Sausage is not just for breakfast anymore! This versatile food has been popular for centuries and shows no signs of slowing down.
In fact, sausage is more popular than ever, thanks to its affordable price and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, sausage is a great option.
And as for cooking sausages in the microwave? Well, that’s a topic of much debate. Some say it’s perfectly safe, while others insist that it’s a surefire way to end up with dry, crumbly sausages. So what’s the verdict?
Check out this article to learn everything you need to know about cooking sausages in the microwave, including whether or not it’s safe.
Can You Cook Sausages in the Microwave?
Yes, you can cook sausages in a microwave. You don’t need to precook them or brown them first. Just put them on a plate or in a bowl and cook them according to the package directions. The sausage will be cooked through and will be safe to eat.
One downside of microwaving sausage is that you won’t get deeply browned skin unlike when you cook them on the stovetop. The casing may also peel away from the sausage since microwaves cook food from the inside out.
But if you’re in a hurry and just want to cook the sausage without any fuss, microwaving is a perfectly good option.
Keep in mind that microwaves vary in power, so you may need to adjust the cooking time up or down depending on your particular oven. If you’re not sure, start with less time and add more as needed.
Is It Safe to Cook Sausage in the Microwave?
It is perfectly safe to cook sausage in the microwave but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First of all, you need to make sure that the sausage is reheated to an internal temperature of 160°F. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present.
To check the temperature, insert a food thermometer into the center of the sausage after cooking. If it reads 160°F or above, then it is safe to eat.
Secondly, you need to be careful of exploding sausage. This can happen if the sausage is not pierced before cooking, as the steam buildup can cause the casing to burst.
To avoid this, simply prick the sausage a few times with a fork before cooking. With these precautions in mind, you can safely cook sausage in the microwave.
How Long To Microwave Sausage?
The time it takes to cook sausage in a microwave oven can vary based on several factors. In general, it will take 1½ to 3 minutes to cook sausage on high power in a 1000-wattage microwave.
However, different types of sausage will cook at different rates. For example, Italian sausage will take longer to cook than breakfast sausage. The number of sausages you’re cooking at one time and the wattage of your microwave will also affect the cooking time.
If you are using precooked sausage, you will need to heat it for less time than if you are using sausage. Similarly, if you are cooking multiple pieces of sausage, you may need to increase the cooking time.
Finally, microwaves with higher wattages will cook food more quickly than those with lower wattages. As a result, it is important to consider all of these factors when determining how long to microwave your sausage.
Check the packaging on your sausage for specific cooking instructions and start with the minimum recommended time. If the sausage is not cooked through, you can always cook it for a little longer.
How to Cook Sausage in the Microwave
Cooking sausage in the microwave is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Take a knife and separate the sausages if they’re connected.
- Prick each sausage a few times with a fork. This will help to prevent exploding sausages.
- Place the sausages on a microwave-safe plate or in a bowl. Arrange them so that they’re not touching each other.
- Cover the plate or bow. You can use a microwave-safe lid or a kitchen towel.
- Set the microwave to cook on high for 1½ minutes, flip the sausages over, and cook for another 1½ minutes.
- After 3 minutes, check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. It should read 160°F or above. If it doesn’t, cook for another minute and check again. Once the sausages are cooked through, let them rest for a minute or two
- Serve immediately.
You can also tell if the sausages are done by looking at the color. They should be changed to a light brown all over and should be slightly firm to the touch.
The skin may also start to peel away from the sausage. At this point, you can remove the skin if you like, or you can leave it on. It’s up to you.
Can You Defrost Sausage in the Microwave?
When it comes to cooking sausages, there is one important rule to remember: always defrost them first. Frozen sausages can explode in the microwave or cook unevenly, resulting in a less than satisfactory meal.
To avoid this, simply remove the sausages from the freezer and let them thaw in the microwave using the defrost setting. Once they’re thawed, you can cook them using the instructions above.
Another option is to place the sausage in their original packaging and submerge them in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the sausages are thawed.
Can You Reheat Sausage in the Microwave?
Sure, you can reheat sausage in the microwave. In fact, it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to do it. Just pop it in for a minute or two and you’re good to go.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when reheating sausage in the microwave.
First, sausage is often quite fatty, so it can splatter and make a mess if you’re not careful.
Second, sausage can dry out quickly when reheated, so be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel before cooking.
Finally, sausage is best enjoyed fresh, so don’t hesitate to cook up a new batch if you have the time.
Conclusion
Cooking sausage in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious food. Just remember to defrost the sausage first, cover it to prevent splattering, and be careful not to overcook it. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to enjoy perfectly cooked sausage every time.
Looking for more helpful tips on microwaving sausages? Check out our other articles on microwaving sausage patties, Italian sausages, Chinese sausages, and sausage biscuits.
