Does Chinese Sausage Go Bad? A Complete Guide to Proper Storage and Safety

If you’ve eaten yang chow fried rice, you’ve tasted Chinese sausage. It’s a common ingredient of stir fried noodles and claypot dishes too.

I still remember my first bite of Chinese sausage. It was enveloped in a soft and fluffy bun that had been steamed. It wasn’t until many, many years later that I learned the sausage and bread combination was called lap cheong bun. But the taste didn’t matter what it was called. My mother had to wipe my face clean because the sausage fat had run down my chin.

That was decades ago. As an adult, I’ve love Chinese sausage in all its many forms in Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand, and I still do. In fact, I love it even more now than I did as a child.

Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines. Its sweet, savory flavor adds delicious complexity to fried rice, congee, and more. But with any perishable food, proper storage is key for safety. So does Chinese sausage actually go bad? How can you tell if lap cheong has spoiled? This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about storing lap cheong, signs of spoilage, shelf life, freezing, and more.

Overview of Lap Cheong (Chinese Sausage)

Lap cheong is a type of Chinese cured sausage usually made from finely ground pork It gets its signature pinkish-red color from food coloring as well as red fermented rice or ang-kak powder. Lap cheong is seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, five-spice powder, and other spices which give it a slightly sweet yet savory taste

Unlike fresh sausages lap cheong is dried and cured. This process extends its shelf life to several weeks when stored properly. Common varieties include liver sausage chicken sausage, and sweeter versions like rose sausage. Lap cheong is especially popular in Cantonese cuisine, adding flavor to many classic dishes.

Proper Storage for Lap Cheong

To maximize lap cheong’s shelf life and safety, proper storage methods are key. Here are some tips for storing lap cheong:

Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below for best quality and to slow bacteria growth.
Store lap cheong in its original packaging until opened. Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Place in a sealed zip-top bag if storing with other foods to prevent drying out.
Avoid leaving lap cheong at room temperature for more than 2 hours after opening.
For extended storage, freeze lap cheong for up to 4 months at 0°F. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Check package for sell-by or use-by dates to determine ultimate shelf life.

With proper refrigeration and storage methods, lap cheong can maintain optimal freshness and safety for enjoyment over an extended period.

How Long Does Lap Cheong Last When Properly Stored?

Thanks to being cured and dried, lap cheong has a fairly lengthy shelf life compared to raw sausages. You can expect properly stored lap cheong to maintain best quality for:

Unopened package: Up to 4-6 weeks past the sell-by date when refrigerated.
After opening: 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
In freezer: Up to 4 months when frozen continuously at 0°F.
After thawing: Use within 4-7 days when refrigerated.
At room temperature: 1 week maximum if kept cool and dry.

Always defer to any use-by or expiration dates on the packaging when determining lap cheong’s shelf life. If there are no dates, use your senses to check for signs of spoilage.

Can You Freeze Lap Cheong?

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of lap cheong for several months. To freeze:

Double wrap sausages tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Remove excess air.
Freeze lap cheong for up to 4 months at a constant temperature of 0°F.
Thaw frozen lap cheong overnight in the refrigerator before use.
Cook thawed lap cheong within 4-7 days for optimal freshness and quality.

With proper freezing techniques, you can keep a stash of lap cheong on hand for months to use whenever a craving strikes!

How To Tell If Your Lap Cheong Has Spoiled

Trusting your senses is the best way to determine if your lap cheong has gone bad. Signs that lap cheong has spoiled include:

Slimy or sticky texture – should feel firm when fresh
Mold growth – discard any moldy sausages
Shriveled, dried out casing
Foul odors – should smell mildly meaty when fresh
Unnatural discoloration – dull or greenish/grey tones
Expired sell-by date – don’t use if past date on package

When in doubt, remember the old saying – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled sausage.

What Happens If You Eat Bad Lap Cheong?

Consuming lap cheong that contains pathogenic bacteria could potentially lead to foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Fever, headache, body aches
Illness lasting over a week or more

Severe cases may even require hospitalization. Always discard lap cheong at the first signs of spoilage, especially if it has an unpleasant odor or visible slime. Don’t eat lap cheong past its labeled expiration date either.

How To Safely Handle and Cook Lap Cheong

To safely enjoy lap cheong’s signature flavor, follow these handling and cooking guidelines:

Always cook lap cheong thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
Avoid cross-contamination by storing lap cheong away from ready-to-eat foods.
Use a clean cutting board and knife when slicing lap cheong.
Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw lap cheong.
Don’t eat any leftover lap cheong after cooking a dish, as it may not reheat fully.

Following basic food safety practices helps reduce the risks associated with raw lap cheong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can opened lap cheong sit out unrefrigerated?

Only 2 hours maximum. Refrigerate or cook lap cheong within 5 days after opening and don’t leave it sitting out.

Can you refreeze thawed lap cheong?

It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed lap cheong, as this may compromise the texture. Cook fully within 4-7 days after thawing.

Is it safe to eat lap cheong cold without cooking?

Always cook lap cheong thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature before eating. Do not consume raw.

If lap cheong looks fine, can you eat it after the expiration date?

It’s not advised, as bacteria could be present with no visible signs. Discard expired lap cheong to be safe.

How long is frozen lap cheong still good for after 4 months?

Flavor and texture decline after 4 months in the freezer. Use frozen lap cheong within 5 months maximum.

The Takeaway – Follow Proper Storage for Safely Enjoying Lap Cheong

When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, Chinese sausage can stay fresh for weeks or months past its packaging date. But lap cheong does eventually expire and spoil given enough time at unsafe temperatures.

Follow the tips here on ideal storage, freezing, signs of spoilage, and more. With good lap cheong handling, you can safely enjoy its signature sweet and savory goodness in your favorite Chinese dishes. Just remember to store lap cheong properly and discard it if you have any doubts about its freshness.

does chinese sausage go bad

What does Chinese sausage taste like?

That really depends on what the ingredients are, and where it originates. But when it comes to lap cheong, a smoked and dried Chinese pork sausage, it is usually just the right amount of honey and salt. Hovering in the background are seasonings that traditionally include rice wine and soy sauce.

Tips for buying Chinese sausage

When you go to an Asian grocery to buy Chinese sausage, know that there are many kinds. They come in different lengths, widths, and colors, from chocolate to dull red.

The shape and and color define the variety. The thin dark sausages are likely made with pork or duck liver. The dull red ones with bright white specks are most likely made with pork meat and fat.

Look alone isn’t enough to tell, especially since the labels don’t have any English translations. To make sure you get the right sausage, you should ask the store owner to describe the differences between the ones that are displayed.