Cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove is a simple and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove is a great option. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove, including pan-frying, boiling, and steaming.
Understanding Fully Cooked Sausage
Before we dive into the cooking methods, it’s essential to understand what fully cooked sausage is. Fully cooked sausage is a type of sausage that has been pre-cooked during the manufacturing process. This means that the sausage has been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C), making it safe to eat straight out of the package.
Fully cooked sausage can be made from a variety of meats, including pork, chicken, beef, and turkey. It’s often seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, which gives it a unique flavor. Some common types of fully cooked sausage include hot dogs, smoked sausage, and breakfast sausage.
Benefits of Cooking Fully Cooked Sausage on the Stove
Cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove has several benefits. Here are a few:
- Convenience: Cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove is quick and easy. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
- Flexibility: Fully cooked sausage can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, boiling, and steaming. This means you can choose the method that works best for you.
- Cost-effective: Fully cooked sausage is often less expensive than raw sausage, making it a budget-friendly option.
Pan-Frying Fully Cooked Sausage
Pan-frying is a popular method for cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed
- Fully cooked sausage
- Cooking oil or butter
- Pan (preferably with a non-stick coating)
- Tongs or spatula
- Plate and paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of cooking oil or butter to the pan.
- Place the fully cooked sausage in the pan.
- Cook the sausage for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s browned and crispy.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Drain excess oil from the sausage.
Tips for Pan-Frying Fully Cooked Sausage
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the sausage from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the sausage in batches if necessary.
- Don’t press down on the sausage with your spatula. This can cause it to break apart.
Boiling Fully Cooked Sausage
Boiling is another method for cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed
- Fully cooked sausage
- Large pot
- Water
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Plate and paper towels (for draining excess water)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Place the fully cooked sausage in the pot.
- Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
- Remove the sausage from the pot and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Drain excess water from the sausage.
Tips for Boiling Fully Cooked Sausage
- Use a large pot to prevent the sausage from overcrowding.
- Don’t let the water boil too vigorously. This can cause the sausage to break apart.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot.
Steaming Fully Cooked Sausage
Steaming is a healthy and flavorful way to cook fully cooked sausage on the stove. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed
- Fully cooked sausage
- Steamer basket
- Large pot
- Water
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Plate and paper towels (for draining excess water)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Place the steamer basket over the pot.
- Place the fully cooked sausage in the steamer basket.
- Cover the pot with a lid.
- Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
- Remove the sausage from the steamer basket and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Drain excess water from the sausage.
Tips for Steaming Fully Cooked Sausage
- Use a steamer basket to prevent the sausage from touching the water.
- Don’t let the water boil too vigorously. This can cause the sausage to break apart.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the steamer basket.
Adding Flavor to Fully Cooked Sausage
While fully cooked sausage is delicious on its own, you can add extra flavor by using different seasonings and sauces. Here are a few ideas:
- Peppers and onions: Sauté sliced peppers and onions in a pan before adding the fully cooked sausage.
- BBQ sauce: Brush the fully cooked sausage with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Mustard and relish: Serve the fully cooked sausage with a side of mustard and relish.
Conclusion
Cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove is a simple and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal. Whether you prefer pan-frying, boiling, or steaming, there’s a method that works for you. By following the tips and instructions outlined in this article, you can create a tasty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
What is the best way to cook fully cooked sausage on the stove?
Cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. To start, place the sausage in a pan over medium heat. You can use any type of pan you like, but a skillet or sauté pan works best. Add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to the pan to prevent the sausage from sticking.
Once the pan is hot, add the sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s nicely browned. You can also add some aromatics like onions, bell peppers, or garlic to the pan for extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Do I need to thaw frozen fully cooked sausage before cooking it on the stove?
It’s generally recommended to thaw frozen fully cooked sausage before cooking it on the stove. This will help the sausage cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough or rubbery. To thaw frozen sausage, simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water.
If you’re short on time, you can also cook frozen sausage on the stove, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen sausage will take longer to cook than thawed sausage, so be patient and keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
How do I prevent fully cooked sausage from drying out when cooking it on the stove?
One of the biggest challenges when cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove is preventing it from drying out. To avoid this, be sure to cook the sausage over medium heat and don’t overcook it. You can also add a small amount of liquid to the pan, such as chicken broth or beer, to keep the sausage moist.
Another tip is to use a thermometer to ensure the sausage is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Fully cooked sausage should be heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). By cooking the sausage to the right temperature and not overcooking it, you can help prevent it from drying out.
Can I cook fully cooked sausage in a sauce or gravy on the stove?
Yes, you can definitely cook fully cooked sausage in a sauce or gravy on the stove. In fact, this is a great way to add extra flavor to the sausage. Simply place the sausage in a pan with your favorite sauce or gravy and simmer it over low heat until the sausage is heated through.
Some popular sauces and gravies to cook with fully cooked sausage include marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, and sausage gravy. You can also add some aromatics like onions and bell peppers to the pan for extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of sauce or gravy you’re using.
How do I know when fully cooked sausage is done cooking on the stove?
Fully cooked sausage is done cooking on the stove when it’s heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage. Another way to check if the sausage is done is to look for visual cues, such as a nicely browned color and a firm texture.
It’s also important to note that fully cooked sausage should be cooked until it’s steaming hot. This will help ensure that the sausage is safe to eat and that it’s heated through evenly. By checking the internal temperature and looking for visual cues, you can ensure that your fully cooked sausage is cooked to perfection.
Can I cook fully cooked sausage on the stove with other ingredients?
Yes, you can definitely cook fully cooked sausage on the stove with other ingredients. In fact, this is a great way to add extra flavor and texture to the sausage. Some popular ingredients to cook with fully cooked sausage include potatoes, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
When cooking fully cooked sausage with other ingredients, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You’ll want to cook the ingredients that take the longest to cook first, such as potatoes and carrots, and then add the sausage towards the end of the cooking time. This will help ensure that everything is cooked to perfection.
Is it safe to cook fully cooked sausage on the stove?
Yes, it’s safe to cook fully cooked sausage on the stove as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines. Fully cooked sausage is already cooked to a safe internal temperature, so you just need to heat it through to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
When cooking fully cooked sausage on the stove, be sure to handle it safely to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the sausage, and make sure to clean any utensils and surfaces that come into contact with the sausage. By following proper food safety guidelines, you can enjoy safe and delicious fully cooked sausage cooked on the stove.