Cooking Italian sausage in the microwave? Not traditional – but it can save time! If you want a quick & convenient way to enjoy this delicious meat, look no further. Here’s how:
- First, pick your favorite type of Italian sausage. Spicy or mild, links or patties – make sure they’re suitable for microwaving.
- Place them on a microwave-safe plate with enough space between them. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe cover or paper towel. This will keep the moisture in and prevent splattering.
- Set your microwave to medium-high and cook for 5 minutes per side. Rotate halfway through for even cooking. The exact cooking time varies, so watch them closely.
- Once they reach an internal temp of 160°F (71°C), remove them carefully using oven mitts or tongs. They’ll be hot!
- Let them rest a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute. Enjoy!
Benefits of cooking Italian sausage in the microwave
Cooking Italian sausage in the microwave has some great perks! It’s much quicker than other methods. Plus, it helps reduce fat. And, it keeps all the flavor and moisture. Lastly, it evenly cooks without burning or overcooking. A tip: use a microwave-safe dish to avoid mess and get even heat.
Preparing the sausage for microwave cooking
- Poke tiny holes in each sausage with a fork or toothpick. These holes help steam escape and stop explosions.
- Wrap each sausage in a microwave-safe paper towel.
- Put them on a plate or dish in a single layer and loosely cover with another lid or plate.
- Cook on high power for 2 minutes per sausage.
- Flip each one over and continue cooking 1 minute at a time until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use an instant-read thermometer.
Microwaving may not make the sausages as brown as grilling or pan-frying. If you want a crispy finish, put them in a preheated oven or skillet after microwaving.
My own story with cooking Italian sausages in the microwave is an example. I had a last-minute dinner party and used the microwave. The sausages turned out juicy and delicious. It was a great solution that let me focus on other parts of the meal.
Preparing Italian sausage in the microwave is easy and tasty. Follow these steps and enjoy!
Selecting the appropriate microwave-safe dish
When it comes to cooking Italian sausage in the microwave, selecting the right dish is key. Find the dish that suits your needs with this guide!
| DISH SIZE | DISH MATERIAL | DISH FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Glass or ceramic dishes | Heat-resistant and even cooking |
| Small | Microwave-safe plastic dishes | Compact size for efficient cooking |
| Large | Microwavable glass casserole | Room for multiple sausages to cook |
Think about the features of the dish too. For example, glass or ceramic dishes keep heat well and heat the sausage evenly. If you’re cooking a single serving, a microwave-safe plastic dish is ideal. And for larger batches, a microwavable glass casserole is perfect.
Choosing the right microwave-safe dish is essential in getting perfect Italian sausages. Plus, Taste of Home magazine says microwaving them preserves their natural flavors and cuts down cooking time!
Placing the sausage in the microwave
- Choose a microwave-safe dish or plate that is large enough to fit the sausage. Ensure there is space between each piece.
- Cover with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a vent for steam to escape.
- Set the power level and cooking time according to the type of sausage. Different microwaves have varying power levels, so adjust cooking time.
- Microwaving sausages may reduce flavor compared to grilling/pan-frying.
I experienced microwaving sausages for the first time. They were juicy and cooked well! Ever since, microwaving has been my go-to method when I’m low on time. So, if you need a quick meal, give microwaving sausages a try – you might find a new favorite cooking method!
Setting the microwave cooking time and power level
Steps to cook Italian sausage in the microwave:
- Choose a microwavable dish, big enough to fit the sausage without crowding.
- Place the Italian sausage, spaced apart for even cooking.
- Set cooking time depending on size and quantity of sausages. For example, one sausage for 2-3 minutes or two for 4-5 minutes.
- Adjust microwave power to medium-high or 70% to prevent undercooking or overcooking.
- Press start.
- Monitor the sausages, flipping them halfway.
- For unique flavors, marinate them before microwaving. Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests using mild or hot sausages according to your spice preference.
Monitoring the cooking process
Keep a close eye on your Italian sausage for cooking success! Use this simple table to track the key steps and timings:
| STEP | TIMING |
|---|---|
| Prep | 1 min |
| Microwave | 30 secs |
| Check doneness | 15 secs |
| Rest | 1 min |
Remember other details too! Make sure the sausage is cooked through – internal temp of at least 165°F (74°C). Be careful when taking it out of the microwave – it might be hot. Monitor the sausage closely for best results. Follow these guidelines and use good judgment. Enjoy your meal!
Testing the internal temperature of the sausage
To ensure your Italian sausage is cooked perfectly and safe to eat, follow these steps:
- Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to test the internal temperature quickly and accurately. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage, avoiding any bones.
- Wait for a few seconds to allow the thermometer to stabilize.
- Check for the ideal temperature – Italian sausages are cooked at 160°F (71°C).
Get a trustworthy meat thermometer for precise results and a great dining experience!
Letting the sausage rest before serving
Sausages go through a process known as carryover cooking. Heat spreads inside the meat, cooking it after being taken out of the microwave. This ensures every bite is cooked well. Allowing the sausage to rest lets juices distribute throughout the fibers, making bites juicier and tastier.
Once upon a time, in an Italian village, Nonna Maria was famous for her sausages. Every Sunday, she made her family delicious sausages. I asked her why she let them rest before serving. She said that’s what made her sausages special.
Nonna Maria placed the cooked sausages on a platter and covered it. Everyone smelled the aroma and was excited. When it was time to eat, the sausages were perfect – tender and juicy. She had passed down a tradition – to let the sausages rest.
And that’s why you should never forget to let the sausages rest. If you do, you’ll have a truly amazing dining experience.
Serving suggestions and additional tips
For a burst of flavor, add sautéed onions and peppers to your sausage. Comforting twist? Serve it on a bed of creamy polenta or cheesy mashed potatoes. For a refreshing contrast, top with balsamic vinaigrette salad. Create a mouthwatering sandwich with a warm crusty baguette, melted cheese, and spicy mustard. Traditional Italian sides like roasted garlic bread, caprese salad, or grilled vegetables are also perfect pairings. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup and some crispy garlic breadsticks.
Go beyond the ordinary with Italian-inspired ‘pigs in a blanket’, or spaghetti alla puttanesca. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked sausages for an extra layer of savoriness. Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavors. Lastly, let the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier bites. Elevate the flavors and presentation of microwave-cooked Italian sausages with these suggestions!
Conclusion
Micro-waving Italian sausage is the perfect speedy way to cook this yummy and adaptable meat! Here’s what to do for delicious sausages in minutes:
- Choose the right container. Put the sausages in a microwave-safe dish which isn’t too crammed.
- Poke some holes. Use a fork or toothpick to make tiny holes in the sausages. This stops them from exploding when cooking.
- Cover with microwavable lid or wrap. To keep the moisture in, cover the dish with a matching lid or microwavable plastic wrap.
- Cook on high power. Set your microwave to high and cook the sausages for 3-4 minutes per side. Time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave.
- Check for doneness. Make sure the sausages are properly cooked by putting a meat thermometer into the thickest part. It should read 160°F (71°C) for pork sausages, or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausages.
Be aware that microwaving won’t give you crispy skins like grilling or pan-frying does. But microwaving offers fastness and preserves flavor.
Pro Tip: For added flavor, pre-cook Italian sausage in the microwave, then finish off on a grill or skillet for a toasted exterior.
Can I Cook Italian Sausage in the Oven Instead of the Microwave?
Cooking italian sausage in the oven is a better alternative to using the microwave. This method ensures that the sausage is cooked thoroughly and evenly, resulting in a delicious and juicy outcome. By baking the sausage in the oven, you’ll also achieve a crispy exterior, adding a satisfying texture to your meal.
