Lap Cheong / Lap Xuong

Lap cheong (also known as lap xuong) is a sweet-salty Chinese dried sausage with a distinctive firm, slightly chewy texture and deep reddish color. Made from pork and pork fat with sugar, soy sauce, and rice wine, it has an intensely concentrated flavor that's both savory and subtly sweet. Lap cheong must be cooked before eating - it's typically sliced thin and pan-fried until the edges crisp.

Home bakers can incorporate lap cheong into savory breads, scallion pancakes, or steamed buns for an umami punch. It pairs beautifully with onions, garlic, and Asian greens. The rendered fat adds richness to doughs, while the sausage itself provides bursts of complex flavor that transform simple baked goods into satisfying, restaurant-quality dishes.