Is Andouille Sausage Already Cooked? Answered by an Expert Chef!

If you’re a fan of spicy, smoky sausages, chances are you’ve heard of andouille sausage. This Louisiana specialty has gained popularity across the United States and is a staple ingredient in many Southern dishes, from gumbo to jambalaya.

But when it comes to cooking andouille sausage, many people are unsure whether it’s pre-cooked or not. 

In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and give you some tips on how to cook both pre-cooked and raw andouille sausage.

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Is Andouille Sausage Pre-Cooked?

When you buy andouille sausage from the store, you’ll usually find that it’s already pre-cooked. This means that it’s safe to eat straight out of the package, although many people prefer to heat it up before eating to enhance its flavor and texture.

However, it’s also possible to buy raw andouille sausage, which is not pre-cooked.

If you’re not sure whether the sausage you bought is pre-cooked or not, check the label or ask the person who sold it to you.

Can I Buy Raw Andouille Sausage?

Yes, it is possible to purchase raw andouille sausage. While not as widely available as pre-cooked andouille sausage, you may be able to find it at specialty butcher shops, meat markets, or even at a local farmer’s market. 

However, raw andouille sausage is not as commonly available as some other types of sausages, such as Italian sausage. 

If you’re having difficulty finding raw andouille sausage, you may want to consider making it yourself from scratch at home.

Cooking Andouille Sausage: How to Tell When It’s Perfectly Cooked

Cooking PRE-COOKED Andouille Sausage

Pre-cooked andouille sausage is relatively easy to cook, but it’s still essential to know how to tell when it’s done. Here’s how:

Using a Meat Thermometer

The most reliable way to tell if pre-cooked andouille sausage is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. When heating pre-cooked andouille sausage, the internal temperature should be at a minimum of 160°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use a pressure test.

Conducting a Pressure Test

To conduct a pressure test, press the sausage gently with a fork or tongs. If it’s firm to the touch and doesn’t shrink or release juices, it’s done.

Firmness and Texture

Another way to tell if pre-cooked andouille sausage is done is by its firmness and texture. Cooked andouille sausage should be firm when touched and not shriveled. If it’s still soft and flabby, it needs to cook for a bit longer.

Avoid Cutting the Sausage

Lastly, avoid cutting the sausage while cooking as you risk losing the juices that help keep the meat moist. Instead, use a meat thermometer or conduct a pressure test to check for doneness.

Cooking RAW Andouille Sausage

Cooking raw andouille sausage requires the same process as pre-cooked, but it may take slightly longer to cook because it’s entirely raw. 

In conclusion, Whether using pre-cooked or raw sausages, you can use a meat thermometer or conduct a pressure test to check for doneness. Additionally, pay attention to the sausage’s firmness and texture and avoid cutting it while cooking to keep the juices inside.

How to Cook Andouille Sausage on the Stove

Cooking andouille sausage on the stove is a simple process that can be done with pre-cooked or raw sausages.

For Pre-Cooked Andouille Sausage:

Cut the sausages in half to ensure even cooking.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cut sausages on the skillet and cook for around 8 minutes, turning them consistently.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage is at 160°F. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.

For Raw Andouille Sausage:

Place cooking oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat.  Once the oil is hot, add the raw andouille sausages to the skillet.

Turn the sausages regularly to ensure even cooking until they start to turn brown.

Add half a cup of water to the skillet, and if possible, cover it and let it simmer for around 12 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage is at 160°F. 

Enjoy your delicious andouille sausage cooked on the stove!

Simple Guide to Cook Andouille Sausage in the Oven

Cooking andouille sausage in the oven is an easy and convenient method that produces great results.

Set the oven to 350°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Line a full-sized sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the sausage on the pan, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.

For pre-cooked sausage, bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. For raw sausage, boil them for 15 minutes before placing them in the oven. Then bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them over once midway through cooking.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage. It should be at 160°F for fully cooked sausage.

Once the sausage is cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and serve hot.

How to Grill Andouille Sausage

Grilling is a fantastic way to cook andouille sausage. Here’s how to do it:

Heat the grill to medium heat.

If you have pre-cooked andouille sausage, simply place them on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently. For raw sausage, grill for 12-15 minutes, turning frequently.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Once the sausage is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and serve hot.

How to Boil Andouille Sausages

To begin, fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring it to a boil. 

Once the water is boiling, add the sausages to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the sausages to gently boil for approximately 12 minutes.

After 12 minutes, check if the sausages are fully cooked. You can do this by conducting a pressure test using a knife or fork. Simply poke the sausage with a knife or fork, and if it feels firm to the touch and the juices run clear, then it’s ready. 

Alternatively, you can check the internal temperature of the sausage using a meat thermometer. The goal internal temperature for andouille sausage is 160°F.

If you’re cooking pre-cooked andouille sausage, the process is essentially the same. However, the cooking time will be shorter. Instead of simmering the sausages for 12 minutes, they can be fully cooked in just 6 minutes.

Cooking Andouille Sausage in the Air Fryer

Pre-cooked sausages can be cooked in half the time it takes to cook raw sausages. So, if you’re short on time, pre-cooked is the way to go. But if you prefer your sausages to be fresh and juicy, go for raw.

Begin by setting the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for cooking andouille sausage in the air fryer.

Next, arrange the sausages in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. 

Raw Andouille Sausage: Cooking time should take a maximum of 12 minutes. Check the sausages halfway through the cooking process and flip them over to ensure even cooking.

Pre-Cooked Andouille Sausage: Cooking time should take a maximum of 6 minutes.

Once the sausages are done, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

In Conclusion

Andouille sausage is usually pre-cooked when you buy it from the store, but it’s also possible to get raw andouille sausage and cook it yourself. 

Regardless of whether it’s pre-cooked or raw, there are many ways to cook and enjoy this delicious sausage, from grilling to baking to pan-frying.

Next time you’re craving some andouille sausage, don’t hesitate to pick some up and try out one of these cooking methods. You won’t be disappointed!

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