Pre cooked smoked sausage is a versatile and convenient option for those who love the smoky flavor of sausage but don't want to spend a lot of time preparing it. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, cooking for a large crowd, or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, pre cooked smoked sausage is a great choice. In this article, we'll explore the best ways to cook pre cooked smoked sausage and provide some tips and tricks to ensure a delicious result every time.
Cooking and Storage Tips
When it comes to cooking and storing pre cooked smoked sausage, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's important to store fresh sausages properly. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator between 1-4°C and consume them by the use-by date. Uncooked sausages can last between 2-4 days in the fridge, while cooked sausages can be kept for up to 4 days.
For those who plan to freeze their sausages, it's best to do so immediately. Frozen sausages can last up to 2 months in the freezer. However, it's important to defrost them thoroughly in the fridge before cooking, and they should be cooked within 2 days of thawing.
When it comes to preparing pre cooked smoked sausage, there isn't much prep work required. Simply remove the sausages from the fridge, snip the links if necessary, and bring them to room temperature before cooking. If you're cooking a large volume of sausages, consider steaming them first to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked. Precooked sausages, such as the popular big red Saveloy Sausages, are even more convenient as the prep work has been done for you. These sausages have been steam cooked during processing and are sold ready to sear in a pan or barbecue. They are a great choice when you have limited time or a large crowd to feed.
The Best Cooking Methods
Now that we've covered the basics of storing and preparing pre cooked smoked sausage, let's explore the best cooking methods to achieve a delicious result. The cooking time for sausages, regardless of the method used, is approximately 30 minutes. It's important not to rush the cooking process by turning up the heat, as this can result in burnt skins and undercooked meat.
Here are some top tips for cooking sausages:
- Remove sausages from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly.
- Avoid pricking sausages, as you don't want the juices to escape.
- Check the internal temperature of the sausage (70°C) to confirm that it is cooked completely through.
- For extra juiciness, let the sausages rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
There are several cooking methods that work well for pre cooked smoked sausage:
Steaming
To cook pre cooked smoked sausage using the steaming method, bring a pan of water to a boil and then remove it from the heat. Add the sausages to the pan, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 15 minutes until the sausages are piping hot. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the sausage (at least 70°C) before removing them from the pan. Finish the sausages on the grill, barbecue, hot pan, or in the oven to achieve a nice browning.
Oven Baking
Oven baking is a healthy cooking method that doesn't require any extra oil. To oven bake pre cooked smoked sausage, place the sausages on a lined baking tray and cook them for 25-30 minutes at 180°C, turning them regularly until they are evenly browned.
Frying
Frying sausages is a classic cooking method that results in a deliciously browned and cooked sausage. Add a teaspoon of sunflower oil to a cast iron pan, bring it to medium heat, and fry the sausages gently, turning them frequently until they are evenly browned and cooked through.
Grilling
Grilling is another popular cooking method for sausages, as it imparts a smoky flavor and creates a crunchy, juicy texture. Place the sausages on a baking tray and position them under the indirect heat of a medium-low grill. Watch them closely and turn them regularly until they are cooked through and brown all over.
Air Frying
The air fryer is a clean and healthy cooking method that produces crispy sausages without the need for excess oil. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them at 180°C for 15 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes for even cooking.
Barbecuing
Barbecuing sausages is a popular and flavorful way to cook them. Start by cooking the sausages completely over the coolest part of the BBQ or use precooked sausages. Once they are cooked, move them to the hot side of the barbecue to quickly sear them, creating delicious charred grill marks and a crispy skin. Let the sausages rest for a few minutes before serving them in a bun with sautéed onions, mustard, and tomato sauce.
Slow Cooking
Sausages can also be cooked in a slow cooker, which is great for making casseroles or stews. To achieve the best results, it's recommended to brown the sausages in a frying pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds flavor and ensures that the sausages are nicely browned before cooking.
Types of Sausages Available
There are various types of sausages available to buy in New Zealand. Here are a few common options:
Pork Sausages
Pork sausages can be made from boneless pork shoulder or butt, which have the perfect fat-to-meat ratio for a juicy sausage. They can also be made from lean pork loin, which requires additional fat to be added, or a combination of pork belly and leaner cuts of pork to reduce the fat-to-meat ratio. Adding bacon to the mixture can also enhance the flavor of pork sausages.
Beef Sausages
Beef sausages can be made from beef chuck, which comes from the neck, shoulder, or ribs and has a fat content of 15-20%. Beef brisket is another great option, as it has a good fat-to-meat ratio and can be mixed with herbs and spices for added flavor. Leaner cuts of beef, such as eye round and sirloin tip, can also be used to make beef sausages.
Sausages on a Healthy Diet
For those who are conscious of their health and want to enjoy sausages while still maintaining a balanced diet, there are healthier options available. Sausages can be made with leaner types of meat, such as venison, lamb, or chicken, which broadens their appeal. Choosing chicken sausages, which are much leaner, or gourmet sausages that are less processed and filler-free, can be a good choice for those who are restricting calories or fat. Additionally, opting for low-fat cooking methods like oven baking or BBQ grilling can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Using Leftover Sausages
Leftover sausages can be used in a variety of ways to avoid wastage. Here are some ideas:
- Make sausage sandwiches for a quick and tasty meal.
- Slice cooked sausages and add them to pasta dishes for added flavor and protein.
- Reheat leftover sausages and add them to your full English breakfast for a hearty start to the day.
- Add sliced sausages to an omelette for a filling and flavorful meal.
- Slice, reheat, and add sausages to baked beans on toast for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Toss sliced sausages into your favorite salad to add protein and flavor.
- Add leftover sausages to your pizza topping for a unique twist on a classic dish.
- Wrap leftover sausages in pastry to make delicious sausage rolls.
- For uncooked leftover sausages, split them and remove the filling. Cook the filling in a pan with some oil, cauliflower rice, diced sweet potato, and onion for a heartwarming one-pan breakfast griddle.
- Use the sausage filling to make a meaty pasta sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Pre cooked smoked sausage is a convenient and flavorful option for those who love the taste of sausage but don't want to spend a lot of time preparing it. With various cooking methods to choose from, such as steaming, oven baking, frying, grilling, air frying, barbecuing, and slow cooking, there's a method to suit every preference and occasion. Whether you're enjoying a casual barbecue or cooking for a crowd, pre cooked smoked sausage is a versatile and delicious choice.
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