How Long do Sausages Take on the BBQ?

Sausage grilling on a BBQ is a quick and straightforward method that only takes a few minutes to complete. Pork, beef, chicken, and vegetarian sausages are just a few of the wide varieties that can be prepared over a BBQ. They can be used as a salad, a side dish, a main course, a topping for pizza or pasta, or a snack. For later consumption, they can be kept in the freezer or refrigerator. Sausages that have been barbecued are tasty and adaptable food that can be eaten in various ways.

While grilling sausages may seem like an easy task, it’s actually not the simplest thing in the world to do it effectively. When the grill has been heated, it takes 30 to 45 minutes from beginning to end. While the sausages are grilling, you can prepare other dinner components because half of that time is hands-off indirect cooking.

Sausages on the BBQ

How Long do Sausages Take on the BBQ?

Sausage typically needs between 15 and 25 minutes to cook. However, depending on the size and type of sausages you are cooking, the temperature of the grill, and the desired level of doneness, you may need to change this. Sausages should be cooked at medium-high heat in general. You can use the following advice to achieve the best outcomes. A thermometer can be used to check the cookedness of the sausages.

Here’s a general rule for grilling sausages:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Grill the sausages for 8-12 minutes, turning once until browned and cooked through.
  • Check the internal temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer. For pork sausages, look for a reading of 160°F, and for chicken sausages, 165°F.

Keep in mind that some sausages, such as bratwurst and Italian sausages, are pre-cooked and only require reheating. Grill these sausages for 5-7 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

It’s usually a good idea to cook sausages to the proper temperature to ensure their safety and to avoid under or overcooking them.

How to Pre-Cook the Sausages?

Pre-cooking will allow you to make better use of your grilling abilities, whether you’re grilling sausages for yourself or for friends. This procedure will make the skin crisper, lessen the chance of burning, and toughen the case.

You should maintain your heat set at medium to avoid burning. To give the sausages a crisp, browned surface, searing is necessary. In order to guarantee that the sausages cook evenly, make careful to turn them regularly.

After cooking, you should allow them to cool for a while. This will enhance the flavor of the final product by allowing the fluids to redistribute through the protein.

Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat to prevent your sausages from burning too soon. Additionally, to ensure the even cooking of the sausages, leaving a third of the grill unattended. Long-handled tongs are another tool you can use to assist with moving them.

Transfer the finished sausages to a serving platter and drizzle them with lemon juice. They can also be put inside a burger, a pizza crust, or a sloppy chili dog.

How to Cook Sausages on a Grill?

Grilling sausages is an easy and delicious way to prepare them. Here are the fundamental procedures for grilling sausages:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high.
  • Before threading the sausages onto the wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  • Grill them for 8-12 minutes, and make sure the sausages are fully cooked.
  • When the sausages are done, remove them from the grill and set them aside for a few minutes before serving.
  • Wrap the sausages in foil with butter, herbs, and beer to produce a steaming effect while cooking them. This is known as the “beer can” approach, and it can greatly enhance the flavor of the sausages.

It’s usually a good idea to cook sausages to the proper temperature to ensure their safety and to avoid under or overcooking them.

How to Cook Over Indirect Heat?

Cooking your sausages over indirect heat can be a terrific method to guarantee they’re juicy and tender, whether buying premade sausages or just searching for a simpler way to grill them. You may slowly cook your sausages and bring out their particular smokey taste by using indirect heat.

Starting lighting a two-zone fire is the first step in using this technique. For this technique, you’ll need to pile coals on one side of your grill and pour briquettes on the other. The sausages will then be set aside with the briquettes. As a result, a two-zone fire will be created, which will aid in keeping your sausages warm while they cook.

The internal temperature of your sausages should then be checked using a temperature probe. The interior temperature of your sausages should be cooked to about 160 degrees F.

When they reach this temperature, you should flip them over and cook them for 4-5 minutes over indirect heat. After that, you should give them a little rest to allow the fluids to disperse throughout the protein.

How do you Reverse-Sear Sausage?

You can reverse sear sausages on the BBQ whether you’re a novice or a pro. Large chunks of beef can be tenderized using this technique. Additionally, it goes well with sauerkraut and roasted peppers.

Start by allowing sausages to cool before cooking them on the BBQ in reverse sear. This will assist in preserving their flavor within the casing. After that, you can start cooking on medium-low heat.

To ensure consistent cooking, turn the sausages over. When sausages are fully cooked, they should feel firm to the touch. Moving them to a direct heat side may also be a good idea.

Turn off one side of the grill after the sausages have achieved the correct temperature. As a result, the sausages can be cooked more uniformly by the hot air.

Remove the sausages from the grill after 20 minutes. The smoke will then be able to do its job. You should flip them over to finish cooking once they are ready.

How to Use a Meat Thermometer to Check the Meat’s Doneness?

The simplest approach to determine whether sausages are cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. This procedure, meanwhile, isn’t always reliable and can result in undercooked sausages.

Another choice is to test the doneness of the cake with a tester. These metal cake testers are pushed against your wrist and are smaller than thermometer probes.

The interior of a well-cooked sausage should be reddish brown, and the exterior should be browned. The sausage is not properly cooked if the interior is pink or runny. Sausage should be cooked for at least fifteen minutes, regardless of the technique. The meat should rest for a minimum of three minutes throughout this period.

Using a fork or spatula to press the meat will also indicate whether it is done. The sausage is finished when it is firm to the touch. If it feels soft, though, you might need to simmer it for a little while longer.

How to Serve Grilled Sausages?

Depending on your own preferences and the occasion, there are numerous methods to serve barbecued sausages. Here are a few recommendations:

  • In a bun: A traditional way to serve barbecued sausages is in a bun with your favorite condiments such as mustard, ketchup, mayo, or relish.
  • With sides: Serve barbecued sausages with coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted veggies.
  • Cut the sausages into bite-size pieces and serve as a topping for pizza or pasta meals.
  • As a main dish: Serve the sausages with mashed potatoes, gravy, and veggies as a main course.
  • As a snack: Serve the sausages with dipping sauces or mustard as a snack or appetizer.
  • Serve the sausages with a green salad for the perfect combination of protein and greens.

The most important thing is to serve the sausages hot and to keep them warm if you are not serving them immediately. You can also add herbs, spices, or a sauce to give them more taste.

How to Store the Leftovers?

Storing grilled sausages properly can assist in preserving their quality and extend their shelf life. Here are some suggestions for keeping barbecued sausages:

  • Allow them to cool quickly: Before storing the sausages, allow them to cool to room temperature. This will aid in the prevention of bacterial development.
  • Refrigerate: Once the sausages have cooled, place them in the fridge. They will stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if properly wrapped or stored in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: If you don’t plan on eating the sausages within 3-4 days, you can freeze them for later use. Wrap them properly and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheat the sausages in a pan on the stove or on the grill when you’re ready to eat them. Reheating them in the microwave may lead them to become tough.
  • To avoid cross-contamination, always use different cutting boards, knives, and platters for raw and cooked sausages.

It is crucial to note that frozen sausages may change texture and taste, but they are still safe to eat. When reheating frozen sausages, it is recommended to defrost them in the refrigerator first.

Conclusion

The time it takes to cook sausages on a grill varies based on the type of sausage, the heat of the grill, and the desired level of doneness. Sausages should be cooked at medium-high heat in general. To cook sausages on a grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400 degrees Fahrenheit) and grill sausages for 8–12 minutes, regularly rotating, until they are cooked through.

Some sausages, such as bratwurst and Italian sausages, are precooked and only need to be heated through; grill them for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. It is critical to cook sausages to the proper temperature to ensure their safety and to avoid under or overcooking them.