Searing Sausage: Pan-Fry Chopped Meat

Pan-searing chopped sausage is a great way to cook this versatile food. While people may argue over the best way to cook a sausage, pan-frying is often the fastest way to cook them. It's also a good way to add colour and crispness to the meat. To pan-sear chopped sausage, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You can use butter or vegetable oil if you don't have olive oil. Place the chopped sausage in the pan and cook for about five minutes. Turn the sausage occasionally with tongs until they are browned.

Choosing the right oil

When it comes to choosing the right oil for pan-searing chopped sausage, there are several options to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which it starts to burn and smoke. Different oils have varying smoke points, so it's important to choose an oil with a high enough smoke point for searing sausages. Oils with a high smoke point include avocado oil, refined coconut oil, and peanut oil.

Flavor

The type of oil you choose can also impact the flavor of your sausage. For example, if you want a more neutral flavor, oils like avocado oil, refined olive oil, or canola oil are good choices. On the other hand, if you want to add a nutty or earthy flavor to your sausage, consider using unrefined peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil.

Health Benefits

When choosing an oil, you may also want to consider its health benefits. For instance, avocado oil is known for its high levels of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Olive oil is also a healthy option, as it is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to improved heart health.

Cost and Availability

Some oils can be more expensive or difficult to find than others. For example, avocado oil may be more costly than other options, while specialty oils like walnut oil or grapeseed oil might be harder to find in regular grocery stores. Consider your budget and the availability of the oil when making your decision.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Keep in mind any allergies or dietary restrictions you or your guests may have when selecting an oil. For example, if someone is allergic to nuts, avoid using peanut oil or other nut-based oils. If you are serving vegetarians or vegans, ensure that the oil you choose is free of animal products.

Amount of Oil

The amount of oil you need will depend on the type and quantity of sausages you are cooking. Thicker sausages may require more oil, while a light coating may be sufficient for thin sausages. Adjust the amount of oil accordingly to ensure your sausages are cooked evenly and don't stick to the pan.

In summary, when choosing the right oil for pan-searing chopped sausage, consider factors such as smoke point, flavor, health benefits, cost, availability, allergies, and dietary restrictions. By taking these factors into account, you can select an oil that will enhance the taste and quality of your sausage dish.

Chopping the sausage

First, choose the right type of sausage. Any variety of sausage can be used, but those with a higher fat content, such as pork sausage, will be more prone to rolling around in the pan and may require a bit more attention during cooking. If you're using a larger sausage, like an andouille or bratwurst, you may want to cut it in half lengthwise to reduce cooking time and increase flavour.

Next, prepare your pan. A heavy-bottomed pan like a cast-iron skillet works best for searing sausage. Heat your pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter or vegetable oil). You'll know the oil is ready when it starts to shimmer.

Now it's time to chop. Use a sharp knife to cut your sausages into pieces of your desired size. For even cooking, try to make the pieces roughly the same size. Place the chopped sausage into the pan, making sure there is a little space between each piece.

Cook the sausage for about 5 minutes, using tongs to turn them occasionally. If your sausage is browning too quickly, turn down the heat a bit. If you're cooking a lot of sausage, you may need to work in batches or use a larger pan.

Once the sausage is browned, it's time to add some water. Pour in about half a cup of water and cover the pan. This will create steam and help ensure the sausage is cooked through. Cook for another 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. If you're cooking smaller pieces, they may only need 5 to 10 minutes.

Finally, remove the lid and check that the sausage is cooked to your liking. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the centre of the sausage should read 160 °F (71 °C). If you prefer your sausage a bit more well-done, you can cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 180-190 °F. Remove the sausage from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

And that's it! You now know how to chop and pan-sear sausage. Enjoy your delicious, crispy sausage creation!

Heating the pan

Start by choosing the right pan for the job. A heavy-bottomed pan, such as a cast-iron skillet, is ideal as it conducts heat efficiently. A non-stick pan is another good option, although the sausages may not brown as much. If you're using a frying pan, consider getting one with ribs to help position the sausages better.

Now, heat your chosen pan over medium to medium-high heat. Give the pan a few minutes to heat up properly before adding any oil or sausage. You'll know it's ready when a bead of water sizzles and evaporates upon contact.

Once your pan is heated, add a tablespoon of olive oil, butter, vegetable oil, or another type of neutral high-heat cooking oil like canola or avocado oil. You don't need to use a lot of oil, as sausages already contain fat, which can be released during cooking.

At this point, you may also add your chopped sausage to the pan. If you're cooking large sausages, consider cutting them in half lengthwise or into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for better browning and more flavour. Place the sausages in the pan with a little space between each one.

If you're cooking a lot of sausages, it's best to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and prevent proper browning.

Let the sausages cook for about 3–5 minutes on the first side. If they're browning too quickly, adjust the heat to medium. Use tongs to occasionally turn the sausages so they cook evenly.

Remember, if you're searing chopped sausage, they will be more prone to rolling around in the pan due to their smaller size. Keep a close eye on them and adjust your heat as needed to prevent burning.

Once the sausages have developed a nice brown colour on the first side, they're ready to be turned over and seared on the other side. Continue cooking for another few minutes until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

And that's it! You've successfully heated your pan and seared your chopped sausage. Now you can move on to the next steps, such as adding liquid or vegetables to the pan, to complete your delicious sausage dish.

Cooking the sausage

First, decide whether you want to chop your sausage or leave it whole. Chopping the sausage will increase its surface area, allowing more of it to caramelize in the pan and giving your sausage more flavour. If you're cooking large sausages, like andouille, chopping them in half lengthwise will also reduce cooking time. However, if you're making sausage sandwiches, you may want to leave the sausage links whole.

Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter or vegetable oil) in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Give the oil a few minutes to heat up before adding the sausage. If you're cooking a lot of sausage, you may want to use a large skillet or cook the sausage in batches.

Once the oil is hot, add the sausage to the pan. If you're cooking whole sausage, leave a little space between each link. Cook the sausage for about five minutes, turning it occasionally with tongs, until it's browned. If your sausage doesn't sizzle when it hits the pan, turn up the heat a bit.

At this point, you can add about half a cup of water to the pan and cover it to steam the sausage. This will ensure that the centres of the sausage are fully cooked while maintaining a rich, dark exterior. Steam the sausage for seven to 15 minutes, then check that it's fully cooked by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the sausage. It should have reached an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C).

If you're cooking small sausages, like breakfast sausage, they may only need five to 10 minutes to finish cooking. And if you're cooking chopped sausage, it will likely be done even sooner, so keep an eye on it.

Once the sausage is cooked, remove the lid (being careful not to let the steam rush into your face) and let the sausage rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat so they don't spill out when you cut into the sausage.

Serving suggestions

Pan-seared chopped sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Sandwiches and Rolls

Sausage sandwiches and subs are a classic for a reason. You can serve your pan-seared chopped sausages in a toasted hoagie bun or roll, topped with a slice of provolone or farmhouse cheddar cheese. For an extra indulgent touch, warm the sandwich in the oven to melt the cheese. You could also add some spinach, a fried egg, or your favourite mustard to the sandwich for an extra kick of flavour.

Pasta

Your pan-seared sausages can be served with pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. Try mixing them with whole wheat noodles such as penne and your choice of pasta sauce, like a classic marinara or a simple white wine pan sauce. You could also add some vegetables to the mix, such as roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions.

Rice or Cauliflower Rice

Rice is a great option to accompany or bulk out your pan-seared sausages. Try serving them with cooked brown rice, farro, or quinoa for a healthy and filling meal. If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a tasty and versatile option that pairs well with sausages.

Vegetables and Salads

Sausages go well with a variety of vegetables, such as roasted potatoes, cabbage, or squash. You could also serve them with a fresh Italian chopped salad or a simple side of watercress dressed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you're feeling creative, try making a one-skillet dinner by adding chopped root vegetables like onions, potatoes, and peppers to the pan with your sausages.

Appetizers and Snacks

Finally, pan-seared sausages can make a great appetizer or snack. Cut your sausages into bite-sized pieces and serve them with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and dips like honey mustard. You could also thread the sausage pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables such as peppers or lady apples, for an elegant and tasty canapé.

Frequently asked questions