How to Defrost Impossible Sausage for Maximum Flavor and Food Safety

Impossible Sausage is a plant-based sausage made by Impossible Foods to mimic the taste and texture of traditional pork sausage. This innovative vegan sausage needs to be handled properly when defrosting to ensure food safety, quality and the best flavor. Here is a complete guide to the fastest, safest methods for defrosting frozen Impossible Sausage.

Overview of Impossible Sausage

Before we talk about how to thaw it, let’s talk about what Impossible Sausage is:

• Plant-based sausage made of soy protein. coconut oil. sunflower oil and natural flavors

• Designed to replicate the savory taste, sizzle and juiciness of pork sausage

• Provides protein, iron, calcium and vitamin B12

• Sold as raw bulk sausage or pre-cooked breakfast patties

• Requires refrigeration and cooking before consumption

• Needs safe defrosting when frozen for food quality and safety

With an understanding of Impossible Sausage, we can now dive into the best practices for defrosting it properly.

Why Safe Defrosting Matters

This is why it’s important to defrost Impossible Sausage the right way, just like you would any other kind of frozen meat:

• Achieves Even Thawing: Defrosts the inner sausage as thoroughly as the outer areas.

• Maximizes Food Safety: Inhibits bacterial growth and prevents foodborne illness.

• Retains Moisture: Gradual defrost prevents excessive moisture loss from quick thawing.

• Preserves Texture: Avoids damage to the plant-based “meat” structure.

• Maintains Flavor: Locks in taste and doesn’t allow juices to escape.

So defrost mindfully, not quickly by microwave, to get the full quality and safety benefits.

How Long to Defrost Impossible Sausage

The time needed to defrost Impossible Sausage depends on the amount and method used:

• Refrigerator: 24 hours for a 1 lb package

• Cold Water: 1-2 hours per lb

• Microwave: 3-5 minutes per lb

Refrigerator defrosting takes the longest but is the gentlest approach. Microwave defrosting is fastest but can impact texture and flavor.

3 Recommended Defrosting Methods

Here are methods for safely defrosting frozen Impossible Sausage:

1. Refrigerator Defrosting

Refrigerator defrosting thaws frozen foods gradually and evenly. To defrost Impossible Sausage in the fridge:

• Remove any packaging and place on a plate or in a container
• Put in refrigerator, ideally on a lower shelf
• Allow 24 hours for a 1 lb package to fully defrost
• Cook immediately or store thawed sausage in fridge 1-2 days

2. Cold Water Defrosting

For quicker defrosting, use the cold water method:

• Put frozen sausage in a leakproof bag submerging in cold water
• Change water every 30 minutes so it stays cold
• Estimate 1-2 hours per lb to defrost sausage
• Cook the sausage immediately after thawing

3. Microwave Defrosting

Microwaving can quickly thaw sausage but should be closely monitored:

• Place frozen sausage in microwave-safe dish
• Defrost at 30% power in 30 second increments
• Check and flip sausage frequently as it defrosts
• Cook sausage right after microwave thawing

Tips for Defrosting Impossible Sausage

Follow these tips when defrosting Impossible Sausage:

• Defrost small packages or portions for faster thawing

• Use a shallow dish to maximize surface area

• Do not refreeze after thawing

• Cook within 1-2 days of refrigerator defrosting

• Never leave at room temperature over 2 hours after defrosting

• Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature

Proper defrosting followed by thorough cooking ensures your Impossible Sausage is safe to enjoy!

How to Cook Defrosted Impossible Sausage

Once thawed, Impossible Sausage should be cooked promptly. Here are tips for cooking defrosted sausage:

• If using raw sausage, squeeze into patties and pan fry, bake or grill

• For pre-cooked patties, grill, pan fry or microwave to reheat

• Cook sausages on medium heat, turning to brown evenly

• Grill or bake at 350°F until 165°F internal temperature

• Microwave single patties for 60-90 seconds, flipping halfway

• Allow to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking before eating

• Refrigerate any leftover cooked sausage within 2 hours

Be sure to cook thoroughly until hot and brown all the way through. The defrosted sausage will sizzle and brown like traditional pork sausage.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Impossible Sausage

Defrosted and cooked Impossible Sausage can be used to make all sorts of delicious plant-based meals:

• Breakfast sandwiches with egg and vegan cheese

• Pasta with sliced sausage and tomato sauce

• Sausage, potato and bell pepper skillet

• Pizza topped with crumbled sausage

• Eggs scrambled with sausage crumbles

• Sausage gravy over biscuits or tater tots

• Sausage and mushroom flatbread appetizers

• Gumbo or jambalaya with sliced sausage

• Add to soups, stews, tacos, casseroles and more

With its impressively meaty flavor and texture when defrosted and cooked properly, Impossible Sausage can replace traditional sausage in any recipe.

Storing and Handling Defrosted Impossible Sausage

To safely handle and store defrosted Impossible Sausage:

• Refrigerate below 40°F before cooking if not using immediately

• Never leave at room temperature over 2 hours before cooking

• Cook or freeze within 1-2 days of refrigerator defrosting

• Consume cooked sausage within 3-5 days refrigerated

• Discard if spoiled such as foul odor, slimy texture, or mold

• Freeze any cooked leftovers in airtight containers up to 2-3 months

With the proper defrosting, handling, cooking and storage practices, you can safely enjoy the convenience and flavor of Impossible’s innovative plant-based sausage!

The Takeaway on Defrosting Impossible Sausage

Defrosting Impossible Sausage properly ensures you safely get the most of this plant-based alternative’s juicy texture and robust savory flavors. Keep these key tips in mind:

• Use refrigerator defrosting for the most gradual, gentle thaw

• Optionally quick thaw in cold water bath or microwave if pressed for time

• Defrost in portion sizes for faster thawing as needed

• Cook thawed sausage promptly within 2 days for food safety

• Handle raw sausage properly before cooking to prevent bacterial growth

• Cook thoroughly and enjoy defrosted Impossible Sausage in all your favorite recipes

With the array of quick and simple defrosting options, you can easily enjoy flavorful Impossible plant-based Sausage any night of the week!