Can You Cook Smoked Sausage in the Microwave? A Complete Guide

Smoked sausage is a delicious, flavorful meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways From grilling to pan frying, there are plenty of options when it comes to cooking up these savory sausages But what about the microwave? Can you cook smoked sausage in the microwave? The short answer is yes!

The microwave provides a quick and convenient way to cook smoked sausage without dirtying up your stovetop or oven. While the microwave won’t provide the same smoky char or crispy exterior you get from other cooking methods, it can absolutely cook smoked sausage thoroughly and safely in just a few short minutes.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking smoked sausage in the microwave We’ll go over microwave cooking tips, step-by-step instructions, timing, how to tell when it’s done, recipe ideas, and more So read on to become a microwave smoked sausage pro!

Benefits of Cooking Smoked Sausage in the Microwave

First, let’s go over some of the main benefits of using the microwave for cooking smoked sausage:

• It’s fast – Smoked sausage cooks up quickly in the microwave, ready in just 2-5 minutes depending on thickness. Much faster than grilling or baking.

• Minimal dishes – With microwave cooking, you only need a microwave-safe plate or bowl. No pots, pans or baking sheets to clean up afterwards.

• Retains moisture – The microwave is great at steaming and heating foods while retaining moisture. This keeps smoked sausage juicy and flavorful.

• Easy temperature control – It’s simpler to control doneness based on cook time rather than monitoring temperature.

• Versatile – You can incorporate microwaved smoked sausage into a variety of dishes, from breakfast tacos to pasta.

Step-By-Step Guide to Microwaving Smoked Sausage

Microwaving smoked sausage is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prep the Sausages

Select your preferred smoked sausages, whether they are smoked pork, turkey, chicken, beef or other varieties. Rinse them under water and pat dry with paper towels. This removes any sliminess from the packaging.

Prick the sausages all over with a fork. This will allow steam to escape and prevent bursting while cooking.

2. Arrange on Microwave-Safe Dish

Place the sausages on a microwave-safe plate or in a shallow bowl. Make sure they are spread out in a single layer and not overlapping.

You can cook multiple sausages at once as long as they have a bit of space between them.

3. Cover Lightly (Optional)

For added moisture and to prevent splatters, you can cover the sausages lightly with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard. Avoid using plastic wrap or anything that will fully trap steam.

4. Microwave

Microwave the sausages on high power based on the following cook times:

• 2 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness for 2-3 sausages
• 3 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness for 4-6 sausages

For example, if cooking 4 average-sized smoked sausages that are 1 inch thick, microwave for about 5-6 minutes total.

5. Check and Re-Microwave If Needed

Once the initial cook time is up, check to see if the sausages are fully cooked through. To test doneness, cut into the thickest part of a sausage. It should be hot all the way through with no raw pink spots.

If needed, re-microwave in 30 second intervals until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, which indicates it is fully cooked.

6. Let Rest and Serve

Allow the microwaved smoked sausages to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This helps evenly distribute the internal juices.

Serve the sausages whole or sliced on buns, in tacos, with roasted veggies, on top of salad, or however you prefer. Enjoy your quick and easy microwaved smoked sausage!

Tips for the Best Results

Follow these tips to get the best results when microwaving smoked sausage:

• Stir or flip halfway – For more even cooking, stir or flip the sausages over about halfway through the cook time.

• Add a little liquid – You can add 1-2 tbsp water or broth to help steam and prevent drying out.

• ** Pierce sausages** – Pricking the sausages all over before cooking allows steam to escape.

• Cover with paper towel – Covering lightly prevents splatter without steaming too much.

• Brush with oil or sauce – For flavor, brush oil, mustard or barbecue sauce over the sausage before microwaving.

• Allow to rest – Letting it rest ensures juices redistribute evenly after cooking.

How to Tell When Smoked Sausage is Done

Since the microwave doesn’t provide the same external browning cues, you’ll need to rely on these signs to tell when smoked sausage is fully cooked:

• Internal temperature of 160°F – Check temperature with an instant read thermometer.

• Clear juices – Cut into the sausage and check that juices run clear rather than pink.

• Firm texture – Fully cooked sausage will feel firm to the touch with no spongy areas.

• No pink interior – The interior should show no sign of raw pink meat when cut into.

Following the recommended microwave times and testing with a thermometer is the best way to ensure smoked sausage doneness.

Get Creative with Microwaved Smoked Sausage Recipes

Now that you know the basics, get creative with these delicious recipes using microwaved smoked sausage:

• Sausage breakfast sandwiches – Cook sliced sausage, egg, and cheese between toasted English muffins.

• Smoked sausage pasta – Toss microwaved sausage with tomato pasta sauce and penne or rigatoni.

• Sausage potato skillet – Make a quick one-pan meal with potatoes, onion, sausage, and bell pepper.

• Sausage stuffed peppers – Stuff bell peppers with microwaved sausage, rice, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

• Smoked sausage and veggie kebabs – Thread sausage chunks and vegetables onto skewers for easy kebabs.

• Sausage jambalaya – Sauté trinity, mix in microwaved sausage, chicken, rice, and Cajun seasoning.

The possibilities are endless for incorporating delicious microwaved smoked sausage into your favorite recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions about Microwaving Smoked Sausage

You may still have some questions when it comes to cooking smoked sausage in the microwave. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:

How long does it take to microwave smoked sausage?

Cook time depends on thickness, but plan for 2-3 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness on high power. A standard smoked sausage takes 4-6 minutes.

Can you microwave smoked sausage without poking holes?

It’s best to prick sausages with a fork prior to microwaving. This prevents steam and pressure buildup that can lead to bursting.

Do you have to flip smoked sausage in the microwave?

Flipping halfway through is recommended for more even cooking, but not entirely necessary if cooking just a few minutes.

Is it safe to microwave fully cooked smoked sausage?

Yes, pre-cooked smoked sausage can be safely microwaved to reheat. Follow standard times and verify it reaches 160°F.

Why does my microwaved sausage taste dry or get rubbery?

This can happen if cooked too long. For the best texture and moisture, stick to the recommended cook times.

Can you brown microwaved sausage to crisp it up?

Browning after microwaving is an option if you want crispy exterior texture. Just quickly pan fry until browned.

What can I use if I don’t have a microwave?

You can pan fry, grill, or bake smoked sausage in the oven if needed. Though it will take 15-35 minutes at 350°F.

The Convenience of Microwaved Smoked Sausage

There you have it! With this complete guide, you are now a smoked sausage microwave pro. Just remember to prep, prick, plate, and microwave properly. In just a few short minutes, you can enjoy quick and delicious smoked sausage meals and sides without much fuss or cleanup.

So next time you’re looking for a fast, flavorful protein to incorporate into breakfast, lunch, or dinner, look no further than your microwave and a pack of smoked sausage. Ditch the pots and pans but not the flavor. Happy speedy cooking!