Growing up, Saturday mornings were always a delicious affair at our house. The smell of sizzling sausages would fill the air, tempting us to jump out of bed and rush to the kitchen. Watching my mom expertly cook those juicy links on the stovetop was a treat in itself. But now, as a busy adult living alone, I don’t always have the time to stand over the stove. That’s when I discovered the wonders of the microwave. Today, I’m going to share with you my quick guide on how long to microwave sausage for perfectly cooked links.
Choosing the Right Sausage
Before we dive into the intricacies of microwaving sausages, let’s discuss the type of sausages you should choose. The market is flooded with an array of sausages, from breakfast links to bratwursts. When it comes to microwaving, opt for fully cooked sausages. These sausages are safe to eat straight out of the package and simply need to be reheated. If you’re unsure whether your sausages are fully cooked, check the packaging for instructions.
Safety First!
It’s important to keep in mind that microwaves vary in power, so the cooking times provided here are just a starting point. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will guarantee that they are safe to consume.
The Prick and Plate Method
Now that we know the basics, it’s time to get cooking! One of the easiest and most efficient ways to microwave sausages is by using the “prick and plate” method. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prick the Sausages
Take a fork and gently prick each sausage a few times. This helps to prevent the casings from bursting and releasing all those delicious juices. Pricking the sausages also allows the heat to penetrate the meat evenly.
Step 2: Arrange on a Microwave-Safe Plate
Place the sausages on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure they are evenly spaced so that they cook evenly. If you’re cooking a large quantity, you may need to cook them in batches.
Step 3: Cover with a Microwave-Safe Lid or Paper Towel
Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or use a paper towel to prevent any splatters. The lid helps to retain the moisture, resulting in juicier sausages.
Step 4: Microwave on High
Set your microwave to high power and cook the sausages in increments of 2 minutes. After each 2-minute interval, carefully remove the plate and flip the sausages over. This ensures that they cook evenly on all sides.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After you’ve microwaved the sausages for a total of 6-8 minutes, check their internal temperature using a meat thermometer. If the sausages haven’t reached 165°F (74°C) yet, continue microwaving them in 1-minute increments until they do.
Additional Tips
Cooking sausages in the microwave can be a bit tricky, but with these additional tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked links every time:
Microwaving sausages is a convenient and time-saving way to enjoy these delicious links without sacrificing flavor. However, keep in mind that microwaves vary, so it’s essential to adjust the cooking times accordingly. With the “prick and plate” method and these handy tips in your cooking repertoire, you’ll have perfectly cooked sausages in no time. So next time you’re craving a tasty breakfast or a quick dinner, don’t hesitate to reach for your microwave and enjoy the savory goodness of microwave-cooked sausages.