How to Cook Andouille Sausage
Looking for something new to add to your meal rotation? Andouille sausage might be the ingredient you’re looking for. Andouille sausage is incredibly versatile and can complement a recipe or be served individually, as it has mouth-watering flavor and spice. While Andouille has origins that connect it to France and Germany, it’s gained popularity in the United States and is a staple 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.
How to Cook Andouille
Andouille sausage can be cooked in several different ways depending on preference and the recipe you’re following. Regardless of how you cook andouille, it should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few of the most common ways andouille is cooked in the U.S.
Grilled
Just like you grill hot dogs or brats, andouille grills well. 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.
Your andouille is finished grilling when its coating is brown and its internal temperate reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature as it gets close to being done.
Steamed
Andouille can also be steamed on the stovetop. For extra flavor, andouille is often steamed in broth or beer, though you can also use water. You may even try a combination of these liquids. 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.
This method of cooking andouille is quick and easy, making it a great option if you have limited time.
Broiled
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. Much like grilling, be sure to turn the andouille occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Monitor the internal temperature and remove the andouille when they are fully cooked.
Pan-Fried
Andouille is also well-enjoyed when pan-fried. When using this cooking method, you can either pan-fry the sausages whole, in halves or in small slices. The whole and half sausages will take a bit longer to cook because they’re thicker, meaning it will take more time for the heat to penetrate the middle.
Andouille cut into smaller slices can cook quickly in a pan or skillet since the middle is exposed and can be cooked directly. Regardless of how you cut your andouille to pan-fry it, be sure to turn it or flip it occasionally as it cooks.
Tips for Cooking Andouille Sausage
While cooking andouille sausage is relatively straightforward, having a few tips in mind can help enhance your meal and make cooking andouille more enjoyable. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your andouille sausage.
1. 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. To help preserve these juices and keep them inside the casing, you should avoid handling andouille with a fork while cooking. Piercing the sausage with a fork allows the juices to escape, which can cause the meat to dry out if cooked for too long.
It may seem easier to handle the sausages with a fork when transferring them to and from the pan or grill. Since a fork will break the sausage’s casing, opt for a utensil like tongs. Tongs are ideal for cooking andouille because they allow you to handle it with less risk of piercing the casing.
2. Pair Your Sausage With a Beer
Wondering what drink to pair your sausage with? Andouille and other types of sausages are traditionally paired with beer. Since andouille has strong spice and is often used in Cajun dishes, it’s best paired with a hearty beer that can counteract the spice without overpowering the sausage’s flavor. Stout will help cool the spicy flavors without diminishing them. You may also consider pairing your sausages with light beers or porters.
As mentioned above, andouille can also be cooked with beer, so keep these pairings in mind when using that cooking method.
3. Try New Andouille Recipes
Andouille sausage is a staple in many different types of recipes. While andouille can be cooked and eaten on its own, trying new andouille recipes allows you to experience its flavors in new ways. Andouille is popular in Cajun dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. It also goes well with seafood, legume dishes, casseroles, stews, soups, pizza, pasta and more.
Andouille is also commonly added to kebobs or skewers. For example, here’s a recipe for grilled andouille sausage and shrimp skewers. The recipe also includes directions for a complementary mustard dipping sauce. If you’re looking for something simple, try cooking andouille with your preferred cooking method and serving it with cooked peppers and onions.
4. Cook With High-Quality Andouille
Cooking with high-quality ingredients can make a big difference in how your dishes turn out. You’ll find various brands of andouille sausage, but be sure to choose one that uses fresh ingredients. You should also consider sausages without unnecessary filler. Fillers are used to create plump sausages, though high-quality andouille is made without filler ingredients. When cooking with high-quality andouille sausage like those from Premio Foods, you’ll notice a difference in flavor and overall quality of your dishes.
Use Premio Foods Andouille Sausage in Your Recipes
At Premio Foods, quality is one of our top priorities. Our sausage products have no artificial ingredients, preservatives or added MSG. In addition to producing quality meat products, we extend quality into customer service and setting company goals.
If you’re looking for more recipes, you can use andouille sausage in many of our sausage recipes. Simply swap out what’s listed and use our andouille instead. Find your favorite Premio Foods products with our store locator and get cooking!