Cooking sausage links can be a straightforward and delicious process, but it requires some understanding of the different types of sausages and the various cooking methods available. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cook sausage links to perfection.
Understanding Types of Sausage Links
Before diving into the cooking methods, it’s crucial to distinguish between fresh and cooked sausage links.
Fresh Sausage Links
Fresh sausage links, such as fresh bratwurst, Italian sausage, and fresh kielbasa, are not cooked during processing. These sausages are raw and must be fully cooked before consumption. They typically have a pink-to-rosy color and turn gray throughout when fully cooked[1][2][4].
Cooked Sausage Links
Cooked sausage links, including wieners, frankfurters, and cooked bratwurst, have been thoroughly cooked during processing. These sausages only need to be heated through before serving[1][2][4].
Cooking Methods for Fresh Sausage Links
Parboiling and Pan-Frying
Parboil: Place the fresh sausage links in a heavy skillet and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to parboil the sausages until they are gray throughout, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes[1][2][4].
Pan-Fry: After parboiling, drain the water and fry the sausages over medium heat until they are nicely browned. Use tongs or a turner to turn the sausages to avoid puncturing the casing and losing flavorful juices[1][2].
Parboiling and Grilling
Parboil: Follow the same parboiling steps as above. For added flavor, you can parboil the sausages in beer with sliced onions instead of water[1][2].
Grill: Grill the parboiled sausages slowly over mature coals, turning frequently, until they are gray-brown throughout. Alternatively, you can grill fresh sausages directly without parboiling, but ensure they cook slowly and evenly to avoid undercooking[1][2].
Boiling
You can also cook fresh sausage links by boiling them in water. Bring a pan of water to a boil, add the sausages, and cook for about 10 minutes. This method is simpler but may not yield the same browning as pan-frying or grilling[4].
Oven Cooking
For a cleaner and easier method, you can cook sausage links in the oven.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange Sausages: Place the sausage links on a rimmed baking pan, ensuring they have enough space to brown evenly.
Cook: Cook the sausages in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are fully cooked and nicely browned[5].
Cooking Methods for Cooked Sausage Links
Since cooked sausage links are already fully cooked, they only need to be heated through.
Boiling Water
Bring a pan of water to a boil, remove from heat, and add the cooked sausage links. Cover the pan and let the sausages stand for about 10-15 minutes until heated through[1][2].
Baking
Place the cooked sausage links in a casserole dish or on top of other food in a casserole and bake in a moderate oven until heated through[1][2].
Microwaving, Grilling, or Pan-Frying
Cooked sausages can also be heated through by microwaving, grilling, or pan-frying. Be cautious not to overcook, as this can cause the casing to split[1][2].
Important Facts to Remember
Fresh vs. Cooked: Fresh sausage links must be fully cooked before consumption, while cooked sausage links only need to be heated through.
Parboiling: Parboiling fresh sausage links in water or beer before pan-frying or grilling helps ensure they are cooked evenly and adds flavor.
Internal Temperature: Ensure fresh sausage links reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork, beef, lamb, or veal, and 165°F (74°C) for chicken[4].
Handling: Use tongs or a turner to handle sausages to avoid puncturing the casing and losing juices[1][2][4].
Cooking Times:
Boiling: Under 20 minutes
Oven: 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
Stovetop: 10-12 minutes
Grilling: A few minutes on each side until charred and cooked through[4][5].
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy perfectly cooked sausage links every time, whether you prefer the traditional pan-frying method or the convenience of oven cooking.
