It was dinner time and I was craving some Italian sausage. I knew that if I wanted to eat it, I would have to cook it. But, man, I was tired.
The thought of cooking up a big pan of sausage just seemed like too much work. So, I had a brilliant idea: why not just microwave it? Surely that would be faster and easier.
But then I started to worry. Is it safe to cook Italian sausage in the microwave? And if so, how long should I cook it for? I didn’t want to end up with undercooked or overcooked sausage.
I did some research and here’s what I found out.
Can You Cook Italian Sausage in the Microwave?
In general, yes, you can cook Italian sausage in the microwave. However, different brands may have different instructions, so be sure to consult the packaging before you get started.
Microwaving your sausage may not give you the same results as cooking it on the stovetop or grill, but it can be a convenient option when you’re short on time.
Here’s a short guide on how to cook Italian sausage in the microwave:
Place your sausages on a microwave-safe plate or tray and cover them with a paper towel. Put them in the microwave and cook on high power for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them from the microwave and let them rest for 1 minute before serving.
Is It Safe to Cook Italian Sausage in the Microwave?
It is safe to cook Italian sausage in the microwave, there are a couple of risks associated with microwave cooking that you should be aware of.
First, there is the risk of exploding. When it comes to sausages, there are two main types: those with casing and those without.
The casing on a sausage can cause it to burst in the microwave because the heat causes the pressure to build up inside the casing until it bursts.
To reduce the risk of exploding, you should prick the sausage a few times with a fork or knife before cooking. This will allow the steam to escape and prevent the sausage from exploding.
On the other hand, if your sausage doesn’t have a casing such as breakfast sausage, it will less likely to explode in the microwave.
Italian sausage belongs to the first category as it is usually sold with its casing. So remember to prick it before cooking!
Another risk associated with microwave cooking is the risk of undercooking your food. This is especially true when it comes to Italian sausage. Unlike smoked sausage which is already cooked, Italian sausage is a raw meat product.
If it’s not cooked properly, it could be contaminated with bacteria which can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your sausage is reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before eating it.
The best way to check the internal temperature of your sausage is to use a food thermometer.
How Long Should You Cook Italian Sausage in the Microwave?
Just how long you’ll need to cook your sausage for will depend on a few factors, including the wattage of your microwave, the brand, and the number of sausages you’re cooking.
With that being said, in general, 1 to 2 minutes on a 1000-watt microwave should do the trick. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check the instructions that came with your sausage.
How To Cook Italian Sausage in the Microwave
Cooking Italian sausage in the microwave is quick and easy, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Defrost the sausage if it is frozen.
- Prick the sausage a few times with a fork or knife.
- Place the sausage on a microwave-safe plate.
- Take a paper towel and cover the sausage.
- Nuke it for 1-2 minutes on high.
- Let it rest for 1 minute before serving.
Those are the basic steps you need to follow to cook Italian sausage in the microwave. However, you can also cook the sausage on a microwave-safe rack, which will give the sausage a more evenly cooked exterior.
To cook the sausage on a rack, simply place the sausage on the rack and then microwave on high power for 1 minute. After 1 minute, check the sausage to see if it is cooked through. If not, cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Can You Reheat Italian Sausage in the Microwave?
Italian sausage can be reheated in the microwave, but it is not recommended to do so more than once. This is because the more times you reheat Italian sausage, the drier it will be and the less flavor it will have.
That’s why it’s always best to cook only as much sausage as you need since cooking it fresh will always taste better.
To reheat Italian sausage, simply follow the same steps as above but start with cooking it for 30 seconds on high power. After 30 seconds, check to see if it is heated through. If not, cook for an additional 30 seconds.
How you store your Italian sausage also matters. If you don’t store it properly, it will dry out quickly.
To store Italian sausage, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking Italian sausage in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare it. Personally, I prefer to use a microwave-safe rack such as the one from Nordic Ware as it gives the sausage a more evenly cooked exterior.
However, you can also cook the sausage without a rack but you’ll need to cover it with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Regardless of how you cook it, remember to prick the sausage before cooking it and to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage.
Looking for more helpful tips on microwaving sausages? Check out our other articles on microwaving sausage patties, Chinese sausages, and sausage biscuits.
