Cooking sausage can be a straightforward process, but it requires some care to ensure the sausages are cooked evenly and retain their flavorful juices. Here are several methods to cook sausage, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Fresh Link Sausage (Raw)
Fresh link sausages, such as bratwurst, Italian sausage, and fresh kielbasa, are raw meat products that must be fully cooked before consumption.
Parboiling and Pan-Frying
Start by parboiling the sausages in water or a flavorful liquid like beer and sliced onions. Place the sausages in the liquid before it is heated, and let it simmer gently until the sausages are gray throughout, which usually takes 10-15 minutes[2][4].
After parboiling, drain the water and fry the sausages over medium heat until they are nicely browned. This method helps prevent the sausages from bursting and keeps them juicy[1][4].
Grilling
Parboil the sausages as described above.
Grill the sausages slowly over medium heat, turning them frequently to ensure even cooking. You can also place raw sausages directly on the grill, but it is crucial to cook them slowly over mature coals to prevent undercooking or bursting[1][2].
Oven Roasting
Place the sausages in a cold oven and set the temperature to 300-350°F (150-175°C). Roasting the sausages as the oven heats up helps prevent them from bursting. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until they reach the desired color and internal temperature[2][4].
Cooked Link Sausage
Cooked link sausages, such as wieners, frankfurters, and cooked bratwurst, only need to be heated through.
Boiling Water
Bring a pan of water to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Add the sausages and cover the pan. Let the sausages stand for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through[1][5].
Pan-Frying
Place the sausages in a skillet and add a small amount of water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the water evaporates. Then, continue cooking over medium heat, turning the sausages frequently until they are browned[1][4].
Baking
Cut the sausages into slices or chunks and mix them into casserole dishes, or place them whole atop food in a casserole. Bake in a moderate oven until the sausages are heated through[1].
Grilling
For cooked sausages, you can place them directly on the grill. Use indirect medium heat and turn the sausages regularly to ensure even heating[2][5].
General Tips
Avoiding Bursting
Raw, unsmoked sausages are more likely to burst during cooking. To prevent this, simmer them gently in liquid before searing or grilling[2][4].
Using the Right Tools
Always use tongs or a turner to handle sausages, as using a fork can puncture the casing and allow juices to escape[1][2][4].
Cooking Temperatures
Ensure that raw sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked[4].
Liquid Cooking
When simmering sausages, make sure the liquid is simmering and not boiling. Small bubbles gently rising to the surface indicate the right temperature[2].
Most Important Facts
Fresh vs. Cooked Sausages: Fresh link sausages must be fully cooked, while cooked link sausages only need to be heated through.
Parboiling: Parboiling raw sausages in liquid before pan-frying or grilling helps prevent bursting and ensures even cooking.
Temperature Control: Use medium heat and avoid boiling to prevent sausages from bursting.
Handling: Use tongs or a turner to handle sausages to keep the juices inside.
Internal Temperature: Ensure raw sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
Versatility: Sausages can be cooked using various methods including boiling, pan-frying, grilling, broiling, and baking.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy perfectly cooked sausages that are both flavorful and safe to eat.
