The Best Ways to Cook Hot Sausages: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you're a seasoned grillmaster or a culinary novice, learning the best ways to cook hot sausages can elevate your meals. Sausages come in countless varieties, each with its unique flavor and texture. In this guide, we will explore three popular methods for cooking hot Italian sausages: steaming, grilling, and boiling. By following these tips and tricks, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, juicy, and perfectly seasoned sausages every time.

Method 1: Steaming Hot Sausages

For a traditional and low-fat cooking method, try steaming your sausages. This method ensures that your sausages remain juicy and evenly cooked. Here’s how to do it:

Place a skillet on medium heat on the range. Pour 1/2 inch of water into the pan. Place the sausages in the steaming water and cook, turning twice until the water evaporates. This should take about 10–15 minutes. Once the water has evaporated, you can remove the sausages from the pan and place them on a grill to brown to your desired degree of crispiness. Slap them on the grill and brown until nicely done. The precook phase should help keep them juicy, provided you don’t let them split open on the grill. Enjoy the sausages either on rolls or sliced for a traditional sausage and peppers dish, or simmered in a tomato sauce to accompany pasta.

Method 2: Grilling Hot Sausages

Grilling is a favorite method for bringing out the smoky, charred flavor of hot sausages. You can choose to cook them directly on the grill or pre-cook them in the microwave or stovetop to ensure they’re well-done inside but still juicy on the outside.

Direct Grilling: Place the sausages directly on the grill and cook them until they are browned to your desired color and crispy texture. Check them every 3-4 minutes for even cooking.

Pre-Cooking: If you prefer a more controlled cooking process and want the sausages to be evenly cooked, you can pre-cook them in a pot of water or a microwave. Once pre-cooked, brush them with oil and grill them to get a nice char.

Method 3: Boiling Hot Sausages

Boiling is a quick and easy method to cook hot sausages. It’s especially useful if you’re in a rush or want a soft, tender texture. Here’s how to cook your sausages using the boiling method:

Wash the dried sausages thoroughly to remove any packaging material or residue. Place the sausages in a pot and add a sufficient amount of water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cook the sausages for about 20 minutes at a gentle simmer to ensure they are cooked through. Once cooked, remove them from the water and set them aside to rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle.

Additional Tips for Cooking Hot Sausages

No matter which method you choose, here are some additional tips to ensure your sausages come out perfectly:

Choose high-quality sausages. The flavor of the sausage will greatly impact the taste of your dish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the proper temperature (160°F or 71°C). Let the sausages rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more juicy texture. Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and cooking methods to find your perfect combination.

Cooking Hot Italian Sausages

For my favorite stir-fried hot Italian sausages, I prefer to slice them into rounds and cook them on the grill or in a pan with plenty of pungent onions and a mix of serrano and jalapeno peppers. For a more traditional approach, I might broil them separately and serve them with a mixture of marinara and sriracha sauce. You can also simmer them in tomato sauce for pasta dishes or enjoy them in sandwiches or hoagies.

Whether you’re using hot Italian sausages, choirica, or linguica, the key is to experiment and find the method and texture that best suits your taste. The flavor of the sausage is often most pronounced when cooked gently, allowing the spices and herbs to infuse the meat.

Enjoy your deliciously cooked hot sausages, and happy cooking!