Smoked Sausage Oriental
A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring smoked sausage, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining, it combines smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors with a delightful mix of textures over noodles or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. smoked sausage or Polska kielbasa, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chunked ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 small tomatoes, cut into sixths ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves ⓘ
- 2 cups drained pineapple chunks ⓘ
- chow mein noodles or rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute green pepper, onion, and smoked sausage in butter for 5 minutes.
- Combine cornstarch, ground ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and apricot preserves to make the sauce mixture.
- Stir the sauce mixture into the sausage and vegetable skillet.
- Cook over low heat until the sauce thickens.
- Add pineapple chunks and heat through.
- Serve over chow mein noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using turkey sausage for a lighter option or adding a splash of sriracha for heat. If you don't have apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade can be a great substitute. Ensure to sauté the vegetables until just tender to maintain their crunch, enhancing the dish's texture. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or even for serving at gatherings, as it can easily be doubled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Smoked Sausage Oriental over chow mein noodles or rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the dish's richness. For a unique twist, consider using it as a filling for Oriental Burritos, utilizing large tortillas to wrap the flavorful mixture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Sausage Oriental contains roughly 1279 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2293mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Yes, you can use fresh sausage, but ensure to cook it thoroughly before adding the vegetables and sauce mixture. This will enhance the flavors and prevent any food safety issues. The smoky flavor of smoked sausage adds depth, so consider adding a bit of liquid smoke if you prefer that taste.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you don't have pineapple chunks, consider using canned peaches or mango for a similar sweetness. You could also omit the fruit entirely and add more vegetables like snap peas or carrots for an even healthier option. The dish will still be delicious without the fruit, just adjust your seasonings accordingly.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before combining it with the other ingredients. You could also sauté some sliced jalapeños with the vegetables for an extra kick. Adjust the spiciness to your preference for a customized flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).