Sausage is very popular all over the world. It is made from ground beef, ground pork, or poultry and then it has spices added in for flavor. It can even have grains and breadcrumbs added to it. All of the ingredients mix together and are packed into a skin made of intestines, collagen, cellulose, or some other material. It can be easy to undercook sausage and this has a risk of food poisoning. You need to know how to tell if the sausage is done because it can appear done and still be raw.
Use a Thermometer
The best way to know if sausage is cooked all the way through is to use a meat thermometer. The temperature should be between 155 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You will need to puncture the sausage to use this method but it is reliable. However, if you puncture the sausage and it’s not cooked all the way through, the delicious juices will spill out and your sausage may become hard and chewy.
Cut the Sausage in Half
If you think that you have cooked the sausage long enough and that it is done, you can slice it in half. You should only do this if you are pretty confident that you have cooked it enough because you don’t want to lose all of the juices. However, if there is any pink inside and any of the juices look bloody, then the sausage is not cooked yet. The juices should be clear.
Feel the Sausage
One other way to tell if the sausage is cooked is by feeling it. The process of browning the sausage should take eight to ten minutes and it will be firm to the touch. It will stop releasing liquid as well. When it is first cooked, it will release fluids. When it is cooked, it will be firm and stop releasing the juices unless you poke it.
It is important to know when your sausage is cooked because you can get food poisoning if it is undercooked. If it is overcooked, it will be too rubbery. It doesn’t take very long to prepare your sausage on the stovetop and it should be ready in eight to ten minutes. You want to cook it over medium heat to make sure that the inside cooks evenly. Try the tips above to know when it is finished and your sausage will be delicious.