut the Brussels sprouts into quarters. This increases their surface area, allowing them to brown beautifully and cook more evenly alongside the sausage.
One-Pan Wonder: Roasting Brussels Sprouts with Chinese Sausage
This recipe truly embodies the spirit of simplicity and flavor, all in one pan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts and glistening Chinese sausage:
First, preheat your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving beautifully caramelized Brussels sprouts and rendering the fat from the Chinese sausage.
Next, prepare your Chinese sausage by cutting it into uniform 1/2-inch thick pieces. This size ensures even cooking and allows the savory-sweet fat to release and flavor the dish. On a large baking sheet, arrange your quartered Brussels sprouts and the sliced Chinese sausage. It’s important to keep these ingredients separated on the pan initially. Chinese sausage cooks faster and releases its own fat, so keeping them distinct helps control the cooking process and prevents the sprouts from becoming greasy too early. Toss *only* the Brussels sprouts with a light drizzle of cooking oil (such as avocado oil or vegetable oil). The Chinese sausage does not require any additional oil, as it contains plenty of its own delicious fat that will render during roasting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 7 to 10 minutes. During this initial phase, keep a close eye on the Chinese sausage. It should begin to brown slightly, and you’ll notice its flavorful fat sizzling on the surface. This rendering fat is key to its delectable texture and taste. Once the sausage is lightly browned and has released some of its oils, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and scoop the cooked Chinese sausage onto a plate. Set it aside for later to prevent it from overcooking or burning while the Brussels sprouts finish.
Return the baking sheet with the Brussels sprouts to the oven. Continue roasting for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness and caramelization. The exact timing will depend on the size of your Brussels sprouts and your oven’s characteristics. You’re looking for sprouts that are lightly browned and tender-crisp – easily pierced with a fork but still offering a slight bite.
Once the Brussels sprouts are done, remove them from the oven. This is where the final seasoning comes in. Drizzle the roasted sprouts with a touch of fish sauce. Fish sauce adds a wonderful depth of umami and saltiness that beautifully complements the sprouts. Alternatively, you can use soy sauce, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, Tamari (for a gluten-free option), or Coconut Aminos (a paleo-friendly alternative). Remember, the Chinese sausage is already intensely flavorful and salty, so it typically doesn’t need any additional seasoning. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper over the Brussels sprouts can also enhance their flavor.
Finally, combine the seasoned Brussels sprouts with the reserved cooked Chinese sausage. Toss everything together gently to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Serve immediately as a fantastic side dish or a light main course. The combination of textures – tender-crisp sprouts and chewy, rich sausage – along with the interplay of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, makes this a truly satisfying and memorable dish.
Essential Tools & Ingredients for Success
To recreate this incredible dish with ease and achieve optimal results, a few key products come highly recommended. Investing in quality ingredients and reliable kitchen tools can truly elevate your cooking experience:
Kam Yen Jan Chinese Style Sausage: As highlighted earlier, this brand offers exceptional quality and authentic flavor, making it our go-to choice for lap cheong. Its consistent taste ensures a delicious outcome every time. You can find it and similar options here: Kam Yen Jan Chinese Style Sausage
Red Boat Fish Sauce: Not all fish sauces are created equal! Red Boat is renowned for its premium quality, made from only two ingredients: black anchovies and sea salt, naturally fermented. This results in a pure, rich umami flavor without any artificial additives, which makes a noticeable difference in your finished dish. Explore it here: Red Boat Fish Sauce
Calphalon Baking Sheets: A sturdy, reliable baking sheet is indispensable for roasting. Calphalon baking sheets are known for their even heat distribution and durability, ensuring your Brussels sprouts and sausage cook perfectly without hot spots or uneven browning. A good quality baking sheet is an investment that will serve you well for many meals to come. Check them out here: Calphalon Baking Sheets
Beyond This Dish: More Chinese Sausage Recipes
Chinese sausage is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a multitude of Asian-inspired dishes. Once you discover its unique flavor, you’ll want to explore all the ways it can enhance your cooking. Here are a few more fantastic recipes that feature this beloved ingredient:
- Chinese Sausage Rice with Sweet Soy Sauce: A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal where the sausage’s rendered fat infuses into the rice, often finished with a drizzle of sweet soy sauce. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying staple.
- Crab and Chinese Sausage Fried Rice: Elevate your fried rice game with the luxurious addition of crab meat and the savory depth of Chinese sausage. This dish is rich in umami and perfect for a special meal.
- Chinese Steamed Buns (Bao) with Chinese Sausage: Imagine warm, fluffy steamed buns wrapped around a delicious piece of Chinese sausage, much like a savory “pig in a blanket.” The sweet and savory sausage perfectly complements the soft, slightly sweet bun, creating a delightful snack or appetizer.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chinese Sausage Recipe
Tips for Success: Chinese sausage is incredibly flavorful and salty on its own, so be mindful when seasoning the Brussels sprouts. A gentle touch of fish sauce or soy sauce is usually sufficient to enhance, not overpower, the dish. Always ensure the Chinese sausage is not tossed with cooking oil, as its natural fat will render beautifully. For optimal cooking, keep the sausage separate from the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet during the initial roasting phase, as the sausage cooks faster.
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 4 links Chinese sausage, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce (or soy sauce, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, Tamari, or Coconut Aminos)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the quartered Brussels sprouts with the cooking oil until evenly coated. Create some space on the baking sheet for the Chinese sausage.
- Arrange the cut Chinese sausage pieces on the baking sheet, ensuring they are separate from the Brussels sprouts. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the Chinese sausage is lightly browned and sizzling, but not burnt. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, transfer the cooked Chinese sausage to a serving bowl, and set aside.
- Give the Brussels sprouts a quick toss on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned and caramelized. The exact cooking time may vary based on the size of your sprouts; check for tenderness by piercing with a fork.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked to your liking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle with the fish sauce (or your chosen alternative) and season with freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Add the roasted Brussels sprouts to the serving bowl with the reserved Chinese sausage. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Serve immediately and enjoy!
We hope you enjoy this delightful and easy recipe. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to your table or to simply enjoy a quick, satisfying meal. Your feedback is always welcome!