In less than ten minutes, this turkey sausage recipe can be prepared with just six ingredients. It’s tasty, nutritious, and juicy, and it makes a great breakfast sausage.
We love cooking with turkey. It’s low in saturated fat, extremely lean, and full of protein.
My favorite use for it is to make breakfast sausage with turkey. Table of Contents.
Turkey sausage, a lean and versatile ingredient, offers a delicious alternative to traditional pork sausage However, the key to unlocking its full flavor potential lies in the art of seasoning. This guide will delve into the intricacies of seasoning turkey sausage, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration to create mouthwatering culinary masterpieces.
1. Understanding the Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor profile of turkey sausage. By carefully selecting and combining spices, you can transform this mild-flavored meat into a symphony of taste. Seasoning not only adds depth and complexity to the sausage but also masks any potential gaminess, resulting in a truly delectable experience.
2. Essential Spices for Turkey Sausage
A well-stocked spice rack is your gateway to creating flavorful turkey sausage. Here are some essential spices to consider:
- Sweet Paprika: This vibrant spice adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful red hue to your sausage.
- Kosher Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the meat and ensuring proper seasoning.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and a subtle bite to the sausage.
- Dried Thyme: This aromatic herb imparts a delicate floral note and complements the savory flavors of the meat.
- Dried Oregano: Oregano’s earthy and slightly pungent flavor adds depth and complexity to the sausage.
- Dried Marjoram: Marjoram, a close relative of oregano, offers a milder and slightly sweeter flavor profile.
- Dried Fennel: Fennel’s licorice-like aroma and subtle sweetness add a unique dimension to the sausage.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the savory flavors and creates a more rounded taste profile.
3. Exploring Flavor Variations
While the essential spices provide a solid foundation, you can experiment with different combinations to create unique flavor profiles. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Sausage: For those who enjoy a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chili powder to your spice blend.
- Italian-Inspired Sausage: Incorporate Romano cheese and basil for a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Herbed Sausage: Add rosemary and chopped sundried tomatoes for a burst of freshness and Mediterranean flair.
- Breakfast Sausage: Create a delicious breakfast sausage by adding smoked paprika and grated apple or maple syrup.
4. The Art of Combining Spices
The key to successful seasoning lies in finding the right balance of flavors. Start by adding a small amount of each spice and taste as you go. Adjust the proportions according to your preferences keeping in mind that the flavors will intensify as the sausage cooks.
5. Beyond Spices: Additional Flavor Enhancers
While spices play a starring role in seasoning turkey sausage, other ingredients can further enhance its flavor profile. Consider adding:
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sausage.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the sausage.
- Red Bell Pepper and Green Bell Pepper: These colorful additions contribute sweetness and a slight crunch to the sausage.
6. Tips for Achieving Perfect Seasoning
Here are some additional tips to ensure perfectly seasoned turkey sausage:
- Use high-quality spices: Fresh, flavorful spices will make all the difference in the taste of your sausage.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning as needed, remembering that the flavors will intensify during cooking.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different combinations of spices to create unique flavor profiles.
- Consider the intended use: Adjust the seasoning based on how you plan to use the sausage, whether in breakfast sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a standalone snack.
By mastering the art of seasoning, you can transform turkey sausage into a culinary delight. With a well-stocked spice rack, a touch of creativity, and these helpful tips, you’ll be able to create flavorful and versatile sausage that will impress your taste buds and elevate your culinary creations. So, experiment, explore, and enjoy the journey of seasoning turkey sausage!
Recipe tips and variations
- Use a meat thermometer. You don’t want to overcook the turkey sausage because it’s lean meat. I advise checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to avoid this from happening. Ready-to-eat turkey should reach 165F.
- Bake the sausage. Prepare the turkey sausage according to the recipe if you’d rather bake it than fry it. After lining and greasing a baking sheet, transfer them to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the sausage’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Change up the seasonings. For added spice, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. To enhance the smokiness, add smoked paprika and a small amount of liquid smoke.
- Add cheese. Since cheese is always a good choice, stir in 1/4 cup of your preferred shredded cheese. I personally love mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese.
What is turkey sausage?
Turkey sausage is made with ground turkey, spices, and fat (usually olive oil) and can be purchased in patties or links. It has a milder, less meaty flavor and is lower in calories than other sausages, much like chicken sausage.
Although supermarkets sell pre-packaged turkey sausage, preparing it at home is incredibly simple and tastes far better. Here are some reasons why I LOVE this recipe:
- Healthy and low calorie. Turkey sausage is an excellent addition to a regular diet because it is low in fat and high in protein. I enjoy using them to make my family’s homemade sausage McMuffins!
- Cost-effective. Making your own is far less expensive than paying more than twice as much for pre-made ones. Additionally, you avoid all of the thickeners and additives that store-bought brands use.
- Ready in 6 minutes. Set your timer when the sausage hits the pan. Three minutes on each side, and you are done! .
- Tastier than other kinds of sausage. It lacks the strong meaty flavors that can overtake a dish, in contrast to pork sausage!
These turkey sausage patties are my favorite to use for breakfast sandwiches or as a component of a breakfast plate. For a filling breakfast, serve it with eggs (Turkish style, over-easy, over-medium, or over-hard).
There are just six basic ingredients needed for this recipe, most of which are pantry staples. Here is what you’ll need:
- Ground turkey– Lean ground turkey or extra lean ground turkey. The higher-fat cuts wind up being greasy and soggy, so I don’t recommend them.
- Olive oil: Even when using lean meat, adding oil keeps the patties juicy and moist in the middle.
- Kosher salt and black pepper– To taste.
- Dried sage– A key spice to enhance the peppery flavors. It’s also the secret ingredient used in McDonald’s sausage!.
- Garlic powder: It substitutes fresh garlic for a milder flavor.
- A small amount of either brown sugar OR maple syrup can be added to balance out the savory and salty flavors. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe – Easy, Quick, & Flavorful
FAQ
How to add flavor to ground turkey?
Is turkey sausage already seasoned?
Are you supposed to season sausage?
How to cook turkey sausage in a skillet?
You can cook them in a skillet over medium heat. Because turkey sausages are so lean, you either need to put some cooking oil on the cooking surface, or you need to use a non-stick surface. Heat a skillet over medium-heat. Add a couple of teaspoons of cooking oil. Put the sausages into the warmed skillet in a single non-overlapping layer.
How do you make sausage links from ground turkey?
In a large mixing bowl, place ground turkey. Add sausage seasoning and water and mix well. Place the mixture into a sausage stuffer (like this one or this one). Stuff the mixture in to collagen casings (like these) and then make desired length of sausage links.
How do you cook turkey sausage patties?
Add oil to a large skillet or pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the breakfast sausage patties and fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve the sausage immediately with your favorite sides. Use a meat thermometer. Because we are using lean meat, you don’t want to overcook the turkey sausage.
Can I make homemade turkey sausage?
Although you can usually find Italian Turkey Sausage or Chicken Sausage in most supermarkets, after many requests I created this homemade version. Preparing homemade turkey sausage gives you more control of how much fat and what seasonings go into your sausage. If you want to avoid preservatives and added flavors, this is a great base.