Mastering the Art of Cooking Frozen Venison Sausage to Perfection

Venison sausage made from the lean flavorful meat of deer, elk, or other game animals, offers a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional pork or beef sausage. While fresh venison sausage is delicious, many people opt to purchase and freeze bulk packs of venison sausage for later use. Learning how to properly thaw and cook frozen venison sausage ensures you can enjoy this wild treat anytime with optimal flavor and texture.

In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know to cook frozen venison sausage like a pro from essential tips and tricks to flavorful recipe ideas. Let’s get started!

Selecting High-Quality Frozen Venison Sausage

Not all venison sausage is created equal. Seek out high-quality, fresh sausages from reputable processors. Look for key traits like:

Made from freshly, not previously frozen meat
Minimal added fat or fillers
Interesting flavor varieties like jalapeño cheddar or apple maple
Attractive, tight casing with no tears or air pockets
Bright, uniform color throughout the sausage

Buying freshly made sausages and promptly freezing them yourself leads to the best results.

Proper Thawing of Frozen Venison Sausages

Allowing the sausage to safely thaw is crucial before cooking. Here are some thawing tips:

For fastest results, place frozen sausages in a single layer in the refrigerator 24-48 hours before cooking.
Submerge sealed sausage packages in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Takes 1-2 hours.
Thaw in the microwave on the defrost setting if pressed for time. Be careful of uneven cooking.
Never leave frozen sausages at room temperature over 2 hours. Bacteria multiply quickly.
Once thawed, use within 3-4 days for safety and quality. Do not refreeze thawed sausages.

Tried-and-True Cooking Methods

Venison sausage shines when exposed to a variety of cooking techniques:

Pan-Frying

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add sausages and brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes total.
Splash in wine, broth, or beer and simmer until cooked through.

Grilling

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Oil grates to prevent sticking.
Grill sausages, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes.
Move to indirect heat if flaming occurs.

Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place sausages on a baking sheet or pan.
Bake 20-25 minutes until browned and 160°F internal temperature.

Sautéing

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
Cook sausage crumbles until browned.
Sauté veggies like peppers and onions.
Season with spices like garlic and paprika.

Slow Cooking

Add sausages and sauce to slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Shred with a fork for pulled venison sandwiches.

Cooking Time and Temp Tips

Cook frozen venison sausage low and slow. High heat toughens the lean meat.
Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer. Stop cooking at 160°F for safety.
cooking times vary based on size. Smaller breakfast links cook faster than bratwurst.
Cut larger linked sausages in half before cooking to help them cook evenly throughout.
Let sausages rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.

Pairing Flavors with Venison Sausage

The mild flavor of venison sausage pairs well with assertive seasonings. Consider:

Mustard – Dijon, whole grain, or maple varieties
Fruit – Dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, apricots add sweetness
Cheese – Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, creamy blue cheese
Nuts – Walnuts, pecans, pine nuts provide crunch
Mushrooms – Meaty portobellos, smoky shiitakes
Root Vegetables – Potatoes, carrots, parsnips
Fresh Herbs – Rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley
Spices – Garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder

Inventive Serving Suggestions

Get creative with how you incorporate venison sausage into meals:

Breakfast tacos or burritos with eggs, peppers, cheese
Hearty bean or vegetable soups
Sausage gravy over biscuits or mashed potatoes
Pizza with caramelized onions, mushrooms
Pasta tossed with crumbled sausage and tomato cream sauce
Baked potatoes loaded with sausage, bacon, cheddar, sour cream
Sausage corn bread stuffing or dressing
Grilled sausage, pineapple and pepper skewers
Savory strata with bread, spinach, and feta cheese

With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored enjoying venison sausage!

Handy Recipes to Bookmark

Looking for tried-and-true venison sausage recipes? Here are two to get you started:

Cheesy Venison Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb venison sausage, thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar
28 oz can diced tomatoes
12 oz egg noodles
1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs

Directions:

Cook noodles per package directions. Brown sausage with garlic and onions. Combine sausage mixture, tomatoes, cheese and noodles in casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Maple Breakfast Venison Sausages

Ingredients:

1 lb frozen venison sausage links
1⁄4 cup maple syrup
1⁄2 tsp each garlic powder, paprika, salt

Directions:

Thaw and cook sausages in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until browned. Brush maple syrup on both sides during last 2 minutes of cooking to glaze. Sprinkle with seasonings.

The Takeaway on Cooking Frozen Venison Sausage

With proper thawing, temperature monitoring, and seasoning, frozen venison sausage can be elevated into a mouthwatering meal or snack. Low, moist cooking methods prevent the lean meat from drying out. Feel empowered to incorporate venison sausage into creative recipes that make the most of its mild, gamey flavor. Follow these tips and you will become an expert at cooking frozen venison sausage like a seasoned pro.

In a rush? Cook sausage from frozen!

FAQ

Can you cook sausages straight from frozen?

Most types of sausage can be cooked in a pan, oven or on the grill from frozen. The cooking time will depend on which method is used, but it will usually take a minimum of 15 minutes. It is important to ensure the core temperature of the sausages has reached 70°C and stayed at that temperature for two minutes.

Do you have to thaw frozen sausage before cooking?

Although you can cook frozen sausages with an increased cooking time of roughly fifty percent, thawed sausages are easier to cook. USDA food safety guidelines recommend cooking sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to cook deer sausage?

Poaching/Steaming. If you prefer to cook the rings indoors, brown both sides in a medium-hot skillet, add about 1/8 inch water to the pan, and place a lid on the pan, allowing the sausages to “steam.” Smoked Sausage – Steam about 5 – 8 minutes. Raw Sausage – Steam about 10 – 12 minutes.

How do you cook frozen ground sausage?

The best method to cook frozen ground sausage is to brown it in a skillet. Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and then add the frozen sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, typically between 10-15 minutes.

How to cook venison sausage?

As soon as the olive oil is ready, set your venison sausages in the skillet. Shake the pan to coat them with oil, which will keep the links from sticking to the pan. Then, turn the heat down to a low temperature. Flip the sausages after 6 minutes. Flip the sausages once the skin looks crisp and shiny.

What temperature should venison sausage be cooked at?

The internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked deer sausage. It is important to cook deer sausage thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites that may be present in the meat. Consuming undercooked venison sausage can pose a risk to your health. Is venison sausage ready to eat?

Can you eat venison sausage without cooking?

Venison sausage is typically not ready to eat without cooking it first. Like any other type of raw sausage, it needs to be cooked thoroughly to ensure it is safe to consume. Raw meat, including venison sausage, can contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses if not cooked properly. How to cook deer sausage in frying pan?

How do you cook venison sausage on a grill?

The best way to cook venison sausage is to start by preheating your grill or stovetop to medium heat. If you are using a grill, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking. If you are cooking on a stovetop, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Next, place the venison sausages on the grill or in the skillet.