Pork sausages are one of the most delicious and versatile foods you can cook. Whether you’re making a simple breakfast, adding them to a hearty dinner, or grilling them for a barbecue, pork sausages can be cooked in many ways. We’ll walk you through the best methods for cooking pork sausages, including grilling, pan-frying, and baking, so you can get the best flavour and texture every time.
How to cook your pork sausages
1. Grilling pork sausages
Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook pork sausages. The smoky flavour and crispy skin make grilled sausages a crowd-pleaser at barbecues and cookouts. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Preheat the grill. Make sure your grill is at medium heat before you add your sausage meats. If the heat is too high, the sausages might burn on the outside while staying raw on the inside. A medium heat ensures the sausages cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the sausages. You don’t need to poke holes in your sausages, as this can let the juices escape. Simply place the sausages directly on the grill.
Step 3: Grill the sausages. Place the pork sausages on the grill and cook them for around 15-20 minutes. Turn them every 4-5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The sausages should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
Step 4: Check for doneness. To make sure your sausage meats are fully cooked, cut one open and check that the inside is no longer pink. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
Grilling gives your sausage meats a wonderful smoky flavour and a crispy texture that can’t be beat. It’s perfect for summer nights, but it works great all year round.
2. Pan-frying pork sausages
If you don’t have access to a grill, or you just prefer pan-frying, this method is a great way to cook pork sausages indoors. Pan-frying gives you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Here’s how to pan-fry pork sausages:
Step 1: Heat the pan. Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for best results. Add a small amount of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil works well) and heat the pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the sausages. Once the oil is hot, place the pork sausages in the pan. Be sure to leave some space between each sausage so they can cook evenly.
Step 3: Cook the sausages. Pan-fry the sausages for about 10-15 minutes. Turn the sausages every few minutes to get an even golden-brown colour all around. If you want to get a really crispy skin, increase the heat slightly towards the end, but be careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Check for doneness. Just like with grilling, you’ll want to check that the inside of the sausage is no longer pink. You can use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 75°C.
Pan-frying pork sausages is a quick and easy way to get a great meal, and it works especially well if you’re cooking just a few sausages.
3. Baking pork sausages
Baking is another fantastic way to cook pork sausages. It’s an easy, hands-off method that allows you to cook a large batch at once. Baking pork sausages in the oven helps them cook evenly and become nice and juicy.
Step 1: Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to fully preheat before placing the sausages in.
Step 2: Prepare a baking tray. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent the sausages from sticking. Place the sausages on the tray, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
Step 3: Bake the sausages. Place the tray in the oven and bake the sausages for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, turn the sausages to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Step 4: Check for doneness. Just like with grilling and pan-frying, cut open a sausage to make sure it’s cooked through. You should see no pink inside, and the juices should run clear.
Baking is a great option if you want to cook pork sausages in bulk without worrying about standing over the stove. Plus, it’s a more hands-off approach, which is perfect when you have other things to prepare.
4. Tips for cooking perfect pork sausages
No matter which cooking method you choose, there are a few tips you can follow to make sure your pork sausages turn out great every time:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill: If you’re grilling or pan-frying, make sure there’s enough space between each sausage. Overcrowding can prevent them from cooking evenly and can cause them to steam instead of crisping up.
- Avoid poking the sausages: Some people poke holes in their sausages to let out the fat, but this can lead to dry sausages. Keep the casing intact to hold in the juicy goodness.
- Use a meat thermometer: If you want to be sure your sausages are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of pork sausages should be 75°C.
- Let the sausages rest: After cooking, let your pork sausages rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute inside the sausage, making them even more tender and juicy.
- Try different flavours: Pork sausages come in many varieties, including caramelised onion, jalapeno & cheese, and chicken & chive sausages. Don’t be afraid to try different options for a new twist on your meals.
5. What to serve with pork sausages
Pork sausages are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Some popular sides include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
- Salad
- Rice
- Sauerkraut
- Onions and peppers sautéed in the same pan
You can get creative with what you serve with your pork sausages, but these classic sides are always a hit.
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No matter how you choose to cook them, pork sausages are a tasty, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or baking, each method brings out different flavours and textures that make pork sausages a favourite in many households. Remember the key tips for each cooking method, and you’ll always end up with a delicious dish.
