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How to Sous Vide Pork Sausage?

Sous vide cooking, a method of cooking food in a temperature-controlled water bath, has become popular for its knack for producing tender and perfectly cooked dishes. For pork sausage, sous vide can really make a difference, keeping the insides juicy while achieving a nicely browned outside.

This article will guide you through the steps of sous vide pork sausage, giving you all the tips you need to create delicious, juicy results every time. Are you ready to take your sausage skills to the next level? Let’s jump into the gear and ingredients you’ll need to kick things off.

How to Sous Vide Pork Sausage

Ingredients:

  • Premium pork sausage - Choose your favorite variety - Italian, breakfast, chorizo, etc. Fresh sausage is the way to go for the best outcome.
  • Olive oil (optional) - Dizzle this on when searing the sausage after sous vide to add a delicious crispy exterior.
  • Your favorite spices/herbs (optional) - Some chefs use aromatics like garlic, onion, or other homegrown herbs in the bag with the sausage for extra flavor, though the sausage should already be seasoned.

Equipment:

 

Why Sous Vide for Pork Sausage?

Cooking sausage the old-fashioned way can often lead to uneven results, dryness, and even burning, but sous vide solves all the problem.

  • Even cooking - With sous vide, the water bath maintains the temperature steady so that your sausage can be cooked evenly from the inside out.
  • Moisture retention - Since it uses warm water bath, it retains moisture in the sausage, so you get juicy, tender sausage every time without losing those natural flavors.
  • Flavor enhancement - The longer cooking time lets the flavors really come together, giving you a richer taste.

Why Sous Vide Pork Sausage

How to Sous Vide Pork Sausage?

Step 1: Choose the Sausage

You can go for any kind of pork sausage when cooking sous vide, whether it's the traditional breakfast variety or a zesty Italian one. Just be sure to select a high-quality sausage from a trusted local market or butcher to get the best taste and texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Water Bath

Personally I begin by filling your sous vide container — whether it's a pot, a specialized sous vide container, or a water bath — with water, then adjust the temperature to your desired cooking level.

  • 140°F (60°C): For a very rare sausage, with a juicy and pink center.
  • 145°F (63°C): For a slightly pink, medium-rare sausage.
  • 150°F (66°C): For a medium, well-cooked sausage with some pink remaining.
  • 155°F (68°C): For a medium-well, cooked-through sausage.
  • 160°F (71°C): For a well-done, fully cooked sausage.

For pork sausage, it's best to cook it thoroughly to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.

Pork Sausage Doneness

Step 3: Vacuum Seal the Sausage

If using packaged sausage, you should take out the sausage from casing. Or if you’re using fresh sausage, skip this step. Then, place your sausage in a vacuum-seal bag. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, you can just take a zip-top bag and use the water displacement method by submerging the bag in water while squeezing out the air before sealing it.

Step 4: Sous Vide Pork Sausage

Put the sealed sausage in the water bath, making sure the water covers it completely. Cook it for the suggested time, which is around 1 to 3 hours, based on how thick the sausage is and how well-done you want it.

 

Sous Vide Pork Sausage

Step 5: Sear the Sausage

Once the time is up, take the sausage out of the water bath, pat it dry, and give it a quick sear in a hot pan or on the grill to get that nice, crispy crust. This really boosts the texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Results

  1. Don't overcrowd your water bath: Make sure your water bath isn't too packed. It needs room for the water to flow around the bags.
  2. Use a meat thermometer: Grab a meat thermometer to check the sausage's internal temperature and make sure it's cooked to your liking.
  3. Don't overcook: Avoid overcooking your sausage, as it can turn dry and tough, following the suggested cooking times is important.
  4. Experiment with flavors: Get creative with flavors by tossing in some herbs, spices, or aromatics into your sausage bag for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Sous vide pork sausage is super flexible and can be savored in many different ways.

  • Breakfast: Serve with eggs, pancakes, or toast.
  • Lunch/Dinner: Include in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or wraps.
  • Appetizers: Slice and serve with mustard or a dipping sauce.
  • Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Pork Sausage Serving Tips

The Bottom Line

Sous vide pork sausage is an easy but effective way to get perfect results every time. With the right gear and a bit of effort, you can whip up juicy, tasty sausages that are cooked just right. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of sous vide cooking!

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