Quick Answer
It typically takes 15-20 minutes to fully cook Italian sausage on the stove top. The exact time will depend on a few factors like the thickness of the sausages, whether they are fresh or fully cooked, and how high the heat is. For fresh sausage, cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until browned on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Fully cooked sausage takes less time, around 6-10 minutes over medium heat to reheat thoroughly. Lower heat and more frequent turning helps prevent burning.
Cooking Time Breakdown
Here is a more detailed overview on approximate cooking times for Italian sausage on the stove top:
| Type of Sausage | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Fresh raw Italian sausage links or patties, 1-2 inches thick | 12-15 minutes |
| Fully cooked smoked Italian sausage links | 6-10 minutes |
| Precooked chicken Italian sausage links or patties | 8-12 minutes |
| Frozen precooked Italian sausage links or patties | 10-15 minutes |
Key Factors Affecting Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that affect how long it takes to cook Italian sausage on the stovetop:
- Thickness – Thicker sausages take longer to cook than thinner ones.
- Fresh vs. precooked – Fresh raw sausage requires full cooking while precooked just needs reheating.
- Sausage type – Fully cooked smoked sausage is quicker than fresh pork sausage.
- Heat level – Higher heat cooks the sausages faster.
- Frequent turning – Regular turning helps them brown evenly.
Taking these factors into account allows you to adjust stove top cooking times as needed.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions for cooking Italian sausage on the stove top:
Fresh Raw Italian Sausage
1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom.
2. Add raw Italian sausage links or patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until evenly browned.
3. Use tongs to turn the sausages frequently to prevent burning.
4. Cook for a total of 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. The sausages should be firm and fully cooked through.
Fully Cooked Smoked Sausage
1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. No oil is needed.
2. Add smoked Italian sausage links and cook for 3-5 minutes per side.
3. Use tongs to turn them occasionally as they heat through.
4. Cook for a total of 6-10 minutes until hot and sizzling.
5. Remove from heat and serve.
Precooked Chicken or Turkey Sausage
1. Add just enough oil to coat a skillet and heat over medium.
2. Add precooked chicken or turkey Italian sausage links.
3. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally.
4. Cook 8-12 minutes total until sausages are heated through.
5. Serve immediately.
Frozen Precooked Sausage
1. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
2. Add frozen precooked Italian sausage links.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning frequently.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes total until thoroughly heated through.
5. Braise in sauce or serve as desired.
Tips for Stove Top Cooking
Here are some helpful tips for cooking Italian sausage on the stove top:
– Use a heavy skillet or sauté pan to prevent burning. Cast iron or stainless steel works best.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook sausages in a single layer with space between.
– Preheat the pan before adding oil and sausage to prevent sticking.
– Use tongs or a spatula to turn the sausages often while cooking.
– Regulate heat to prevent overcooking. Lower heat if browning too fast.
– Cook to the recommended internal temperature for safety. Use a meat thermometer.
– Let cooked sausages rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
Italian sausage makes for a quick, flavorful meal any time of day. Here are some serving ideas:
– For breakfast, pair cooked sausage with eggs, potatoes, or pancakes.
– Use in pasta dishes, soups, casseroles, pizza, sandwiches or subs.
– Serve with roasted veggies or greens for dinner.
– Slice and add to antipasto platters, salads, or cheese boards.
– Stuff into peppers, cabbage leaves, or pitas for appetizers.
– Simmer in tomato sauce or gravy for a sausage ragu.
– Add to kabobs, frittatas, tortellini, or stuffed shells.
The possibilities are endless for incorporating Italian sausage into meals! Adjust cooking times as needed and enjoy.
Conclusion
Cooking Italian sausages on the stove top is a quick and easy process. Fresh raw sausage takes 12-15 minutes over medium heat while precooked or smoked links need only 6-10 minutes to reheat. Turning frequently and regulating heat prevents overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. Let rest before serving with eggs, pasta, vegetables, or any other favorite dishes. Following basic cooking instructions allows you to enjoy the big flavor of Italian sausage in no time.