As Chef Jim explains, “boiling fully-cooked sausages is effortless but perfection requires care.”
There are important considerations when boiling sausage to guarantee deliciousness.
Focusing on choosing the right links, guidelines and techniques makes this easy cooking method a success each time.
Interested in Chef Jim’s strategies? Read on for how to boil sausage efficiently with perfect results.
Key Takeaways
Boiling is a simple and easy way to cook chicken sausage through which allows the fat and proteins to fully render, yielding a tender and juicy texture. Following some key steps such as choosing pre-cooked sausages and monitoring the boiling time ensures the sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat.
How to Boil Chicken Sausages Efficiently and Properly
Cooking fully cooked chicken sausages through boiling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this staple. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, following some key steps will ensure your sausages are prepared efficiently and to perfectdoneness.
Taking a few moments to think through the key ingredients and equipment needed makes boiling sausages a breeze. Having the right sausages, a pot of water and a way to remove the links once finished will pave the way for success.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SAUSAGES
- Select chicken sausage links fully cooked for ease of preparation
- Check package for cooking instructions and guidance on steaming vs boiling
Fully cooked sausages mean all you need worry about is heating them through, so look for pre-cooked options for simplicity. Checking the package first prevents any guesswork.
EQUIPPING YOUR KITCHEN
- Stove and pot for boiling water
- Slotted spoon for removing sausage links
- Serving tray or plate
A stovetop, pot, spoon and place to serve – that’s all that’s needed equipment-wise. Keeping it straightforward makes the process stress-free.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
- Boil sausages according to package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes
- Check for internal temperature of 165°F for food safety
Knowing approximately how long to boil saves checking and second-guessing. For food safety, use a food thermometer to ensure sausages reach a safe internal temperature.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
Executing the simple steps ensures perfectly boiled sausages. From filling the pot to plating, this straightforward method takes the guesswork out of preparation.
- Fill a pot with enough water to submerge sausage links
- Bring water to a ROLLING BOIL over HIGH heat
- Gently lower sausage links into boiling water
- Set timer for recommended cooking time, which averages 5-7 minutes
- Use slotted spoon to periodically check links for floating
- When links float, they are fully cooked and can be removed
- Transfer links to plate or tray for serving
Following the process sequentially makes light work of cooking. Taking a look occasionally during cooking prevents overcooking.
TEMPERATURE GUIDELINES
Knowing temperature signs is crucial to achieving just the right finish. Use this chart as a handy reference point.
| Stage | Temperature | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Raw | Below 140°F | Could pose food safety risk |
| Partial Cook | 140-165°F | May be undercooked inside |
| Fully Cooked | 165°F and up | No pinkness inside, safe to eat |
These temperatures help determine doneness and peace of mind. A food thermometer provides assurance.
Credit : How To Boil
Benefits of Boiling Sausages Before Cooking
Though it only takes a few extra minutes, pre-boiling sausages before use in recipes provides several hidden benefits.
As links begin to cook through in boiling water, important changes take place within the sausage that result in much better flavor and texture when enjoyed in meals. Specifically, pre-boiling helps:
- QUICKEN FULL COOKING TIME: Since the sausage has had initial heat exposure, it reduces overall braising/baking/frying time in the final dish (1). This is a real timesaver.
- PRODUCE TENDER, JUICY INSIDE: Boiling gently renders fat and connective tissues, yielding a suppler doneness from center to edge that stays moist long after cooking (2).
- DEVELOP DEEPER, RICHER FLAVOR: The boiling process allows fat and proteins to naturally merge and amino acids to form, intensifying the complex sausage flavor over simple pan searing alone.
- PREVENT SPLITTING AND BURSTING: The pre-cooking strengthens casings so they less frequently break open during subsequent handling or cooking methods like BBQing. This maintains structural integrity.
Taking just a few minutes to pre-boil links brings all these hidden rewards to enhance how sausages shine in any dish. The rest of the outline remains the same.
Complementary Ways to Enjoy Boiled Sausages
Versatile and tasty, boiled sausages provide the perfect base for diverse flavorful pairings. Learning complimentary suggestions offers irresistible recipe inspiration.
ELEVATING SAUCES
The right sauce takes boiled sausage to new heights. Lightly dressed is best to allow natural flavors to shine through.
- GRAINY MUSTARD: A little mustard provides classic zing to balance sausage richness. Dijon, whole grain or spicy brown varieties all delight.
- APPLESAUCE: The tart sweetness and subtle heat of applesauce melds flawlessly with savory sausage. Try it topped or alongside.
- CHIMICHURRI: This herbaceous Argentine sauce adds a bright punch to sausage with garlic, oregano and red pepper in a olive oil and vinegar base.
- ROMESCO: A roasted red pepper and almond sauce delivers complex nutty and smoky notes to complement various cooked sausages.
CRISP VEGETABLES
Crunchy veggies increase pleasure through contrasting texture and nutritional value.
- PICKLED ONIONS: Tangy onions add pops of flavor and acid against meaty sausage.
- SAUERKRAUT: Fermented cabbage’s subtle sourness and crunch enhances sausage doneness.
- SHAVED FENNEL: Licorice-tinged fennel bulb’s delicate texture and flavor mingle effortlessly with grilled links.
- JULIENNED CARROTS: Sweet carrots in matchstick shape offer color and brightness to any sausage plate.
CARB OPTIONS
Starchy accompaniments soak up savory sausage drippings and flavors.
POTATO SALAD: Waxy potatoes dressed lightly in mayo highlight sausage seasoning.
POLENTA: Creamy, comforting maize porridge cradles sausage bites.
GARLIC BREAD: Toasted bread wedges provide a handle to enjoy garlicky, buttery sausage bites.
COUSCOUS: Fluffy, lightly dressed semolina grains are a lighter vehicle for sausage.
NOODLES: Thin pasta like angel hair macaroni mingles with sausage bits.
Conclusion
Boiling chicken sausage is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this versatile ingredient. Whether as a quick weekday meal or as a base for scrumptious homemade sauces and sides, boiled sausage links really are convenient and satisfying.
By following some key steps like choosing fully cooked sausages, watching boil times, and using my foolproof process, even novice home cooks can achieve perfect results every time.
Remember to use a food thermometer to ensure sausages reach 165°F for food safety too. Then pair your boiled links with classic combos like grainy mustard, applesauce or sauerkraut for amazing meaty flavor rounded out with crisp texture or comfort carbs.
You’ll be glad you took just five minutes to prepare fabulous boiled chicken sausage! Get cooking now – your tastebuds will thank you.
Leave a comment below if you tried some boiling chicken sausage tips or have more questions!
References
- https://www.verymeaty.com/processed-meat/sausage/do-you-have-to-boil-sausage-before-frying/
- https://gocookyummy.com/boil-sausages-before-frying/
Related Article
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-breakfast-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-cooking-techniques/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-ingredient-pairings/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
