Undercooked sausage is far from appetizing and can be dangerous to consume. So how do you know if your sausage is undercooked?
Undercooked sausage will taste slimy, wet, and will likely be cool or lukewarm. It may also lack some of the flavorings.
The first thing you may notice about biting into undercooked sausage is that it isn’t hot. If it’s cool and slimy, it’s likely not done.
Undercooked sausage may also be lacking in flavor. In order for the flavors of the seasonings or oils being used to saturate the meat, it has to be cooked through. Otherwise, the flavoring may seem unevenly distributed or altogether dull.
If your sausage is undercooked, you will likely be able to tell by looking at it rather than biting into it and risking an unpleasant experience.
Cooked sausage should be brown throughout. If your sausage has any pink or red in it, it’s not ready to eat yet.
Additionally, the juices of the sausage should run clear. If you poke a fork or knife into the sausage and you see blood or pink juices, your sausage is undercooked.
Risks of Eating Undercooked Sausage
As with most meats, there are risks to consuming raw or undercooked sausage such as food poisoning. Symptoms may include:
Before cooking your sausage, you will want to make sure it is thawed. This will help ensure that your sausage cooks evenly.
If you prefer cooking your links over a stove, it may help to first boil your sausages until they become light brown. This helps the sausages cook evenly. Once they reach a light brown throughout, place them in a pan with oil over medium heat to finish cooking and give them that nice crispy exterior.
Cooking patties or just don’t want the mess of cooking on the stovetop? Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place your sausages on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the sausages occasionally.
If you are cooking ground sausage, you will want to use a nonstick pan over the stove. Place the sausage in the pan over medium heat and break it up into small pieces with a spatula. Continue breaking the sausage up and turning pieces until it is browned all the way through.
How to Make Sure Your Sausage is Cooked Through
One way to make sure your sausage is cooked through is to check for the previously mentioned visual cues. Is it brown on the inside and do the juices run clear? If so, your sausage is likely cooked through.
However, some may prefer a more cautious method of determining food safety. When in doubt, you can always check the meat’s temperature. A fully cooked sausage should reach somewhere between 160 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Eating raw sausage can not only be unappetizing but can pose health risks. If your sausage looks or tastes like it may be undercooked, be sure to follow the above tips until it is safe to eat and delicious!
