Are you a fan of trying out new and delicious summer sausages? If so, you definitely need to add deer summer sausage to your list. This unique sausage has a rich and earthy flavor that sets it apart from other meat delicacies.
However, if you’re new to deer summer sausage, you might be wondering if it’s cooked or not.
The answer is yes, it is cooked during the curing and smoking process. This means that it’s safe to eat right out of the package without any further cooking.
But if you prefer your sausage heated, you can cook it further through grilling, frying, or baking.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of cooking deer summer sausage, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Table of Contents
Is Cooking Venison Summer Sausage Necessary?
If you’re wondering whether or not Venison Summer Sausage needs to be cooked, the answer is simple: No, it doesn’t. In fact, these sausages are already fully cooked and ready to eat right out of the package.
One of the things that makes Venison Summer Sausage unique is the combination of preservation techniques used in its preparation. This results in a long shelf-life for the sausage and eliminates the need for further cooking. So, you can enjoy your sausage without any extra effort.
Of course, if you want to add a little bit of extra flavor to your Venison Summer Sausage, you can! You can give it a quick smoke or fry it up in a pan to add some texture and depth to the taste. It’s totally up to you and your preferences.
But here’s the thing: if you plan on making your own Venison Summer Sausage from raw meat, that’s a whole different story. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria, so it’s crucial to cook it thoroughly to ensure it’s safe to eat. Follow a trusted recipe and cooking instructions to make sure your homemade sausage is delicious and safe.
So, there you have it.
Frying Store-Bought Venison Summer Sausage
Heat up a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. You can add a small amount of oil if desired, but it’s not necessary since the sausage will release some fat as it cooks.
Once the pan is heated, slice the sausage into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned and crispy.
Use tongs to flip the sausage slices over and cook the other side until browned.
Once the sausage is cooked through and nicely browned, remove it from the pan and place it onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pan-fried venison summer sausage!
How to Make Mouth-Watering Homemade Deer Summer Sausage
If you’re a hunter with a stash of deer meat, or simply a fan of venison, making homemade deer summer sausage is a fantastic way to preserve and enjoy your meat.
Here’s a guide to help you make delicious deer summer sausage that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Gathering the Ingredients and Tools
Before you start making your sausage, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. You’ll need:
- Meat (deer and pork)
- Spices
- Curing salt
- Meat grinder
- Casings
- Woodchips (hickory is recommended)
- Smoker
- Meat thermometer
Deer meat is lean, which is why it’s essential to add some pork to create a juicier sausage. We recommend using pork shoulder, hind, or trimmings as they have a higher fat content than other cuts.
Determine your pork ratio based on your taste preference, but don’t add more than 30% pork. Adding too much pork can overpower the deer flavor and create a taste similar to pork sausage.
It’s crucial to keep both the deer and pork meat cold. Place them in the fridge before grinding, as this helps them maintain their shape.
To ensure that the cure is well-distributed, combine all the ingredients, including the cure, in water. This will help dissolve the cure and spread it evenly throughout the meat.
Soaking the casings in water for 20 minutes and rinsing them before stuffing your sausages is also important. This process ensures that the casings are pliable and easy to work with.
Cooking the Deer Summer Sausage
After you’ve prepared the meat mixture and stuffed the casings, it’s time to cook the sausages. Here’s how to do it:
– Preheat your smoker to 120°F.
– Smoke the sausage for an hour without any heat. This step is called the drying phase and helps the sausage form a pellicle, which gives it a smoky flavor.
– Increase the heat to 140°F and smoke the sausage for another hour. During this phase, the internal temperature of the sausage should be around 130°F.
– Finally, increase the heat to 160°F and smoke the sausage for an additional hour and a half until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Testing the Internal Temperature
To ensure your sausage is safe to eat, you need to measure the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the sausage. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Let the Deer Summer Sausage Rest
Once the sausage has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
This process allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful sausage.
How Long Should I Cook Deer Summer Sausage?
Store-Bought Venison Summer Sausage
If you happen to have some store-bought venison summer sausage, smoking it is super easy. You can just throw it on the smoker alongside any other meat you’re cooking and let it warm up for a few minutes.
Since the sausage is already fully cooked and ready to eat, you don’t need to smoke it for an extended period.
Homemade Venison Summer Sausage
However, if you’re making homemade venison summer sausage, the smoking process requires more attention. To achieve the best flavor and texture, you’ll need to smoke the sausage on a smoker for at least three hours.
This ensures that the smoke flavor penetrates the meat and gives it that delicious smoky taste that we all love.
Read more: How Long Do You Cook Deer Sausage?
In Conclusion
Deer summer sausage is cooked during the curing and smoking process, making it safe to eat straight out of the package.
However, if you prefer your sausage heated, you can cook it further through grilling, frying, or baking.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the unique and delicious flavor of deer summer sausage to the fullest.
Related Post:
