To cook sausage on the stove without burning it, you can follow these steps:
Choose the right pan: Select a pan that has good heat distribution, such as a cast iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan. Avoid using pans with thin bottoms, as they tend to conduct heat unevenly and may lead to burning.
Preheat the pan: Place the pan on the stove over medium heat and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. This will ensure that the sausages cook evenly.
Add oil or fat: Once the pan is preheated, add a small amount of cooking oil or fat, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter. Allow the oil or fat to heat up for a moment, ensuring that the surface of the pan is evenly coated.
Place the sausages in the pan: Carefully place the sausages in the preheated pan, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between the sausages to allow for even cooking and to prevent them from sticking together.
Cook over medium heat: Cook the sausages over medium heat. This temperature allows for thorough cooking without excessive heat that could lead to burning. Avoid using high heat, as it can cause the sausages to cook too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
Monitor and adjust heat: Keep an eye on the sausages as they cook. If you notice that they are browning too quickly or starting to burn, reduce the heat slightly to ensure a slower and more controlled cooking process.
Flip the sausages: After a few minutes, once the bottom side of the sausages has browned, use tongs to gently flip them over. This will allow the other side to cook evenly.
Check for doneness: Cook the sausages until they reach the desired level of doneness. To ensure they are cooked thoroughly, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork sausages and 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausages.
Rest before serving: Once cooked, remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more flavorful and moist result.
By following these steps, you can cook sausage on the stove without burning it and achieve delicious, evenly cooked sausages.