Moose sausage is growing in popularity as more people discover the unique savory flavor of this wild game meat. But cooking moose sausage can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Have no fear – cooking up the perfect moose sausage is easier than you think when you follow a few simple tips and techniques.
Selecting the Best Moose Sausage
The first step to cooking great moose sausage is choosing a high-quality product. Look for sausages that are made from finely ground moose meat mixed with spices and seasonings. The meat should have a deep red color. Avoid any sausages that look brown or grey. Top options are fresh sausages from a butcher or vacuum-packed links. Check the ingredients to see that no preservatives or fillers have been added.
Preparing Moose Sausage for Cooking
Once you have your moose sausages, you need to get them ready to cook. Take the sausages out of the packaging and rinse them under cold water. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. If the sausages were frozen, let them thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
If the sausages have a casing, use a sharp knife to make shallow slashes along the length of the link before cooking. This will prevent the casing from splitting open.
Grilling for Maximum Flavor
One of the best ways to cook moose sausage is on the grill. The smoky, charred exterior adds incredible depth of flavor. To grill moose sausages perfectly:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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Brush sausages lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
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Grill sausages, turning occasionally, for 14-18 minutes until browned.
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Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The key is frequent turning to cook the sausages evenly without burning. Move sausage away from any grill flare ups. Rest grilled sausages for 5 minutes before serving.
Pan Frying for Fast Weeknight Meals
Pan-frying is a quick and easy way to cook moose sausage on the stovetop any night of the week.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil
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Add moose sausages and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
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Reduce heat if sausages start to burn.
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Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Pan-frying gives you crispy, browned exterior and tender, juicy interior in no time. Consider sautéing some onions and peppers in the pan alongside the sausage.
Baking Low and Slow
For evenly cooked moose sausage, try baking it in the oven. The low, indirect heat ensures the interior cooks through without over-browning.
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Place sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Check internal temperature to confirm doneness.
Add your favorite veggies like potatoes or squash to roast alongside the baking sausage for an easy one-pan meal.
Simmering in Soups and Stews
Cut moose sausage into chunks or slices to add hearty flavor to soups, chilis, and stews. The moist cooking environment keeps the meat tender and juicy.
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In soups, add sausage 5-10 minutes before serving so it doesn’t overcook.
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In stews, add it at the beginning with other ingredients.
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Cook until sausage is heated through and reaches 165°F.
Moose sausage pairs especially well with bean, tomato, or vegetable-based soups and stews. Try a sausage and kale soup for a nutritional powerhouse meal.
Deep Frying for Special Occasions
While not an everyday cooking method, deep frying can take moose sausage to the next level. The very high heat yields an ultra-crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the moist interior.
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Heat oil to 350-375°F in deep pot.
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Fry sausages for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels and season as desired.
Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and don’t overcrowd the pan to prevent uneven frying. Deep fried moose sausage is hard to beat when done right.
Cooking Safely
When handling and cooking moose sausage, follow basic food safety:
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Store fresh sausage below 40°F.
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Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
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Reheat fully when serving again.
These practices reduce the risk of foodborne illness with wild game meat like moose.
Seasoning and Serving Moose Sausage
Moose sausage shines with simple seasoning and pairing:
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Salt, pepper, garlic, onion, thyme, sage are great seasonings.
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Serve with eggs, hashbrowns, and toast for breakfast.
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Add to pasta, pizza, soups, sandwiches for lunch/dinner.
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Pair with roasted veggies, rice, beans or potatoes.
Let the savory flavor of the moose meat take center stage. Avoid heavy marinades or complicated spice blends.
Make the Most of Moose Sausage
Cooking moose sausage has never been simpler. With a bit of grill, pan-fry, or oven time, you can enjoy deliciously flavored wild game sausage. Just remember to handle it safely, cook it thoroughly, and enhance (but don’t overwhelm) that rich moose flavor. Incorporate moose sausage into your weekly meal rotation and take your home cooking to the next level.
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MOOSE SAUSAGE RECIPE done two ways from last falls harvest. #wildgame
FAQ
How to tell if moose sausage is cooked?
Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan?
How do you cook a moose sausage?
Cut the moose meat and pork into cubes. In a large bowl, mix the moose meat and pork. Mix all of the spices into the cup of cold water. Mix the meats and homemade seasoning until mixture is smooth. Taste: cook a small portion of your moose sausage mixture (small meat ball). Refrigerate meat for 4 hours. Rinse sausage casing in cold water.
How do you cook Moose sausage in a cast iron skillet?
To fry moose sausage, start by heating a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Next, add the moose sausage to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Be sure to turn the sausage frequently to ensure even cooking.
How do you cook moose meat?
Moose meat lacks that same marbling of fat that makes beef tender because, as wild game, moose are more active and have a different diet from farm animals. All that to say, the best way for beginners to cook moose is probably to slow-cook it. Consider chopping the meat into smaller cubes and mixing it with vegetables to make a moose stew.
Can moose meat be made into sausage?
In the micro, glass is preferred. Some folks like sausage, each to their own. Moose meat is not to be made into sausage in our house. Here is the only way I tell my sons it is to be done.