can you microwave vienna sausage

Microwaving Vienna Sausage: A Quick and Easy Option

Vienna sausage is a popular canned meat that can be a quick, easy, and affordable protein source But can you really microwave vienna sausage to heat it up fast? The answer is yes, absolutely!

Microwaving vienna sausages is one of the quickest and simplest cooking methods. It takes just 1-2 minutes to heat them up fully in the microwave. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or quick snacks.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about microwaving vienna sausage. We’ll go over proper techniques, cooking times, safety tips, and recipe ideas to take your microwaved vienna sausages to the next level. Let’s dive in!

The Basics of Microwaving Vienna Sausage

Microwaving vienna sausage couldn’t be easier, Here are the basic steps

• Open the can and pour the sausages and broth into a microwave-safe bowl. Glass, ceramic, or porcelain bowls all work well.

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap so steam can escape

• Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, until the sausages are piping hot throughout.

• Carefully remove from the microwave using potholders – the bowl will be hot!

• Stir the sausages gently before serving to evenly distribute heat.

And that’s it! In just a couple minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, hot vienna sausages ready to enjoy.

Microwaving Tips for Best Results

Following proper microwaving techniques will ensure your vienna sausages turn out juicy and delicious every time. Here are some top tips:

• Use a microwave-safe dish. Materials like glass, ceramic, and porcelain work best. Avoid any dishes with metal.

• Cover the bowl to retain moisture. Poke small holes in plastic wrap or tilt a lid to let steam escape.

• Cook at high power for the shortest time. Vienna sausages only need 1-2 minutes max in the microwave.

• Stir before serving. This helps distribute heat evenly throughout each sausage.

• Don’t microwave the sausages for too long. They can easily get rubbery and dried out.

• Let the sausages rest 1-2 minutes after cooking. The temperature will equalize for a more consistent heat.

• Add extra broth or water if the sausages seem dry. The additional liquid will keep them moist.

Following these simple microwaving guidelines will ensure perfect vienna sausages every time. Now let’s look at exactly how long to microwave them.

Determining Microwaving Times

Microwaving times for vienna sausages can vary slightly depending on your specific microwave wattage. Here are general guidelines:

• For a 1000-1100 watt microwave, cook for 1 minute on high.

• For an 800-900 watt microwave, cook for 1 1/2 minutes on high.

• For a 600-700 watt microwave, cook for 2 minutes on high.

• Regardless of wattage, always microwave in 1 minute increments, checking frequently.

• Cook until the sausages are heated through and steaming hot, about 165°F internally.

As you can see, vienna sausages only need very short 1-2 minute bursts in the microwave to heat fully. Be sure not to overcook them. It’s always better to slightly undercook and give them an extra 30 seconds if needed.

Microwaving Vienna Sausages Safely

Microwaving vienna sausages is generally safe, but there are a few precautions to take:

• Use caution when removing the hot bowl from the microwave. Use potholders to avoid burns.

• Stir the sausages gently to prevent splashing of hot oil.

• Don’t microwave the sausages for longer than 2 minutes to avoid rubbery, dried out sausages.

• Let the sausages rest 1-2 minutes before eating. This allows the temperature to evenly distribute.

• Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before consuming to eliminate any food safety risks.

• Discard any unopened cans that are dented, leaking, or damaged. Only microwave sausages from intact cans.

• Refrigerate any leftover sausages within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days. Don’t leave sausages sitting out.

Following basic food safety practices when handling, microwaving, and storing vienna sausages will keep them safe to eat.

Recipe Ideas for Microwaved Vienna Sausages

Now that you know the basics of microwaving vienna sausages, let’s look at some delicious ways to use them:

• Vienna Sausage Breakfast Wrap – Wrap heated sausages in a tortilla with scrambled eggs and cheese for a handheld breakfast.

• Cheesy Sausage Bites – Top bite-sized pieces of bread with heated sausages and melted cheese for easy snacks or appetizers.

• Sausage Egg Bowl – Toss microwaved sausages into bowls with crispy hash browns, fried eggs, and your favorite toppings.

• Cheesy Sausage Pasta – Mix microwaved sausages into macaroni and cheese or any creamy pasta for added protein.

• Sausage Sandwiches – Pile heated sausages onto buns with your favorite condiments and toppings for quick sandwiches.

• Sausage Omelet – Include chopped, microwaved sausages in your next omelet or egg scramble.

• Baked Beans and Sausage – Heat sausages in canned baked beans for a fast and filling bean dish.

• Sausage Potato Soup – Simmer chopped, microwaved sausages in creamy potato soup for added flavor.

The possibilities are endless for using vienna sausages in easy microwave meals and snacks! Their mild flavor takes on any seasonings or ingredients nicely.

Are Microwaved Vienna Sausages Safe to Eat?

Many people wonder if it’s actually safe to microwave vienna sausages, or if this changes the nutritional content at all. Rest assured microwaving is completely safe and won’t significantly alter the nutrition.

Here’s why microwaved vienna sausages are just as safe and healthy as other cooking methods:

• The canning process kills any harmful bacteria prior to packaging. Microwaving does not introduce new bacteria.

• No nutrients are lost during the short microwave time. Vitamins and minerals remain intact.

• Any small amount of nutrients that did leach into the broth are consumed when the broth is eaten.

• Microwaving for 1-2 minutes does not form any harmful compounds or change the chemical structure.

• The sausage contains preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Microwaving does not affect preservatives.

As long as basic food safety guidelines are followed, microwaved vienna sausages pose zero health or contamination risks. So microwave away for a fast protein fix!

Microwave with Confidence

Follow the proper techniques and cooking times outlined above, and experiment with fun recipe ideas. Microwaved vienna sausages make an easy, affordable protein source any night of the week.

So next time you need a fast dinner or quick snack, don’t hesitate to pop open a can of vienna sausages and heat them in the microwave. Just be sure not to overcook them. With the right guidelines, you can microwave vienna sausages for delicious results every time!