You can make quick dinners with sausage, but what if you forget to thaw it before you start cooking? Don’t worry—there are several quick and easy ways to cook sausage from frozen that won’t hurt the flavor.
Venison sausage is a true delicacy, with its rich wild flavor and lean texture. For hunters and sausage enthusiasts alike, homemade venison sausage is a prize worth savoring. However, many find themselves wondering what the best practices are for cooking up their frozen venison sausage to juicy, savory perfection.
In this detailed guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to cook frozen venison sausage like a pro, from thawing techniques to cooking methods and flavorful recipe ideas. Follow our tips and transform your frozen venison links into tender, mouthwatering creations.
Proper Thawing is Key
The first crucial step is thawing the frozen sausage properly. While it’s technically possible to cook frozen venison sausage directly thawing helps ensure even cooking and complete flavor development.
Here are a few recommended thawing techniques:
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Refrigerator thawing – Place frozen sausage in a single layer in a rimmed dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge, allowing 8-12 hours for a 1 lb package.
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Cold water bath – Submerge sausage in its packaging in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. Approximate thawing time is 30 minutes per 1 lb.
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Microwave defrost – Use the defrost setting to thaw in short 5-minute bursts, flipping occasionally. Do not fully thaw.
Always thaw venison sausage in food-safe ways, keeping raw meat chilled at 40°F or below. Once thawed, dry sausage well with paper towels before seasoning or cooking.
Seasoning Adds Big Flavor
Once thawed, adding seasoning is key for maximizing the flavor of your venison sausage. Consider these easy seasoning ideas:
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Dry spice rubs – Coat links with bold rubs featuring garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, pepper, etc.
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Fresh herb massages – Gently massage chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, etc into the meat.
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Marinades – Soak links for 30-60 minutes in a marinade of oil, vinegar, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and desired seasonings.
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Mustard coats – Slather spicy mustard or beer mustard all over links for a tangy flavor layer.
Allow sausage to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes after seasoning to allow flavors to penetrate. Now your sausage is ready for the grill, skillet, or oven!
Foolproof Cooking Methods
Venison sausage achieves perfection when cooked using these simple methods:
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Pan-frying – Cook over medium heat in an oiled skillet, turning occasionally, until browned and 160°F internal.
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Baking – Bake at 350°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 25-35 minutes until 160°F inside.
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Grilling – Grill over medium indirect heat, flipping periodically, until nicely charred and 160°F internally.
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Sautéing – Brown sausage crumbles in a skillet over medium-high. Sprinkle on pasta, pizza, salads, etc.
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Braising – Braise seasoned sausage in tomato sauce, beer, broth, etc. until fall-apart tender.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the venison sausage reaches 160°F for safety. Avoid undercooked meat.
Handy Tips for Success
Follow these handy tips for flawlessly cooked venison sausage every time:
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Use fully thawed sausage – skip the microwave thawing though.
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Season aggressively prior to cooking.
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Cook low and slow – don’t rush it!
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Use a meat thermometer for doneness.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Store leftovers properly – sealed and refrigerated.
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Cook again fully to 165°F before re-eating leftovers.
Creative Recipe Ideas
The flavor versatility of venison sausage makes it endlessly adaptable to recipes. Get inspired with these creative venison sausage recipe ideas:
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Venison Sausage Breakfast Casserole – With eggs, cheese, potatoes, peppers, and onion.
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Venison Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash – A fall flavored baked dish.
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Pizza Topped with Venison Sausage and Caramelized Onions – Savory and sweet.
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Venison Sausage and White Bean Soup – Hearty and comforting.
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Venison Sausage Lasagna – Layered with pasta, ricotta, tomatoes, and cheese.
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Venison Sausage Jambalaya – Spicy rice dish with veggies and Creole seasoning.
The options are limitless! Use venison sausage in pasta bakes, tacos, chili, sandwiches, casseroles, and more.
Enjoy the Reward of Perfectly Cooked Venison
With proper thawing, bold seasoning, correct cooking methods, and creative recipes, you can easily transform frozen venison sausage into amazingly delicious meals. Take your time and follow these pointers for sausage that is juicy, packed with flavor, and safely cooked.
Soon your friends and family will be begging for your secret venison sausage recipes. Enjoy the immense satisfaction that comes from preparing this special hunted meat perfectly from your own freezer. Delight in creating cherished food memories featuring your successful venison sausage creations.
How to cook frozen sausage links in a saucepan and skillet
- Taking the sausage out of the package, put it in a big pot. Cover with water by at least 1 inch. Place over medium heat; bring to a boil.
- Turn down the heat to medium-low, and let the sausages cook slowly for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a meat thermometer stuck in the middle of one of them reads 160oF. Drain.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm up 2 teaspoons of high-heat cooking oil, like avocado oil. Turn the sausages over a few times and cook for another two to three minutes, until the outside is golden brown. (You can also cut the sausage into thin slices and cook them in the pan.) ).
How to cook frozen sausage links in the oven
- Warm the oven up to 400oF and put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Put the sausage on the baking sheet after taking it out of the package. Bake for 10 minutes. Be careful to take the sausages apart and turn the links over. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Three to five minutes longer, flip the links over and bake until a meat thermometer stuck in the middle of a sausage reads 160ºF.
How To Cook Deer Sausage
FAQ
Can you cook sausages straight from frozen?
Do you have to thaw frozen sausage before cooking?
How do you cook frozen ground sausage?
Can you make sausage out of frozen venison?
How long do you cook venison sausage?
If you are cooking on a stovetop, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Next, place the venison sausages on the grill or in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages.
Can you freeze venison sausage links?
After a couple of hours, put the sausage (still linked) in a tub in the refrigerator for six to eight hours to further shrink casings and allow the meat to cool. Cut the links and either vacuum seal and re-freeze or set aside to cook soon. Cook venison sausage links in a skillet or on a grill over medium heat.
What temperature should venison sausage be cooked at?
The internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked deer sausage. It is important to cook deer sausage thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites that may be present in the meat. Consuming undercooked venison sausage can pose a risk to your health. Is venison sausage ready to eat?
Can you cook venison sausage with a casing on?
Yes, it is recommended to cook venison sausage with the casing on. The casing helps to hold the sausage together and adds flavor to the meat. When cooking venison sausage, it is important to prick the casing with a fork before cooking to prevent it from bursting. This allows the fat and juices to escape and helps to ensure even cooking.