Here’s a simple and effective recipe to cook perfectly cooked sausage every time! Whether you’re using pork, beef, chicken, or turkey sausage, this method works for all types of sausages and ensures they’re juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
Perfectly Cooked Sausage Recipe
Ingredients:
- Sausages (as many as you need)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for crispiness)
- 1/2 cup water or broth (optional, to help cook the sausages through)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausages:
- If using links, you can cook them whole or slice them into smaller pieces if you prefer. Make sure they are at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. Heat a Pan:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if you want a crispier exterior. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can skip the oil and cook without it.
3. Brown the Sausages:
- Once the skillet is hot, place the sausages in the pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and crispy on the outside. This helps develop flavor and texture.
4. Add Liquid (Optional but Recommended):
- Once the sausages are browned on the outside, add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid, which will trap the steam and cook the sausages through. This step is especially helpful if you’re cooking thicker sausages or ones that need a little extra time to cook evenly.
5. Simmer:
- Let the sausages simmer for 10-15 minutes, depending on their thickness. Check occasionally to make sure the liquid hasn’t evaporated; you can add a bit more liquid if needed. This step will ensure that the sausages are fully cooked on the inside, keeping them juicy.
6. Check for Doneness:
- To check if the sausages are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork or beef sausages, or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausages.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut one sausage in half to check if it’s no longer pink inside.
7. Serve:
- Once the sausages are cooked through, remove them from the pan. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve as desired, or enjoy them whole with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- For Grilling: If you prefer grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill sausages for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Pan-frying without liquid: If you prefer to skip the steaming step, you can continue to cook the sausages on medium heat until fully browned and cooked through, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re cooking a large batch of sausages, do it in batches. Overcrowding the pan can prevent the sausages from browning properly.
This perfectly cooked sausage method will give you a juicy, flavorful result every time. Enjoy with eggs, in sandwiches, on pizzas, or simply by themselves with your favorite dipping sauce!