Looking for a new ingredient to add to your meals? Andouille sausage could be just what you need. Andouille sausage is very flexible; it can be used to add flavor to a recipe or served on its own. Its spicy flavor will make your mouth water. Butouille comes from France and Germany, but it’s become more popular in the US and is a main ingredient in Cajun and Creole dishes. Andouille works well with a wide variety of food combinations and can add spice to your recipes.
Continue reading to learn how to cook andouille sausage and gain valuable tips for putting together meals.
As a home cook who loves exploring new flavors I was excited to try cooking andouille sausage for the first time recently. This spicy, smoked sausage originally from Louisiana can add a delicious kick to so many dishes. When working with a new ingredient, I always have questions about how to cook it properly. For andouille sausage I wanted to know exactly how long to cook it on the stove to get the best texture and taste.
Through trial and error in my kitchen, I’ve honed my technique for stove-top andouille sausage. In this article, I’ll share my tips and experiences so you can learn how long you should cook andouille sausage on the stove. From start to finish, I’ll walk through timing, tools, and techniques so you can enjoy perfect andouille sausage every time.
Select High-Quality Andouille Sausage
With so many brands available, sausage quality can vary quite a bit. To ensure the best flavor, choose an andouille sausage that uses premium ingredients. I prefer uncured sausage with no added nitrates or nitrites High-quality sausage shouldn’t need a lot of fillers or artificial flavors to provide big taste.
When I cook andouille, I like using Premio Foods’ smoked andouille sausage. Their sausage contains no MSG, preservatives or artificial flavors. It delivers an authentic smoked flavor and nice bit of heat. Their quality andouille sausage serves as an ideal base to build delicious Cajun and Creole dishes.
Prep Your Stovetop and Andouille Links
Cooking andouille sausage on the stove starts with an adequately heated pan. I like to use cast iron or stainless steel skillets because they distribute heat evenly. Heat your pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a thin layer of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
While the pan heats up, prep your sausage links. For 4 to 6 links, slice each one in half lengthwise for quicker cooking. Lay them flat side down so the curved sides get direct heat too. If your pan isn’t crowded, you can cook them whole. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Sear the Sausages
Once your skillet is hot, carefully add the sliced sausage halves. I prefer tongs for easy handling. Allow the sausages to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This helps create nice browning on the first side. Listen for a satisfying sizzle!
After a few minutes, flip each sausage half over. Continue searing the other flat side for another 2-3 minutes. The browned exterior will start forming, adding color and flavor. Searing builds a flavorful crust.
Lower the Heat and Continue Cooking
After searing both sides, lower the stove heat to medium. This prevents over-browning. Continue cooking the sausages for another 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally. They will firm up and plump slightly as they cook through.
Move them around the pan so all sides get exposure to the heat. If the pan seems dry, add another teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Cook times will vary based on thickness. Just watch to avoid burning.
Check for Doneness
After about 12-15 minutes total, start checking your sausage doneness. I like to poke a sausage with a fork or knife tip. When cooked through, the interior will be firm with no pink spots.
Andouille shouldn’t need to reach any certain temperature since it’s pre-cooked. You just want the inside warmed through. If still pink inside, continue cooking for a few more minutes until the interior looks evenly browned.
Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Andouille!
Once browned throughout, your andouille sausage is ready to enjoy! I like serving it with Cajun rice dishes like jambalaya or pairing it with shrimp or chicken in creole stews. Andouille also tastes amazing in pasta, eggs, sandwiches, soups and more.
With this simple stovetop cooking method, you can enjoy authentic andouille sausage flavor anytime. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness. Proper searing and lower heat prevents burning. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have the satisfying flavors of andouille right from your stove!
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Pair Your Sausage With a Beer
If you’re not sure what to drink with your sausage, butouille and other types of sausage are usually served with beer. Andouille has a lot of spice and is often used in Cajun food. It goes best with a hearty beer that can balance out the spice without taking away from the flavor of the sausage. Stout will help cool the spicy flavors without diminishing them. You may also consider pairing your sausages with light beers or porters.
As was already said, you can cook andouille with beer, so keep these pairings in mind when you do that.
Avoid Handling Andouille With a Fork While Cooking
Andouille is packed with flavor. As it cooks, the meat accumulates juices that help prevent it from drying out. The juices add to the flavor and are part of what makes andouille stand out. You shouldn’t use a fork to handle andouille while it’s cooking so that the juices stay inside the casing. If you poke holes in the sausage with a fork, the juices can leak out. If you cook it for too long, the meat may become dry.
It might seem easier to move the sausages from the pan or grill to another one with a fork. Since a fork will break the sausage’s casing, opt for a utensil like tongs. When you’re cooking andouille, tongs are the best tool for the job because they keep the casing from getting poked.
Aidells Cajun Style Andouille Smoked Pork Sausage
FAQ
How long does Andouille sausage take to cook?
How to tell if Andouille sausage is cooked?
How do you cook store-bought Andouille sausage?
How do you cook andouille sausages in a crock pot?
Bring the liquid to a boil in a saucepan before adding the sausages. Reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the andouille steam for 10-15 minutes, then take it out and check its internal temperature. Continue cooking as needed or plate the sausage and serve.
How to cook andouille sausage?
Sprinkle shrimp with salt and cayenne pepper; drizzle with lemon juice. Set aside in a bowl. Place andouille sausage slices in a large skillet over medium heat; fry sausage until browned, 5 to 8 minutes.
How do you cook andouille sausage in a broiler?
Andouille sausages also cook well when broiled. Preheat your broiler and coat the broiler pan with cooking spray to prevent the sausages from sticking. Position the andouille sausages on the pan where they’ll be a few inches from the heat source. This helps prevent the sausages from searing too soon.
How long do you cook andouille in a crock pot?
Reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the andouille steam for 10-15 minutes, then take it out and check its internal temperature. Continue cooking as needed or plate the sausage and serve. This method of cooking andouille is quick and easy, making it a great option if you have limited time.
How do you Grill andouille sausage?
To grill andouille sausage, preheat your grill on high heat. Coat the grill grates with cooking spray or oil to help prevent the sausages from sticking. Once the grill is hot, put your sausages on the rack. Use tongs to occasionally rotate the sausages to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
How long does it take to smoke andouille sausage?
Andouille sausage is traditionally heavily smoked over pecan wood for a unique taste. Smoking takes anywhere from several hours to 10-12 hours, depending on the color and smokiness you want to achieve. The smokier it is, the better it will flavor the dishes to which it will be added. I smoked my Andouille for about 7 1/2 hours.