How to Cook Linked Sausage on the Stove to Perfection

When I want something flavorful and easy to make, I always make a big pot of soup or add ground sausage to my marinara sauce. Sausage is very flexible and can be made in many different ways and in many different dishes.

While I think of sausage links, I always picture long strings of sausages hanging from the ceiling or behind the meat counter at a nearby butcher shop.

Most of the time, when I go to my local grocery store to buy sausage links, they are already in the coolers in the meat section, wrapped in butcher paper or plastic wrap.

There’s something classic and old-fashioned about sausage links that makes me think of good times.

A lot of the time, sausage links are made with ground up, seasoned meat that is then put inside a casing.

There are many kinds of sausages to choose from, such as Italian sausage, Polish sausage, spicy sausage, pork sausage, chicken sausage, and more.

Even though there are different kinds of sausages, most of the time they are cooked the same way. You can boil them in water on the stove, grill them, sauté them in a pan, or even roast the links in the oven.

You should cook your sausage until it reaches the right internal temperature for that type of meat.

Cooking up delicious linked sausage on the stove is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps you can enjoy juicy flavorful sausage links anytime. Whether you’re prepping a hearty breakfast, planning a weeknight dinner, or craving a mouthwatering appetizer, linked sausage sizzled on the stovetop always hits the spot.

An Overview of Sausage Links

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over exactly what sausage links are. Sausage links are sausages that have been stuffed into a tubular casing. This gives them their quintessential oblong shape with a curved exterior. The casings are often made from edible collagen, but you can also find plant-based options.

Inside the casing, sausage links contain seasoned ground meat. Pork and beef are common, but you can also find versions made from chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes. The seasonings lend distinct flavors, with popular varieties including Italian, breakfast, chorizo, bratwurst, and more.

Sausage links are sold raw, fully cooked, or pre-cooked. For stove cooking, raw sausage works best to achieve the juiciest interior and crispiest exterior crust. Fully cooked or pre-cooked sausage links just need reheating.

Tips for Selecting Sausage Links

When purchasing raw sausage links for home cooking, keep these tips in mind:

Check the label – Raw sausage links require thorough cooking to 160°F for safety Make sure the package specifies “raw”
Consider the meat – Pork and beef are most common Choose based on your taste preferences and dietary needs,
Find your flavor – From sage-filled breakfast links to spicy Italian, choose a seasoning you love.
Mind the size – Opt for links 2-3 inches long for even stove cooking. Jumbo links may not cook through.
Watch the date – Pick packages with a freshness date well in the future for best quality.
Know the sourcing – Read labels for hormone-free, grass-fed, or other designations important to you.

Helpful Tools for Cooking Sausage Links

You likely already have everything you need to cook up delicious sausage links at home. Here are the basic tools that help ensure success:

Sturdy skillet – Cast iron or stainless steel work great. Non-stick is also fine.
Tongs – Essential for easy flipping and movement of the links.
Oil – A light coating prevents sticking. Olive, vegetable, or avocado oil all work.
Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of doneness. Aim for 160°F.
Paper towels – Help absorb excess grease after cooking.

Optional extras include a splatter screen to minimize messes and metal or silicone steamer basket for boiling.

How to Cook Sausage Links on the Stove

Ready to learn how to perfection? Follow these simple steps for delicious sausage links cooked right on your stovetop:

1. Prepare the Raw Sausage Links

Remove sausages from packaging and peel away any plastic wrappings.
Pat the sausages dry with paper towels. This helps promote browning.
If desired, use a sharp knife to poke a few small slits along the length of each link. This prevents them from bursting.

2. Heat Skillet Over Medium Heat

Choose a heavy skillet or pan that will fit all the sausage links without crowding.
Heat over medium flame for 1-2 minutes until hot.

3. Add Oil and Arrange Sausage Links

Swirl a teaspoon of oil around to lightly coat the skillet.
Carefully add the sausage links in a single layer. Space them apart.

4. Brown the Links on One Side

Let the links cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, allowing the first side to nicely brown.
Resist the urge to move or flip too soon or they may stick.

5. Flip and Brown the Second Side

After 4-5 minutes, flip each link using tongs.
Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the second side is nicely browned.

6. Check Internal Temperature

Insert an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of a link.
Continue cooking until it reaches 160°F for safety.

7. Transfer Links to Paper Towel

Move the finished sausage links to a plate lined with paper towels.
Let rest 1-2 minutes to allow juices to reabsorb.

8. Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Sausage!

Dig into the sizzling sausage links right away. The browned exterior and juicy interior are fork-tender delicious!
Add your favorite condiments or use them to top entrees, sandwiches, pizzas and more.

With this easy stove cooking method, you can enjoy restaurant-quality linked sausage without even leaving home. The hands-on time is less than 15 minutes for a ready-in-no-time meal.

Stovetop Tips for Sausage Perfection

Looking to take your stove-cooked sausage links to the next level? Keep these extra pointers in mind:

Use a splatter screen – This prevents grease from splashing out of the pan as the sausages cook.
Add aromatics – Cook chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers with the links for extra flavor.
Butter finish – Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan after cooking. Baste the links as it melts for added richness.
Simmer in liquid – Deglaze pan drippings with broth, beer, wine, or water. Simmer links for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
Mind the heat – Higher heat risks scorching. Lower heat means uneven cooking. Medium is just right.
Don’t crowd – Leave space between links so they brown instead of steaming. Cook in batches if needed.
Limit flipping – Just one or two flips midway through prevents excess movement for better browning.

How to Cook Fully Cooked Sausage Links

If using pre-cooked sausage links that just require reheating, the technique is slightly different. Here’s how to warm them up:

Use lower heat – Heat the skillet over medium-low. No need to reach browning temperatures.
Skip the oil – Pre-cooked links won’t stick without adding extra fat.
Warm links through – Cook approx. 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated to your desired temperature.
Check often – The links heat quickly without needing to cook through. Be careful not to overdo it.
No need to rest – You can enjoy immediately since juices have already set.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Links

The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to serving delicious stove-cooked sausage links! Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

Breakfast sandwiches or burritos
Eggs and sausage skillet
Pizza topping
Loaded nachos or potatoes
Sausage gravy over biscuits
Appetizer with mustard, relish, or other dips
Mixed into pastas, soups, or casseroles
On a sausage sub or hoagie roll
Tacos, fajitas, or quesadillas
Added to kabobs or skewers
On a breakfast charcuterie board

Whatever you top them with or mix them into, sausage links always deliver incredible flavor. Getting the technique for stove cooking down ensures they come out perfect every time.

So next time you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly protein to build a meal around, reach for a pack of sausage links! In less than 30 minutes total, you can enjoy a mouthwatering main course or appetizer with true homemade taste. Once you master the simple art of sizzling up sausage on the stove, you may never go back to pre-cooked again!

how to cook linked sausage on the stove
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What are the different types of sausages?

Pork Sausage—Most sausages are made from pork. A lot of different parts of the pig are used to make ground pork.
Breakfast Sausage: Sage, maple, or fennel seeds are often used to give this sausage its own flavor.
Italian Sausage: Typical Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme are used to season Italian sausage links. This gives sauces and soups more depth.
Chicken Sausage—Ground chicken is used in this type of sausage, which is great for a leaner or more neutral taste.
Ground beef is used in this variation, which goes well in stews or with potatoes and sauerkraut. It gives the food a great richness.
Chili flakes, chili powder, and other spices are often added to this type of sausage to make it spicy.

Tips for cooking sausage links

It was already said that there are many ways to cook tasty sausages. When making a meal, you can boil sausages like hot dogs, sauté them, bake them, or let them cook slowly.
In a nonstick skillet, frying pan, or cast-iron skillet, cook your sausage links on the stove. This will allow you to use them in a skillet, kebob, sauce, or as ground meat. For pork, beef, lamb, or veal sausage, cook it over medium heat until the outside is nice and crispy and the internal temperature reads 160 degrees F. You can cook the sausage whole, diced, sliced, or without the casing. When you use a meat thermometer to check the chicken, it should be 165 degrees F. Use tongs to turn the meat.
There are two ways to cook sausage in the oven: whole or sliced. You can use sausage in a baking sheet dinner or casserole. To keep the pan clean, put parchment paper or aluminum foil on the bottom. Put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the right temperature inside. For an extra minute or two, if it’s not quite right, bake it.
Sausages can be cooked quickly and easily in a crock pot or instant pot if you are making soup or stew and don’t have much time to make dinner.
Smoked or gas grills can also be used to cook sausage links. Grilling it for a few minutes on each side or until charred is the best way to do it. Turn it with your grilling tongs. Make sure that the temperature inside is 160 degrees F. Because you don’t want to get food poisoning, cook it a little longer if it’s not quite done.

How to Cook Breakfast Sausage Links – Farmer John – Induction Stove – Turning Frozen Food Gourmet

FAQ

How long to cook sausages for stove top?

Fill skillet with enough water to reach a quarter of the way up sides of sausages. Simmer, covered, until sausages are cooked through and water evaporates, 10 to 15 minutes. (If sausages have cooked through but water has not evaporated, uncover, and continue to cook until water evaporates.)

Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan?

One of the healthiest ways to cook sausages is in the oven. It’s super easy to do, and unlike frying or grilling, baking sausages doesn’t require any extra oil.

Do you need oil to cook sausage on stove?

Set your stove to medium heat and heat your pan or skillet for a couple of minutes, until it gets hot. Add about a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Since sausages are quite fatty, they’ll release their own oils during cooking, so you only require a touch of cooking oil to start them off.

How to tell if sausage is cooked in the pan?

You can check whether your sausages are done by cutting into one at the center. If the meat is firm, it’s ready, but if it’s pink and runny, it needs more time. Slicing or butterflying the sausages can reduce cooking time.