A simple guide to cooking the perfect sausages
Pan-frying is the most common and easiest way to cook sausages.
Cooking sausages, whether beef, lamb, or chicken may seem easy, but many people make common mistakes that result in undercooked, burnt or dry sausages.
Following the right method is key to ensuring they are both tasty and safe to eat by you and your loved ones.
Step 1: Choose the right sausages
Whether you enjoy beef, lamb or chicken sausages, the first and most important step is choosing halal sausages. For Muslim families make sure the sausages are made according to the Islamic dietary laws.
Halal sausages will be free from non-halal ingredients, like pork or alcohol, and made with ethically sourced meats.
Sausages come in various types of meat, each with its flavour and texture. The most common options are:
Beef Sausages: These are rich, flavourful, and have a satisfying texture. They are a great choice if you like a hearty sausage.
Chicken Sausages: These are lighter and leaner compared to beef. They are a good choice if you are looking for a lower-fat option or a milder taste.
Lamb Sausages: Lamb has a distinct, rich flavour and is often used in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean sausages.
Pork Sausages: These are common in many cuisines but are not suitable for halal diets. Always check the label to avoid pork-based sausages.
Ensure you also check the ingredients, especially if you are avoiding certain items, and check for seasoning and then check the expiry date.
Fresh sausages should be firm and have a clean meaty smell.
Step 2: Pan frying
Pan-frying is the most common and easiest way to cook sausages. Start by heating a little oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Ensure the sausages have defrosted before you put them in the hot oil.
Cutting and poking holes in sausages is a technique people use when cooking them, to prevent them from bursting open while cooking.
Poking allows the steam and fat to escape safely, keeping them intact while allowing them to cook faster.
Cook them for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them regularly to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3: Grilling
Grilling helps to give sausages a smoky flavour. If you want to add more flavour, poke holes and run in your seasoning and marinades before grilling to penetrate the sausage better, add more flavour.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill your sausages, turning every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 4: Make them juicy
If you want to make your sausages juicy, you can boil them for 10 minutes first before grilling or frying.
This ensures they cook on both the inside and outside before you finish with a crispy sear on the grill or pan.
Step 5: Why medium heat?
One of the biggest mistakes is cooking sausages on high heat. Whether you are grilling or pan frying, cooking on medium heat ensures they are not cooking too fast, which causes them to burn on the outside yet remain raw on the inside.
Slow cook while turning them to ensure they cook evenly and safely.
Cooking on high heat results in dry, burnt sausages.
Following this guide ensures you make the best sausages for you and your family to enjoy.
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