You open up the freezer and realize you forgot to defrost the sausages for tonight’s dinner. Panic sets in as you wonder if there’s a way to quickly and safely thaw your sausages. Then you look down at your microwave, and you start to wonder: can you defrost sausages in the microwave? And if so, how?
That’s why I wrote this guide – to answer all your questions about defrosting sausages in the microwave. Here, I’ll discuss the safety and timing of using your microwave to thaw sausages, as well as some other methods you can try. Whether you’re looking to defrost a few sausages or an entire package, this guide has you covered.
Can You Defrost Sausages in The Microwave?
Who doesn’t love a nice, juicy sausage? They make for a delicious and hearty meal, but only if they’re properly cooked. This means, if your sausages are frozen, you’ll need to defrost them first.
And while you can cook sausages from frozen, it’s generally best to thaw them first so they cook more evenly. The microwave is by far the quickest method of defrosting sausages.
Once your sausages are thawed, you can cook them immediately or store them in the fridge or freezer for later use. Just remember that if you decide to cook them later, they’ll need to be cooked all the way through since they’ve already been partially cooked in the microwave.
While using the microwave is quick and convenient, it does have its drawbacks. For one thing, microwaves can cause foods to become rubbery and tough. But this can be avoided by using defrosting settings and microwaving in short bursts.
Is It Safe To Defrost Sausages in The Microwave?
Yes, it is safe to defrost sausage of any kind in the microwave, including raw, in casings, or cooked. Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
Use a Microwave Safe Container
The first tip is to make sure you are using a microwave-safe container. If you are using a container that is not microwave safe, the heat waves will cause the container to leach chemicals into your food, which can be harmful to your health. Or even worse, the container could catch on fire.
Briefly Run the Sausages Under Cold Tap Water
If the sausages are stuck together or stuck to the packaging, run them under cold tap water for a few seconds. This will help ease them out of each other and the packaging.
Don’t Stack Your Sausages
When you put your sausages in the microwave, make sure to lay them flat on a plate or tray with plenty of space between each one. If you place them in a stack, they may not defrost evenly and could lead to some parts being thawed while others are still frozen.
Use a Defrost Setting or 30% of the Power
Once you have confirmed that your container is microwave safe, you will want to either use the defrost setting or 30% of the power. This is important because you do not want to cook the sausage, you just want to thaw it. If you use too much power, the sausage can become rubbery or tough.
Cook Immediately After Thawed
Once your sausage is thawed, you will want to cook it immediately. Don’t leave it sitting at room temperature for too long, as this can allow bacteria to grow in the meat.
How Long Does It Take To Defrost Sausages in The Microwave?
There are a few factors that can impact how long it takes to defrost sausages in the microwave, such as the size of the sausages, the number of sausages you are defrosting, and the power of your microwave.
On average, it will take about 3-5 minutes to thaw one plate of sausages in the microwave. If you have a very powerful microwave, it may take less time. And if you are defrosting a larger amount of sausages, it may take slightly longer.
How to Defrost Sausages in The Microwave: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the basic guidelines for defrosting sausages in a microwave, here is a step-by-step guide to follow:
- Start by removing the sausages from the packaging and placing them in a microwave-safe container.
- Arrange the sausages in a single layer on the plate, without stacking them or placing them too close together.
- Set your microwave to the defrost setting or 30% of the power.
- Microwave the sausages for 3 minutes.
- Check to see if the sausages are thawed, and continue microwaving in brief bursts (1-2 minutes at a time) until they are completely thawed.
- Cook the sausages immediately after defrosting them.
Other Ways to Thaw Sausages
If you don’t have a microwave, or if you’re just looking for a different way to thaw your sausages, there are a few other options available to you.
One is overnight refrigeration; simply place your sausages on a plate or in a container and leave them in the fridge overnight. This method is much slower than using the microwave—it can take up to 24 hours for your sausages to fully thaw—but it won’t affect their quality.
Another option is submerging your sausages in cold water. This method will take about as long as overnight refrigeration—around 24 hours—but it’s a bit quicker than using the fridge since cold water transfers heat faster than air does.
Simply place your sausages in a resealable bag and then place that bag in a bowl or pot of cold water. Change out the water every 30 minutes or so until your sausages are thawed through.
Can You Refreeze Sausages?
Yes, you can refreeze sausages that have been thawed in the microwave. However, it’s important to note that freezing and then defrosting meat can affect its quality, so it’s best to eat thawed sausages soon after you defrost them.
If you intend to refreeze your sausages, first, wrap the sausage loosely in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, being sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
Then, store your sausages in the freezer for up to 1 month. Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the date, so you know when they were first frozen.
How to Use Thawed Sausages in Your Cooking
Sausages are one of the easiest meats to cook. Whether you’re cooking them on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill, they only take a few minutes to cook through. And since they’re already seasoned, all you need to do is add some heat and you’re good to go!
Here are some delicious recipes you can use to cook your thawed sausages:
Sausage Chili
This hearty dish will warm you up on even the coldest of days! Just add some diced tomatoes, beans, onions, and your favorite spices to a pot along with your uncooked sausages. Let it all simmer until the sausages are cooked through, then ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Sausage Breakfast Scramble
Start your day off right with this protein-packed scramble! Just cook up some eggs, diced potatoes, peppers, onions, and crumbled sausage in a frying pan. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot!
Sausage Casserole
This easy casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend brunch! Simply layer uncooked sausage links, frozen veggies of your choice (we like peas and carrots), pre-cooked rice or pasta, and shredded cheese in a baking dish.
Pour over some cream of chicken soup or tomato sauce (whatever you have on hand), then bake at 350 degrees until everything is hot and bubbly!
Conclusion
So, now that you know how to defrost sausages in the microwave safely and effectively, why not give it a try? With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly thawed sausages without having to wait hours or overnight.
And if you are still unsure about using the microwave for defrosting, remember that it is always safer to thaw food in the refrigerator instead. But if you don’t have time for that, the microwave is a convenient and effective alternative!
