We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Lop Chong?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 15,617
Share

Lop chong is a type of Chinese sausage which is also known as lap chong, lap cheong, lap cheung, and lap xuong, among many other spelling variants. Traditionally, this sausage is made during the 12th lunar month, and it may be cured in a number of ways. Unlike some other cured meats, lap chong must be cooked before it can be used. This sausage is very popular in China and areas with a large Chinese population, and it tends to be relatively easy to obtain in these regions.

There are two basic types of lop chong. One is made with pork, and one is made with a mixture of duck and pork liver. Some regional variants may be made with other meats. The meats are spiced before being packed into intestinal casings and cured. Traditionally, lap chong has been wind dried; many Chinese say that this brings out the savory flavor in this sausage. Lop chong can also be baked or smoked.

The finished product is a hard, very dry sausage with a spicy, yet sweet taste. When the sausage has been well handled, it can keep for up to a month at room temperature unless it is opened, and it keeps even longer under refrigeration. Lop chong was probably originally devised to help people get through the the winter, so it was cured for durability; the curing process simply happens to enhance the natural flavor of the sausage.

There are numerous ways to prepare lop chong. One of the most basic and beloved techniques is simply to steam the sausage and serve it over rice. It can also be stir fried with mixed vegetables and other ingredients, or chopped up and added to dumplings, spring rolls, and an assortment of other dishes. Some people also enjoy eating lop chong as a snack food; the spicy sweetness is quite enjoyable on its own.

In a region with a big Chinese population, a Chinese grocer or butcher may stock lop chong. Some of the most prized versions are made in Hong Kong or Macau style, and sausage from these regions may be available at import stores. If you have trouble tracking down these sausages in your region, you may be able to find a supplier who will be able to ship it to you. Be aware that agricultural inspection in China can be hit or miss, and there have been some cases of food borne illness linked to the consumption of lop chong, especially sausages prepared with dyes to make them more visually appealing. If you can, purchase undyed sausage, store it in cool conditions, and cook it before consumption.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-lop-chong.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.