How to Boil Sausages

Sausages don’t have to be grilled to be delicious. Boiling is a quick and simple cooking method that results in sausages that are juicy, flavorful, and cooked through evenly. Below are some tips for boiling sausages to perfection and adding spices for the perfect sausage sandwich.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Choose a pot large enough to fit all the sausages you wish to boil. Fill the pot with water, leaving a few centimeters from the rim to avoid overflow when adding the sausages.

Carefully drop the sausages into the boiling water. Add the sausages one by one, being cautious not to drop them all at once to avoid splashing hot water.

Boil the sausages for 6 minutes. Although the sausages are pre-cooked, they’ll taste even better when thoroughly heated. Six minutes is the perfect time to heat the sausages without splitting them open. Split sausages lose much of their flavor.

• If boiling a large batch, you may need to cook for an extra 1-2 minutes. Check one sausage before removing the rest from the pot to ensure they are fully cooked.
• If boiling only 1-2 sausages, they may be ready before the 6-minute mark. Try one after 5 minutes to see if it’s hot enough. If not, return them to the pot to continue boiling.

Remove the sausages from the pot and drain the water. Use tongs to carefully lift each sausage out, gently shaking to remove excess water. Alternatively, you can pour the entire pot of boiling water into a colander to drain the sausages.

• If some sausages aren’t going to be eaten immediately, you can leave them in the warm water. Move the pot to a cooler part of the stove and cover it with a lid; the sausages will remain warm until ready to serve.
• If serving many guests and you want to keep the sausages warm, keep the heat on low until all sausages are eaten.

Fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with water. Be sure to choose a bowl large enough to hold all the sausages you want to boil. Both glass or plastic bowls can work, as long as they are microwave-safe.

Make small slits on the sausages. This step helps prevent the sausages from bursting while microwaving. Make a shallow slit along the casing of each sausage.

Microwave the sausages on high for 75 seconds. After 75 seconds, cut a small piece off the end of a sausage to check if it’s hot enough. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until all sausages are fully heated.

• You can also check the texture of the sausages; if the casing is wrinkled and darker, they’re likely done.
• If you have more than a few sausages, you may need to microwave them for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure they’re fully heated.
• Note that it may not be safe to eat sausages if microwaved for less than 75 seconds.

Remove the sausages and drain. Take the sausages out of the hot water and place them on a paper towel to drain before serving.

Add seasonings to the water before boiling the sausages. Boiling sausages in plain water already brings out a great flavor, but you might want to add a little extra seasoning for a bolder taste. Try adding half a teaspoon of salt if you prefer a salty kick. You can also add one or more of the following spices to the water before bringing it to a boil:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Pour a little beer into the water. Beer enhances the savory flavor of the sausages. It’s the perfect ingredient when you’re preparing sausages for a game day snack or to serve at a beer lovers' gathering. Simply pour an entire bottle of beer into the pot instead of 1.5 cups of water. Bring it to a boil and cook the sausages as usual.

• If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of beer. For example, pale ale gives a distinct flavor to the sausages compared to dark beer.
• This method works with any type of sausage but is especially great with beef sausages.

Drop a couple of garlic cloves into the water. Adding one or two cloves of garlic to the water as it heats is a fantastic way to infuse the sausages with natural flavor. You don’t even need to peel the cloves; simply toss them whole into the pot of water.

Pan-fry the sausages after boiling them. If you like your sausages crispy, you can quickly sear them after boiling. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Slice the sausages lengthwise with a knife. Once the oil is hot, place the cut side of the sausages in the pan and fry until golden and crispy.

Sprinkle your favorite seasonings over the sausages. No matter how you prepare them, sausages taste best when paired with the right seasoning. Place the sausage in a bun and sprinkle your favorite toppings on top. Here are some ideas:

• Chili
• Shredded cheese
• Ketchup and mustard
• Sliced onions, raw or sautéed
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Pickles