Understanding how to cook frozen sausages can be tricky. This is because you have to ensure that they cook perfectly on the insides and attain that crunchy golden brown casing on the outsides. Different sausage brands call for different cooking methods.
Some brands call for thawing of the sausages before cooking, while others will direct you to place that sausage straight into the pan. The cooking methods used may also have varying cooking times. Understanding the basics of cooking that perfect sausage will leave your guests asking for more.
So in this article, I will cover what sausages are, the types available, what they are made of, and so much more. Keep reading to get enlightened.
What are sausages?
You will find sausages in many cuisines in different styles and different meats. But what exactly are they? Sausage refers to food made from meat, fat, and salt stuffed into a skin, usually animal intestines or synthetic materials.
Some sausages have additional fillers like breadcrumbs. After the meat is stuffed into casings, the links are sold when fresh, smoked, or even fully cooked. The most famous type of sausage is the pork sausage made by mixing parts of ground pork and fat. There are also meat sausages made from beef, seafood, and chicken.
You can add some spice into the meat before stuffing them into the casing with peppers, wine, garlic, or any seasoning you want to incorporate into your cuisine. That means you can get sausages at different flavors and prices depending on the type and ingredients.
Types of sausages
If you are a sausage lover, chances are you understand the different types of sausages. They are delicious and with a worldwide availability but in different variations. Check out the different kinds of sausages below.
i. Pork sausage
Pork sausage is the most famous of all sausages, and it is made from pork cuts. These pork sausages come in different types.
- Bratwurst
The bratwurst pork sausage originates from Germany. It can be added to different recipes and cooked by sautéing in a pan or roasting it. The US bratwurst is made with pork and veal seasoned with caraway, nutmeg, salt, and ginger.
- Chorizo
Popular in Spain, chorizo is cured then smoked such that you can eat it without cooking. Chorizo works well as a flavoring to other dishes. It is also great in your sandwich and as a pizza topping.
- Butifarra
Butifarra pork sausages date back from the roman empire and are now famous in Catalan cuisine. Catalan is quite similar to ham, and you can add truffles. Raw Butifarra should be grilled. Other types are the black butifarra made from blood and boiled pork mixture and butifarrad’ou made with an egg mixture.
ii. Smoked sausage
Smoked sausages are smoked in aromatic woods that give them a strong flavor. Once you buy this sausage, there is no need to cook it as it is already cooked. The famous types include:
- Andouille
This sausage originates from France and is used in Creole cuisines in the US. It is usually accompanied by different seasonings and prepared with onions, garlic, pepper, and wine.
- Kielbasa
Kielbasa is a staple food in Poland. Kielbasa generally refers to sausage in Poland, and it is made from all meat types.
iii. Salami
Salami is deli meat made from pork or beef and found in North America and Europe. It is used in sandwiches and pizza toppings and can be eaten without cooking as it comes cured. Italian salami is very popular and is usually seasoned with fennel.
The American Italian salami is served as mild or hot, whereby hot salami is served with pepper(red), and the mild salami has sweet basil for additional sweetness. In Italy, different sausages are made from a wide variety of products.
iv. Blood sausage
Blood sausage is typically made from blood from animals like pigs, sheep, horses, and cows. The sausages have a thick consistency, thanks to the oatmeal and breadcrumbs added to the blood mixture. They are pretty tasty, with the Morcilla variety being so famous in Spain. Morcilla is made with pork blood, onions, and rice and served in different shapes.
v. Raw sausages
Raw sausages are confused with uncooked sausages, but they are different things. You can eat raw sausages without cooking. They are first brined, dried, and later smoked. The Sobrassada sausage of Balearic island is an example of raw sausage made from pork bacon and loins, then added salt and paprika.
vi. Boiled sausages
As the name suggests, boiled sausages are made from boiled meat with no additional seasonings and spices. It is served with some sauce to add flavor. The fuet sausage is found in Spain and is made with pork meat in the gut.
vii. Liver sausages
Liver sausages are made from the livers of different animals. The liverwurst, made from the beef liver, is widely consumed and it is first boiled then smoked. Their looks might contrast the average sausage’s looks, but their taste is so vibrant. They can be spread on bread.
viii. Beef sausages
Beef sausages are made from different parts of a cow. They are more succulent compared to liver sausages. The famous beef sausage is the kielbasa that is flavored with marjoram, pimentos, and garlic.
ix. Cooked sausages
Cooked sausages are raw meat that has not been cooked and can only be consumed after cooking in some way. They can be fried or baked, and in this case, spices are added as you cook to boost the flavor. Hot dogs and breakfast sausages are good examples of cooked sausages.
x. Chicken sausages
Chicken sausages are soft and sumptuous and are made from different chickens.
How to cook frozen sausages
You can cook frozen sausages in several ways. It would be best if you defrosted them before cooking. So how do you get those sausages ready?
i. Oven cooking
- Preheat your oven to 3750 F.
- Take a baking pan and pour a tablespoon of olive oil onto it. You can line a tin foil on the baking pan for easy clean-up after that.
- Place your sausages onto the baking pan. Space them well so they can cook evenly.
- Bake the sausages for 25 minutes. Keep turning them as they bake in intervals of 3 minutes.
- After that, you can get the baking pan from the oven and check whether the sausages are ready. Well-cooked meat should not have a pinkish color. If they have a pinkish tint, return them to the oven to cook for additional 3-5 minutes.
ii. Pan-frying
- First, simmer your sausages. Fill a saucepan with water, then add the sausages into it till they are fully immersed.
- Place the saucepan onto the stove and simmer the water for 8 minutes. This will ensure your sausages are well cooked. Well-cooked sausages will have a grey color on the outside.
- Take another pan and pour some oil onto it. Ensure the pan is well coated with the oil and place it onto the stove to heat.
- Place sausages onto the hot pan to sear till they attain a golden color.
iii. Grilling
- You should preheat the grill for 15 minutes.
- Take your sausages and place them on the grills rack. The rack helps in even cooking your sausages.
- Close the grill lid and let the sausages cook for 15 minutes. Flip them as they cook for even browning.
- Serve and enjoy!
What are sausages made of?
Sausages are prevalent on all occasions; may it be fundraising parties or carnivals. We find ourselves grabbing this favorite food because it’s just irresistible. But has the thought of what those sausages are made of ever crossed your mind?
Well, sausages are made from anything, with the basic composition being meat, fat, seasonings, and fillers that give the sausage its distinctive shape. So, here is a breakdown of what comprises a sausage.
i. Meat and fat
Meat can be from different animal parts and separated from tissues, fats, bones, veins, and ground. After grinding, it is mixed with other ingredients like fat, flour, water, and milk then stuffed into casings.
ii. Preservatives
Some of the ingredients added to the meat might decrease the shelf life of the sausages. That’s why additives are added to prevent bacteria growth. The preservatives added are tested and so safe for consumption. If you are sulphite sensitive, then you can go for sulphite-free sausages.
iii. Flavor enhancers
Flavor enhancers add sweetness to the sausages because after adding water, the sausages reduce their natural taste. Dextrose is the most used enhancer, and it is also used as a filler.
iv. Fillers
Some sausages contain flour and water as fillers. The filler is usually from sausage meal made from rice and wheat flour. Water is then added to the stuffing, which also contributes to the weight of the sausage.
v. Casing
Sausages are made from several casing types that are:
- Traditional casings
They are made from animal intestines and are tastier and more natural when compared to synthetic casings. Natural casings must be detangled, cleaned thoroughly, salted, and then refrigerated, so they don’t spoil.
- Collagen casings
These casings are made from the collagen protein from connective tissues and tendons of beef and pig hides. You can use them straight from their casings. They are better in sausages that do not contain pork. The casings are straight such that the links don’t unravel well, and they don’t produce a pop sound when biting into them.
- Cellulose casings
Cellulose casings are plant-based polysaccharides used widely in the production of skinless hot dogs. They are produced by treating caustic and cellulose fibers then mixed with other chemicals to make viscose, making the cellulose casing.
- Fibrous casings
Fibrous casings date from the1930’s and they have transparent mahogany colors. They are firm with minimal chances of bursting.
Health benefits of sausages
Sausages, when eaten in excess, increases the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. But when consumed moderately, they add valuable nutrients to our bodies.
i. Rich in protein
Proteins are good for our bodies. It is recommended that adults consume up to 35% of the total protein each day. It is, however, necessary to check the fat contents in your sausages and the nutrition contents. Protein helps our bodies in:
- fighting infections- pyridoxine improves the health of the body, thus enhanced immunity.
- Blood clotting- sausage contains iron that’s necessary for the production of hemoglobin.
- Balancing body fluids
- Distributing fats, minerals, vitamins, and oxygen throughout the body.
ii. Maintaining skin, hair, and body cells.
Sausages have vitamin B12 that’s responsible for the formation, repair of red blood cells. This vitamin is so essential in maintaining a healthy nervous system. The proteins in them strengthen body tissues that restore dermal collagen synthesis, maintaining a youthful look. Additionally, protein helps in maintaining the health of your hair.
iii. Helps digestion
The presence of Niacin in sausages helps increase appetite and help in the digestive system.
iv. Lowers kidney ailments
The fat levels in sausages lower the chances of developing kidney stones and maintaining the overall health of kidneys.
v. Increase the brain health
Sausages contain adequate phosphorous that promotes brain functioning and cognitive growth. It also lowers dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
On top of all that, sausages can relieve the fatigue you experience due to work pressure by increasing your stamina. Also, when eaten minimally, it is beneficial to people with diabetes as it contains Vitamin B3 that helps cure high blood sugar levels.
Best frozen sausage patties
Frozen sausage patties are easier to cook and saves on time, especially in the mornings when rushing to work. The best frozen patties are juicy, sweet, and savory with some traces of herbs in them. Rubbery and greasy sausage patties can make one frown at the thought of having them. The most delicious frozen sausage patties in the market include:
- Jimmy Dean Original Pork & turkey Heat ‘n serve
This sausage has a meaty flavor, with tiny amounts of salt and spice, and is suitable for our little ones—a perfect match with some scrambled eggs and toast.
- Johnsonville Original Breakfast sausage
The sausages have a mild and pleasing flavor with some bit of greasiness. The spices blend well with pork meat and bring out the best when accompanied by egg and cheese.
- Jones All Natural Fully cooked turkey sausage.
These sausages are low in calories and are made with potato starch.
- Applegate Natural Classic Pork Breakfast Sausage
Apple gate sausages have some spice and pepper flavor that brings out their freshness and tenderness.
- Aidell’s chicken and Apple breakfast Links
This sausage has a smoky yet sweet taste, a tough casing that pops when bitten, and a slightly rubbery texture.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
How long can frozen sausages last?
Frozen sausages stored at 0degrees Fahrenheit can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Fresh frozen sausages can go from 1-2 months, while cooked sausages can last for 2-3 months. Ensure you smell the sausages after removing them from the freezer to ascertain that they are safe to eat. Throw away if they have a sour aroma or have a grey color.
Can you boil frozen sausages?
Yes!
If you thawed your sausages first, boil them for 10 minutes, and if still frozen, 12 minutes is enough.
Are Vienna sausages bad for you?
Vienna sausages contain pretty high levels of fat and sodium and have seasonings that are not dog-friendly. These sausages should be consumed in small amounts to avoid health concerns.
Conclusion
Now that you understand how to cook your frozen sausages, I hope you won’t be nervous the next time you decide to give it a try. Note that all sausage brands come with a cooking guide, and you should first read through them, so you get the best from cooking your frozen sausages.
