Steaming Cooked Kielbasa: How Long Should You Steam It?

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage, usually made from a combination of pork and beef, with spices such as garlic, ginger, and marjoram. It is almost always sold pre-cooked in the United States, so it just needs to be heated before eating. There are several ways to do this, including pan-frying, grilling, roasting, boiling, or microwaving. One Reddit user, however, mentions steaming kielbasa like hot dogs. So, how long does it take to steam a cooked kielbasa?

Boiling a cooked kielbasa

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage, typically made from pork, but sometimes also beef or turkey. It is usually smoked and/or pre-cooked, so it just needs heating through.

To boil a cooked kielbasa, first, poke the sausage a few times with a fork and place it in a pot or deep skillet. Cover the sausage with water and bring the water to a boil. Then, adjust the heat and leave to simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Once the kielbasa is heated all the way through, drain the water and serve. Kielbasa can be served with mustard, in a roll, or sliced and served with pierogis. It can also be boiled with shrimp or clams in a classic seafood boil.

If you are using raw kielbasa, it must be cooked until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.

Pan-frying a cooked kielbasa

While steaming is a great way to cook kielbasa, pan-frying is also an option. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pan-fry a cooked kielbasa:

• Cut the kielbasa into 5 or 6 pieces. You can also cut it into rounds or sections, or split it lengthwise so that it can be laid flat in the pan.
• Heat a skillet to medium heat and add a little oil or butter. You can use olive oil or coconut oil.
• Place the kielbasa in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes.
• Turn the kielbasa and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until heated through.
• The kielbasa is now ready to be served! You can serve it as a main course or add it to dishes such as casseroles, pastas, egg scrambles, or sandwiches.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of browning and crispiness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Grilling a cooked kielbasa

To grill a cooked kielbasa, first heat your grill to a medium heat. You can also use a grill pan. Place the whole sausage on the grill, or cut it into 3-4 inch pieces. If you want to add extra flavour, you can poke the sausage a few times with a fork. Grill the sausage, turning it frequently with tongs, until it is browned and fragrant, which should take about 12 minutes.

If you prefer your kielbasa a little crispier, you can make slices across the top before grilling. You can also cut the kielbasa lengthwise, so that it can be split open and laid flat on the grill. This method takes around 10 minutes, grilling for 5 minutes on each side.

Kielbasa is best served with mustard, horseradish or sauerkraut, and can be put in a roll or on a plate.

Baking a cooked kielbasa

If you want to make a sheet-pan dinner, add your favourite vegetables to one side of the pan and cook them alongside the sausage. Kielbasa goes well with potatoes or rice, and you can serve it with mustard, horseradish, or sauerkraut.

If you want to steam a cooked kielbasa, poke the sausage a few times with a fork and place it in a pot or deep skillet. Cover it with water and bring it to a boil. Then, adjust the heat and simmer until the sausage is heated through, which should take 5 to 10 minutes.

Serving suggestions for cooked kielbasa

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage with a distinct flavour and coarsely ground texture. It is typically made from a combination of pork and beef, but can also include other meats such as turkey, chicken, or beef. It is a versatile ingredient that can be boiled, grilled, baked, or pan-fried.

On a Plate or in a Roll

Kielbasa can be served on a plate with mustard, horseradish, or sauerkraut. It can also be served in a roll or hoagie bun with your favourite hot dog toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, and onions.

With Vegetables

Kielbasa goes well with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and broccoli. It can also be served with potatoes, either as a side dish or incorporated into a stew or soup. For a sheet pan dinner, simply chop up your favourite veggies, toss them with the sausage, and roast them together in the oven.

In a Skillet

Kielbasa can be sliced and fried in a skillet with onions, peppers, and your choice of vegetables. This creates a tasty, versatile, and filling meal.

In a Sandwich

Kielbasa can be served in a sandwich with grilled onions and peppers, or as a unique spin on pigs in a blanket. For the latter, wrap the sausage in puff pastry and bake with honey mustard.

With Other Proteins

Kielbasa is a great addition to seafood boils, adding a nice garlicky flavour to the dish. It can also be boiled with shrimp or clams, or added to a slow cooker with shrimp for a tasty shrimp boil.

In a Soup

Kielbasa is a great ingredient for hearty soups, such as a potato and sauerkraut soup, or a cabbage soup. It adds a smoky flavour and a nice texture to the dish.

With Pasta

Kielbasa can be added to pasta dishes, such as a broccoli pasta or a bow tie skillet. It provides a nice contrast in texture and flavour to the noodles.

As Part of a Hearty Breakfast

Kielbasa can be sliced and fried, then served with eggs, similar to bacon or sausage. It can also be added to breakfast hashes or skillets.

With a Side of Rice

Smoked kielbasa and rice is a tasty combination. The sausage can be served whole or sliced, and the rice can be cooked with kielbasa for added flavour.

Grilled Cheese

For a tasty twist on a classic, add some sliced kielbasa to a grilled cheese sandwich. The smoky flavour and moist texture of the sausage go well with melted cheese.

Appetizers

Kielbasa can be cut into thin slices and served as an appetizer, either on its own or with a mustard dip. It can also be baked into pinwheels with puff pastry and honey mustard.

There are endless possibilities for serving kielbasa, so feel free to experiment and get creative!

Frequently asked questions