With boiled sausage, you can make a dinner that will impress anyone in less than 30 minutes! We used chicken stock and Italian sausage, but this quick and easy WHOLE LOTTA YUM meal-prep recipe can be used with any sausage or chicken stock.
You might first wonder IF it’s even possible to boil Italian sausage and IF so, WHY would you want to?
For the first question, the answer is yes, you can boil sausages in either a Dutch oven or a deep skillet. The process is quick and easy.
The simple answer to the second question is that many people like to boil Italian sausages first, then grill or pan-fry them to cook the insides before finishing them off and making them as brown and crispy as they like.
If you’re wondering if our boiled sausage recipe only works for uncooked Italian sausages, don’t be. This method also works for boiling brats and other types of uncooked sausage that are about the same size.
Boil the sausages and then brown them on the grill or in a pan. Serve them with salad, on a bun, or with roasted vegetables, peppers, and onions.
Italian sausage is a tasty staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. From pasta bakes to sausage subs, this flavorful meat is versatile and delicious. Many recipes call for grilling or pan frying raw Italian sausage. However, some cooks prefer to parboil or simmer the sausage briefly before putting it on the grill or in the pan. So should you boil your Italian sausage first or cook it directly over heat? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each method.
Why Some Cooks Recommend Boiling First
There are a few reasons why boiling Italian sausage briefly before grilling or pan frying is recommended:
Cooks Through Fully
One of the main benefits of parboiling sausage is that it ensures the interior is fully cooked. Italian sausage is seasoned ground pork that is stuffed into a casing. The concern with grilling or pan frying raw sausage is that the outside can overcook and burn before the inside is done. Giving the sausage a quick boil for 5-10 minutes gently cooks the inside all the way through before finishing on the grill or in the pan.
Removes Excess Fat
Italian sausage can have a high fat content. Boiling helps render some of that fat out of the sausage, resulting in a leaner finished product. The water will extract excess grease that can cause flare ups on the grill or make the sausage overly fatty.
Infuses Flavor
Adding aromatics like garlic, herbs, onions, fennel or wine to the boiling water can infuse those flavors into the sausage. This adds another layer of taste beyond just the traditional Italian sausage spices.
Saves Time
Since parboiling gets the cooking process started, it ultimately reduces the amount of time needed on the grill or in the pan to finish This can be handy if you’re short on time or grilling for a crowd
Better Texture
The gentle heat of boiling followed by searing creates a nicely browned and slightly crisp exterior, while keeping the inside moist and juicy. The casing develops a satisfying snap when bitten into.
The Case Against Boiling
However, boiling isn’t for everyone. There are some drawbacks to consider with parboiling Italian sausage:
Dilutes Flavor
The boiling water can dilute some of the robust seasoning and flavor of the sausage. Grilling or pan frying imparts a smoky char and caramelization that enhance the taste.
Alters Texture
While some like the softer interior, others feel the texture of sausage is best when the inside and outside are cooked the same way. Boiling can create a mealier, less dense interior texture.
Longer Process
Having to boil water, add sausage, monitor, remove, drain, etc. adds extra steps to the cooking process rather than just tossing sausages on the grill. For quick weeknight meals, skipping boiling streamlines the process.
Casing Damage
The boiling water can degrade the structural integrity of the natural or synthetic sausage casing, causing it to split open more easily when bitten.
Moisture Loss
Some moisture and fat is lost during the boiling process, which can make the finished sausage a bit drier than cooking by grilling or pan frying alone.
Tips for Boiling Italian Sausage
If you do opt to boil your Italian sausages first, follow these tips:
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Use a large pot so sausages have room to move freely. Don’t crowd.
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Add sausages to gently boiling water. Don’t boil vigorously.
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Boil for 5-10 minutes maximum depending on thickness.
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Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer sausages to paper towels to drain.
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Pat sausages very dry before grilling or pan frying to help sear.
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Add aromatics like garlic, herbs or wine to the boiling water for extra flavor.
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Chill boiled sausages in ice water briefly before grilling or pan frying to prevent overcooking.
How to Grill or Pan Fry Without Boiling
If you’d rather skip the boiling step, use these techniques:
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Grill or pan fry over medium heat to prevent burning.
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Frequently turn sausages to promote even cooking.
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Brush or drizzle sausages with oil to prevent sticking.
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Grill sausages on a cooler part of the grill if flare ups occur.
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Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness; aim for 160°F internally.
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Let sausages rest 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
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Pierce sausages with a fork while cooking if casing splits to prevent bursting.
The Best Method for You
The choice of whether to boil or not boil ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value convenience, skip the boiling. If you want to extract fat, impart extra flavor, and guarantee doneness, go for the boiling. Keep in mind thicker, raw sausages are more likely to benefit from parboiling than pre-cooked or skinny links. Test out both techniques and decide which creates the texture and flavor you like best. Mix up your cooking methods for variety. When you bite into a juicy, robustly seasoned Italian sausage, you really can’t go wrong either way.
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Why You’ll Love This!
- It’s great to boil Italian sausages before grilling or frying them because it keeps the sausage’s flavor and adds other flavors to the meat.
- You can keep things simple by boiling sausages in chicken broth, or you can add a classic flavor by boiling them in beer.
- Boiled Italian sausage is always a great choice for dinner for people who don’t eat gluten, dairy, carbs, or ketones.
- Boiled sausage is a great way to plan ahead for meals because it can stay in the fridge for a few days before you grill or fry it.
- This whole recipe needs just two ingredients
For this delicious boiled sausage dinner, all you need is your favorite brand of Italian sausages and chicken broth.
- Italian sausage – raw
- chicken broth
- Our boiled sausage recipe works with any major brand or flavor of uncooked sausage, like spicy or bratwurst sausage.
- Chicken broth—We like chicken broth better, but you can use water instead. Choose your favorite beer brand and use it to make a beer brat or beer sausage.
Most brands of Italian sausages are compliant with keto, low-carb, and gluten-free lifestyles. However, you should read the labels and lists of ingredients to make sure that the brand you choose is safe for your diet or meets your tastes.
Step by Step Instructions
Add your broth and sausages, simmer, and thats it. Creating boiled sausage is super easy!
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, add the raw Italian sausages to the bottom of the pot.
Cover the sausage with water or chicken broth to just cover them completely.
Over medium heat, bring the liquid to a slow boil.
Simmer the sausage for 10 minutes.
***NOTE: The sausages will be mostly cooked but not ready to serve at this point. Do not consume undercooked meat.
Take the Italian sausage out of the liquid and either grill it until it’s the color you want, or you can pan fry it on the stove.
Boil the sausages, then add a little olive oil to a skillet. Cook them for three minutes on each side, or until they’re the color you like.
Check for doneness by using a digital meat thermometer. Italian sausages should be cooked to at least 160F.
Serve the boiled Italian sausage with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
- Even though everyone calls it “boiled sausage,” you’re really just simmering them. When you have a boil, you keep the heat high. A simmer, on the other hand, is a slower boil that is kinder.
- Do not prick the sausages before cooking them. This is an old myth, and poking the sausage will make it dry out and lose its flavor.
- While water can be used to boil your sausage, chicken broth or beer will give it the best flavor.
- Finish off your boiled sausage by grilling it until brown or pan-frying it for three minutes on each side. This will make sure it’s fully cooked.
- Even though sausage is cooked after 160F, they aren’t always browned enough at that temperature. If the final temperature is higher than 160F, don’t worry; the sausage will still taste and feel good up to 180–190F.
You can brown the boiled sausage on the grill or in a pan on the stove. Then you can serve it on a bun with a side salad, cooked peppers and onions, or roasted vegetables.
Technically no, you can grill your sausages without boiling them. Boiling sausages prior to cooking is a personal preference. A lot of people like to boil sausages to keep them juicy and make sure they’re fully cooked before serving. However, you can just grill them from raw as long as they reach at least 160F.
Putting boiled sausage in the fridge for up to 4 days is a great way to prepare meals ahead of time.
How To Grill Sausages The Right Way—Without Drying Them Out | Ray The Butcher
FAQ
How long should I boil Italian sausage before grilling?
Is it better to boil sausages before cooking?
Why do people boil sausage before grilling?
Is it better to boil or grill brats?
Should you boil Italian sausage before grilling?
If you’re planning to grill Italian sausage, you may be wondering if you should boil them first. Boiling sausage before grilling can be a great way to ensure that the sausage is cooked through and juicy. Boiling sausages before grilling allows all the juices to stay on the inside while the casing gets brown and crispy on the grill.
What is the purpose of using fennel in Italian sausage?
The fennel in the sausage is just for flavor. But Fennel is widely used to combat gastrointestinal problems, helps digestion, fights flatulence and diarrhea, can help fight anxiety, stress and insomnia, helps release excess fluid in the body, can reduce menstrual pain, prevents bad breath and heartburn, in addition to other benefits.
Can You boil Italian sausage?
Water is often the go-to liquid for boiling Italian sausage as it allows the flavors of the sausage to shine. However, you can also use a broth or even beer to add additional flavor to the sausage. The optimal boiling time for Italian sausage depends on the type and thickness of the sausage.
Can you cook Frozen Italian sausage before grilling?
To prevent the sausage from splitting open, prick it gently with a fork before grilling. This allows steam to escape and prevents excessive pressure build-up. 3. Can I grill frozen Italian sausage? It is preferable to thaw the sausage completely before grilling.