Beijing is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. Among the various culinary delights that the city has to offer, one that stands out as a favorite among locals and visitors alike is the fried sausage, or “zhà guàncháng” in Chinese (炸灌肠). This iconic street food is an integral part of Beijing’s food culture and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
The process of making fried sausage involves using cooked Beijing sausage as the raw material and deep-frying it until it turns crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The result is a delectable combination of textures and flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds.
The preparation of the sausage starts with cleaning the pork intestine, removing the inner membrane, and soaking it in water. The glutinous rice is soaked until it becomes soft, and then it’s mixed with pork filling, ginger, scallion, salt, soy sauce, cooking wine, and white pepper powder. The mixture is then stuffed into the pork intestine, which is then tied tightly and cooked in boiling water until it’s done. Finally, the cooked sausage is deep-fried until it turns golden brown.
The fried sausage is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a flavor that is savory, fragrant, and slightly sweet. The sausage’s texture is also unique, thanks to the addition of glutinous rice, which makes it more elastic and chewy. It is often served with a side of spicy mustard or soy sauce to add a bit of extra flavor.
Fried sausage is not only a popular street food but also a staple of the local cuisine. It is a snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and you can find it in many food stalls and restaurants throughout the city. It’s also a favorite among locals, who often enjoy it as a breakfast or afternoon snack or as a late-night snack after a night out.