Lap cheong, also known as Chinese sausage, is a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes. It is a flavorful and savory sausage that adds a unique taste to any dish. Traditionally, lap cheong is prepared by steaming or pan-frying. However, did you know that you can easily cook lap cheong in a rice cooker? Yes, that’s right! In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy method to cook lap cheong in a rice cooker. So, let’s get started!
Gather the Ingredients and Equipment
To cook lap cheong in a rice cooker, you will need a few simple ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Lap cheong sausages (as many as you desire)
– Water
Equipment:
– Rice cooker
– Steaming tray or aluminum foil (optional)
Preparing the Lap Cheong
Before cooking the lap cheong, it is important to prepare it properly. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Soak the Lap Cheong:
Start by soaking the lap cheong sausages in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will help soften the sausage casings and remove any excess oil. Drain the sausages after soaking.
2. Prick the Lap Cheong:
Using a fork or toothpick, prick each lap cheong sausage a few times on both sides. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the sausages evenly during the cooking process.
Cooking the Lap Cheong in the Rice Cooker
Once you have prepared the lap cheong, it’s time to cook it in the rice cooker. Follow these simple steps:
1. Place the Lap Cheong in the Rice Cooker:
Place the drained and pricked lap cheong sausages in the rice cooker pot. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
2. Add Water:
Add enough water to cover the lap cheong sausages completely. The water should be about 1-2 inches above the sausages. This will allow them to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors.
3. Cook the Lap Cheong:
Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the regular cooking mode. Let the lap cheong sausages cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. This may vary depending on the rice cooker model and the thickness of the sausages.
4. Check the Lap Cheong:
After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully open the rice cooker lid and check the lap cheong sausages. They should be plump, firm, and cooked through.
5. Serve:
Once the lap cheong sausages are ready, you can serve them as they are or incorporate them into various dishes. They can be enjoyed on their own, sliced and added to fried rice, stir-fries, or even steamed buns.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to enhance your lap cheong cooking experience:
1. Steaming Tray:
If your rice cooker comes with a steaming tray, you can use it to elevate the lap cheong sausages while they cook. This will prevent them from sitting directly in the water and allow for more even cooking.
2. Flavor Boosters:
To add extra flavor to the lap cheong, you can try adding a few drops of soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, or even a pinch of sugar to the water before cooking. This will infuse the sausages with a delightful taste.
3. Assorted Lap Cheong:
There are various types of lap cheong available, such as spicy lap cheong, liver lap cheong, and even lap cheong with dried shrimp. You can experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences.
4. Leftover Lap Cheong:
If you have any leftover lap cheong sausages, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated or used in various dishes within a few days.
Conclusion
Cooking lap cheong in a rice cooker is a quick and easy method that yields delicious results. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can enjoy perfectly cooked lap cheong sausages with minimal effort. So, the next time you’re craving this mouthwatering Chinese sausage, grab your rice cooker and give this method a try. Happy cooking!