Steaming Raw Sausages: Can You Do It?

Cooking raw sausages can be tricky. They can end up charred on the outside but raw on the inside, or dry and burnt. One way to avoid this is to use a two-step process: first, gently cook the sausages in water, then crisp them in a hot pan. This is a good method for cooking raw sausages in an Orka steamer.

Orka steamers are made of silicone and can be used in the microwave or oven. They are small, at around 27 ounces, and can be used to cook individual portions. They are also easy to clean.

To cook raw sausages in an Orka steamer, first fill a large pot or saucepan with enough cold water to cover the sausages. Put the vessel on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook until the water reaches a gentle simmer, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Then turn off the heat and remove the sausages from the pot.

At this point, the sausages will be cooked but grey in colour. To get some colour and crispness, grease a pan with a bit of oil and get it hot. Then carefully place your sausages in the pan and sear them. Since the sausages are already cooked, you won't need to leave them in the pan for long. Get the sear you're after, then remove them from the heat.

How to steam raw sausages in an Orka steamer

Steaming sausages is a convenient and healthy way to cook a tasty snack or meal. It is also incredibly easy to do, especially with an Orka steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming raw sausages in an Orka steamer.

Step 1: Prepare the Sausages

Before cooking, it is important to clean the sausages by rinsing them with cold running water. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria that may be on the surface. Ensure you rinse all sides of the sausages, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Orka Steamer

The Orka steamer is a handy kitchen gadget that can be used in the microwave or oven. It is made of silicone, which is flexible and easy to clean. The steamer has vents in the lid, and you pour liquid directly onto the food.

Step 3: Steam the Sausages

Place the sausages in the Orka steamer, ensuring they are not overlapping. If you are cooking a large batch, you can stack the sausages, but ensure they are not touching. Pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the steamer, being careful not to use too much, as this can dilute the flavour. You can also use beer or wine instead of water for added flavour.

Place the steamer in the microwave and cook for around 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the sausages and your desired level of doneness. You can also steam the sausages in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180 °C, and cook the sausages for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Crisp the Casings (Optional)

If you prefer your sausages with a crispy casing, you can do this as a final step. Heat a pan with a bit of oil over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the steamed sausages in the pan and cook until the casings are crisp.

And that's it! You now have delicious, juicy, and evenly cooked sausages to enjoy.

Benefits of steaming sausages

Yes, you can cook raw sausages in an Orka steamer. The Orka Gourmet 27-Ounce Round Steamer is a silicone steamer that can be used in the microwave or oven. It is a versatile kitchen gadget that can be used to steam various foods, including sausages.

Steaming sausages has several benefits over other cooking methods:

Convenience

Steaming sausages is incredibly convenient. All you need is a pot of boiling water, and you can have a delicious meal ready in just a few minutes. It is a quick and easy way to cook sausages without the mess and hassle of other cooking methods.

Health Benefits

Steaming is a healthier alternative to deep frying or grilling as it requires less oil and fat. It also helps retain essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option. Steaming also ensures that the sausages are cooked thoroughly, as the steam provides heat all around, reducing the risk of food poisoning.

Flavor and Moisture Retention

Steaming sausages allows the flavors to blend perfectly with any vegetables you choose to pair them with. It also retains much more moisture than frying, resulting in juicier sausages that are less likely to become dry or tough.

Customization

Steaming sausages allows for easy customization to suit individual tastes. You can add extra vegetables, adjust the spiciness, or keep it simple to make everyone happy.

Time Efficiency

Steaming is a quick and efficient way to cook sausages. It takes only minutes to steam most types of sausages, saving you time and energy in the kitchen.

How to clean sausages before steaming

It is important to clean sausages before steaming to remove any bacteria that may be present on the surface. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean sausages before steaming:

Step 1: Choose the Right Sausages

Select good-quality sausages from a reputable source. Check the ingredients list and choose sausages with minimal preservatives and artificial additives. Look for sausages with a high meat content, preferably 85% or more. Avoid sausages with excessive amounts of fillers, such as breadcrumbs or grains.

Step 2: Thaw the Sausages Properly

If your sausages are frozen, it is essential to thaw them correctly to ensure even cooking and prevent bacterial growth. The best way to thaw sausages is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or for about 6 hours. Alternatively, you can use the cold water method by submerging the sausages in a sealed plastic bag in a bowl of cold water for about 40 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse the Sausages

Once the sausages are thawed, remove them from their packaging and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Gently rub the surface of the sausages with your fingers to dislodge any dirt or impurities. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the sausages if needed. Ensure that you clean all sides of the sausages, including the ends.

Step 4: Prepare a Sanitary Work Area

Before placing the cleaned sausages in the steamer, ensure your work area is clean and sanitary. Wipe down countertops and cutting boards with disinfectant, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Dry your hands and the countertops with clean paper towels or disinfectant wipes.

Step 5: Steam the Sausages

Fill the bottom of your Orka steamer with about 2 cm of water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and wait for the water to boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the cleaned sausages into the steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cover the steamer and follow the recommended steaming time, usually around 15 minutes for raw sausages.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your sausages are properly cleaned and prepared for steaming, resulting in a safer and more enjoyable dining experience.

How to steam sausages in an electric steamer

Yes, you can cook raw sausages in an electric steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, prepare your sausages by rinsing them with cold water. This will help remove any dirt or bacteria from the surface of the meat. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also prick the sausages in several places with the tip of a small knife to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.

Next, fill the water reservoir of your electric steamer to the recommended level. Place a layer of sausages on the steamer tray, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching. If needed, you can stack another tray on top for additional layers.

Close the lid of the steamer and set it to steam mode. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausages and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, thin sausages will take around 10 minutes, while thicker ones will require about 15 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the lid to release the hot steam. Use tongs to remove the cooked sausages from the steamer and place them on a separate dish. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

If you want to add extra flavour to your sausages, you can use beer or wine instead of water in the steamer. You can also try adding liquid ingredients such as broth to the steamer for additional moisture.

Steaming sausages is a convenient and healthy cooking method. It requires minimal preparation and retains more moisture than frying or grilling. Additionally, steaming cooks food quickly and evenly, ensuring your sausages are juicy and tender without the risk of charring or drying out.

How long does it take to steam a sausage?

Yes, you can cook raw sausages in an Orka steamer. Steaming sausages is one of the easiest ways to cook them, as it ensures they are cooked thoroughly.

Steaming sausages in an Orka steamer is a simple process. First, fill the bottom of the steamer with about 2cm of water. Turn on the heat, cover, and wait for the water to boil. Once the water is boiling, place the sausages in the steamer and cover. Steam the sausages for about 15 minutes.

After steaming, you can get a nice brown colour on the sausages by placing them in a preheated frying pan with a little oil. This step should only take a few minutes, as the sausages are already cooked through after steaming.

If you are steaming sausages in a frying pan, the process is slightly different. Place a medium-sized frying pan on a stove burner and turn the burner to medium heat. Put some butter in the pan and wait for it to start bubbling. Place the sausages in the pan with tongs and cook, turning with tongs, until all sides are brown. Pour in just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, being careful not to add too much, as this can dilute the flavour of the sausages. Place a lid on the frying pan and cook for 5 minutes. Open the lid, turn the sausages over, replace the lid, and cook for another 5 minutes.

The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for beef, pork, and lamb, or 165 degrees Fahrenheit for turkey and chicken.

Frequently asked questions