I have always loved trying out new recipes and experimenting with different cooking methods. Lately, I have been on a quest to find quick and hassle-free ways to cook my favorite dishes. One such dish that I simply cannot get enough of is hot links. The smoky and spicy flavor of hot links is something that always leaves me craving for more. Today, I am going to share with you a quick and easy method to cook these delicious sausages using nothing but your trusty microwave. Yes, you heard it right – the microwave! So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of microwave-cooked hot links.
Why Cook Hot Links in the Microwave?
You might be wondering why anyone would even consider cooking sausages in the microwave. After all, isn’t this kitchen appliance primarily used for reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen food? Believe it or not, the microwave can do much more than that. Cooking hot links in the microwave offers several advantages:
1. Time-saving:
Using the microwave saves you a significant amount of time compared to traditional cooking methods such as grilling or pan-frying. In just a matter of minutes, you can have perfectly cooked hot links ready to be devoured.
2. Hassle-free:
When you cook hot links in the microwave, you eliminate the need for additional cooking utensils like pans or grills. It’s as easy as placing the sausages in a microwave-safe dish and letting the magic happen.
3. Consistency:
Microwaving hot links ensures that they are cooked evenly all the way through. Say goodbye to overcooked sausages with dry exteriors and undercooked centers. With the microwave, you can achieve a tender and juicy hot link every single time.
Now that we know why microwaving hot links is a great idea, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Microwave-Cooked Hot Links
1. Gather your ingredients:
– Hot links sausages (choose your favorite brand and flavor)
– Microwave-safe dish with a lid or a microwave-safe plate and microwave-safe food wrap
2. Prepare the hot links:
– Prick the hot links with a fork to prevent them from bursting during cooking.
– Place the hot links in the microwave-safe dish, leaving a small gap between each sausage to ensure even cooking.
3. Cover and microwave:
– If using a microwave-safe dish with a lid, cover the dish.
– If using a microwave-safe plate, cover the plate with microwave-safe food wrap or microwave-safe wax paper.
– Microwave the hot links on high power for 3 minutes.
4. Rotate and microwave again:
– After the initial 3 minutes, remove the hot links from the microwave.
– Using oven mitts or a kitchen towel (careful, they’ll be hot!), flip the sausages over.
– Return the hot links to the microwave and cook for an additional 2 minutes on high power.
5. Let them rest:
– Once the hot links are done cooking, let them rest in the microwave for 1 minute.
– This allows the residual heat to distribute evenly, ensuring a perfectly cooked sausage.
6. Serve and enjoy:
– Carefully remove the hot links from the microwave and serve them on a plate or in a bun.
– You can enjoy them plain or dress them up with your favorite condiments and toppings.
– Prepare yourself for a burst of flavors as you sink your teeth into a microwave-cooked hot link.
Additional Tips and Considerations:
Now that you have the basic recipe down, here are some additional tips and considerations to achieve the best microwave-cooked hot links:
– If the hot links are not cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can microwave them for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
– Avoid overcrowding the sausages in the microwave-safe dish. If necessary, cook them in batches for more even cooking.
– Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel when handling the hot links, as they will be very hot.
– Experiment with different flavors of hot links to find your favorite. Whether it’s classic, spicy, or smoked, the microwave method works with all varieties.
So there you have it – a quick and hassle-free method to cook hot links in the microwave. Now you can satisfy your cravings for these delectable sausages in no time. Go ahead and give it a try, and let your taste buds thank you for introducing them to the wonders of microwave cooking.