Boudin sausage is a delightful Cajun specialty – a unique blend of spiced pork and rice stuffed into casing Grilling imparts an irresistible smoky flavor that takes boudin sausage to the next level Follow this complete guide to learn how to cook boudin sausage on the grill for finger-licking backyard barbecue perfection.
What Is Boudin Sausage?
For those unfamiliar, boudin (pronounced boo-dan) is a soft, moist sausage made popular in Louisiana. Traditional boudin contains a mix of seasoned pork, rice, onions, and Cajun spices stuffed into a pork casing. It has a pleasant spice kick and rice-studded texture unlike any other sausage.
Boudin is available in link, ball, and patty forms. You can find many specialty Cajun markets that produce their own artisanal boudin sausages. The most common varieties are:
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Regular or traditional boudin – The classic blend of pork, rice, onions, peppers, and bold seasoning.
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Cajun boudin – Packed with extra heat from cayenne and other peppers.
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Crawfish boudin – Made with chopped crawfish tails instead of or along with pork
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Seafood boudin – Contains shrimp, crabmeat or other seafood goodness.
No matter which you choose, boudin sausage tastes heavenly when hot off the barbecue grill!
Why Grill Boudin Sausage?
There are several excellent reasons to fire up the grill when cooking boudin sausages:
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Adds smoke flavor – The smoky notes imparted by grilling take boudin to new taste heights.
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Crisps the casing – Grilling gives the casing a satisfying crispness and char.
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Cooks evenly – The grill’s direct ambient heat thoroughly cooks the interior contents.
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Simple preparation – Just throw on the grill and flip occasionally – easy!
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Fun outdoor activity – Grilling boudin is a perfect summer activity to enjoy with friends and family.
Grilling really lets the flavors of the sausage shine. Now let’s get into how to grill boudin sausage like a pro backyard pitmaster.
Grilling Tips for Boudin Sausage
Follow these handy tips when cooking boudin sausages on the barbecue:
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Use a two-zone fire for indirect cooking if desired.
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Grill over medium heat – not too hot.
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Flip the sausages every few minutes to prevent burning.
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Add chunks of smoking wood (hickory, pecan) for extra smoky flavor.
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Apply a sweet-spicy barbecue glaze near the end if desired.
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Check temperature to ensure the interior pork reaches 160°F.
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Let sausages rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
With the right techniques, you’ll achieve perfectly grilled boudin sausages. Time to get fired up!
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Boudin
Grilling up incredible Cajun-style boudin sausages takes just a few easy steps:
1. Prep the Boudin
Remove boudin links from packaging. For easier handling, separate any links stuck together.
2. Preheat the Grill
Heat your charcoal or gas grill to around 400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
3. Add Smoking Wood (Optional)
For extra smoky boudin, try adding wood chunks like hickory or pecan to the grill.
4. Grill the Boudin
Place sausages directly on grill grates. Close lid and cook 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and firm.
5. Add Sauce Glaze (Optional)
In the last 2-3 minutes, brush with your favorite sweet and spicy barbecue sauce glaze.
6. Check Internal Temp
Boudin is safe to eat when it registers 160°F internally.
7. Rest and Serve
Let sausages rest 5 minutes before serving with desired accompaniments. Enjoy!
In around 15 minutes, you’ll have irresistible smoked boudin sausage ready to serve up. So easy!
Helpful FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about grilling boudin sausage:
How do I prevent sticking?
- Lightly oil grill grates
- Place boudin on a grill basket or vegetable grill pan
- Wrap in foil with small holes poked in
Can I use an instant read thermometer?
Yes, insert the probe through foil or casing near the center to monitor internal temp.
What if I don’t have traditional boudin?
You can grill any fully-cooked sausage variety – smoked, Italian, bratwurst, etc. Adjust cook times as needed.
Is boudin safe to eat if casings split?
Yes, it’s completely safe if natural casings split while grilling. The interior is fully cooked. Just enjoy the delicious contents!
What sides go well with grilled boudin?
Grilled boudin sausage pairs great with dirty rice, beans, coleslaw, cornbread, and other classic BBQ sides.
Handy Equipment for Grilling Boudin
Having the right gear makes grilling boudin sausage even easier:
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Tongs – Essential for flipping and handling the sausages. Silicone-tipped tongs provide the best grip.
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Instant read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Quickly checks internal temp.
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Grill basket – Allows for easy flipping and removal from grill; minimizes sticking.
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Basting brush – For applying barbecue sauce glaze during last few minutes on grill.
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Aluminum foil – If desired, wrap sausages in foil to cook indirectly with steam.
With these handy tools, you’ll grill up phenomenal boudin sausages in no time at all.
Go Beyond Sausage – Try Grilled Boudin Balls!
If you love boudin, also try grilling up boudin balls, a popular Cajun appetizer! These are balls of boudin sausage fried up and skewered for the grill. Brush with sauce glaze and cook 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat until sizzling. Heavenly!
You can even stuff the mixture inside peppers or squash before grilling for a delicious low-carb option. Get creative with this versatile Cajun specialty.
Fire It Up!
The grill transforms boudin sausage into an incredible, mouthwatering barbecue treat. With the proper techniques, you’ll be able to achieve browned, crispy casings and perfectly cooked interiors, ready to serve up piping hot. Infuse the savory pork and rice filling with deep, smoky flavor.
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Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
When the boudin is done, take it off the grill and let it cool down for a few minutes. Serve it hot off the grill alongside your favorite condiments like mustard, relish, or hot sauce. The combination of the smoky grilled flavor and the savory Cajun spices will surely satisfy your taste buds!.
Pro Tip: Boudin pairs well with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad. Get creative with your side dish choices to complement the flavors of the boudin.
- Remember to tell your family and friends how much you love grilling boudin!
- Try out different kinds of boudin, like pork, seafood, and even vegetarian options.
- Don’t be afraid to use boudin in jambalaya, gumbo, or po’boys, among other dishes. The possibilities are endless!.
Now that you know how to grill boudin, get your food ready and let the grilling begin. Impress your guests with this classic Cajun dish and create unforgettable memories around the grill. Enjoy the smoky flavors and delicious taste of boudin, which will take you right to the heart of Louisiana. Happy grilling!.
Step 1: Preparing the Grill
Before you can start grilling your boudin, make sure your grill is clean and preheated. Scrub the grates with a grill brush to remove any residue from previous cooking sessions. Then, preheat the grill to medium heat, around 350°F.