The Best Method for Cooking Precooked Sausage Links: Tips and Tricks

Precooked sausage links are a convenient, pre-packaged ingredient for adding flavor to your meals. Properly reheating or cooking these sausage links can make them a delicious addition to your menu. This article will guide you through the recommended methods for cooking precooked sausages, ensuring they are perfectly heated and ready to enjoy.

What Are Precooked Sausages?

Precooked sausages are a type of emulsified meat mixture placed in casings. They typically contain between 20-25% fat to ensure they are juicy and flavorful. They are usually precooked to a safe eating temperature, but they can still benefit from additional cooking to enhance their texture and taste.

Recommended Cooking Methods

1. Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is one of the most popular methods to cook precooked sausages. Here's how to do it:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the sausage links in the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides. This will help achieve a nice Maillard reaction, adding depth and flavor to the sausage. Heat for 10-12 minutes if frozen, and 8-10 minutes if thawed. Alternatively, you can bake them in a convection oven at 325°F (165°C) for 6-8 minutes if frozen, or 4-5 minutes if thawed, but ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).

2. Grilling

If you prefer a smoky flavor, grilling is an excellent choice:

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the sausage links directly on the grill grates and cook until they are charred on the outside and the fat has rendered, giving them a juicy texture. This method will also add a delightful grilled charred note to your sausages, enhancing the overall flavor.

3. Microwave Cooking

If you're in a hurry, microwaving is a quick and straightforward method:

Place the sausage links in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes on high power, ensuring they reach a minimum temperature of 160°F (71°C). For best results, let the sausages sit for a few minutes to allow the heat to distribute evenly before serving.

Alternative Cooking Techniques

In some instances, you might want to add different flavors or textures to your sausages. Here are a couple of additional cooking methods to consider:

Bratwurst Cooking with Mutti’s Trick

For a delicious and traditional method, especially if you’re preparing bratwursts (German sausages), you can follow this recipe:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add sliced large onions to the pan and cook until they are translucent. This step will caramelize the onions and add a sweet, savory flavor to the dish. Add the bratwursts to the pan and cook until they are browned on the sides. You can also add a bit of white wine for extra flavor. Cover the pan and let the sausages cook for a few minutes. This will help them heat through and become more tender.

This method, often referred to as Mutti's trick (in reference to the author's "mutti," or Swiss mother), brings out the best in bratwursts and makes them taste even more savory and delicious.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer pan-frying, grilling, or microwaving, there are various methods to cook precooked sausages. Each method has its unique advantages, from quick and easy to delicious and flavorful. The key is to ensure the sausages reach a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to guarantee they are both safe and delicious.