What To Know
- Place the sausage links or patties in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
- For a more intense char, consider using a grill with a high-heat setting for the final minute of cooking.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until softened.
Fully cooked sausage is a kitchen staple, offering convenience and flavor in a single package. But beyond simply pan-frying, there’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored. This blog post will delve into various techniques and recipes, answering the question: how to cook fully cooked sausage in ways that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meals.
The Basics: Pan-Frying to Perfection
While it may seem straightforward, mastering the art of pan-frying fully cooked sausage ensures optimal texture and flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Heat Matters: Start with a medium-heat skillet or pan. Overheating can lead to burning, while low heat won‘t achieve the desired crispness.
2. Oil Up: Add a thin layer of oil to the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than browning.
3. Time to Sizzle: Place the sausage links or patties in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
4. Internal Temperature: For added peace of mind, use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the sausage from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, creating a more flavorful and tender result.
Beyond the Pan: Grilling for Smoky Flavor
Grilling fully cooked sausage infuses it with a smoky aroma and adds a delightful char. Here’s how to achieve grilling perfection:
1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Clean the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Direct Heat: Place the sausage directly over the heat source.
3. Cooking Time: Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
4. Charring: For a more intense char, consider using a grill with a high-heat setting for the final minute of cooking.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the sausage from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Sausage in the Oven: A Simple and Versatile Option
Baking fully cooked sausage offers a hands-off approach, perfect for busy weeknights or large gatherings. Here’s how to achieve oven-baked perfection:
1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the Pan: Place the sausage links or patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Baking Time: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Optional Glazing: For a flavorful finish, consider brushing the sausage with a glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the sausage from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Sausage Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
Turn your fully cooked sausage into a flavorful and satisfying soup. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fully cooked sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until softened.
2. Add the sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and parsley.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Elevated Sausage: A Gourmet Twist
For a more sophisticated approach, consider these gourmet recipes:
- Sausage and Apple Skewers: Thread fully cooked sausage with apple slices and grilled peppers onto skewers. Grill or bake until the sausage is heated through and the apples are caramelized.
- Sausage and Bean Stew: Combine fully cooked sausage with diced potatoes, onions, carrots, and beans in a flavorful broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Sausage and Mushroom Pizza: Top a pizza crust with a layer of sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Creative Sausage Sides: Beyond the Usual
Don’t limit your sausage to main dishes! Explore these creative side dish ideas:
- Sausage and Potato Hash: Combine diced potatoes, onions, and fully cooked sausage in a skillet. Sauté until the potatoes are golden brown and the sausage is heated through.
- Sausage and Rice Pilaf: Add fully cooked sausage to a rice pilaf for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
- Sausage and Cornbread Muffins: Crumble fully cooked sausage into a cornbread batter for a savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Final Thoughts: Unleashing Sausage’s Potential
Fully cooked sausage offers a world of culinary possibilities, from simple pan-frying to gourmet creations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods, flavors, and recipes to discover your favorite ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I freeze fully cooked sausage?
A: Yes, fully cooked sausage can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, place the sausage in a freezer-safe bag or container and remove as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Q: How can I tell if fully cooked sausage is still good?
A: If the sausage has an off smell or color, or if the packaging is damaged, it’s best to discard it. Fully cooked sausage should always be stored in the refrigerator and used within 7 days of opening.
Q: Can I use fully cooked sausage in place of raw sausage in recipes?
A: While you can use fully cooked sausage in some recipes, it’s important to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Fully cooked sausage doesn’t need to be cooked as long as raw sausage, and it’s important to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: What are some tips for reheating fully cooked sausage?
A: You can reheat fully cooked sausage in a variety of ways, including in a skillet, oven, or microwave. Just make sure it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the sausage.
