Can You Microwave Beyond Sausage? A Comprehensive Guide

Beyond Sausage has taken the plant-based world by storm. These meatless sausages mimic the taste and texture of traditional pork sausage while being made entirely from peas, rice, fava beans and other veggie ingredients. With its growing popularity, many fans are wondering if you can simply microwave Beyond Sausage to quickly and easily enjoy it. Here’s a complete guide to microwaving Beyond Sausage, including tips for the best results.

An Overview of Beyond Sausage

For those new to Beyond Meat, here’s a quick rundown of their revolutionary Beyond Sausage products

• Made to look, taste and cook like traditional sausage without any animal products

• Offered in flavor varieties like Brat Original, Hot Italian, Sweet Italian and Breakfast Sausage

• Protein-packed with 16g per link from peas and rice providing all 9 essential amino acids

• Far healthier than pork sausage with less saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol

• Pre-seasoned and ready to cook with no extra ingredients required

While Beyond Sausage was designed to sizzle on the grill or skillet, many are intrigued by the possibility of microwaving for a fast weeknight dinner. So let’s explore if and how it can be done.

Is It Safe to Microwave Beyond Sausage?

The first question many have is whether microwaving Beyond Sausage poses any health risks or safety concerns. The answer is no – there are no hazards associated with microwaving these plant-based links.

Microwaves work by causing water molecules in food to vibrate, creating heat that cooks the food. This does not alter the chemical structure or make food dangerous to eat. Beyond Sausage contains no toxic materials that could leach out or interact with microwaves in an unsafe way.

The only microwave risks would be typical of overheating any food, like drying it out, toughening textures or scorching the exterior before the middle is warmed through. Proper technique is simply needed to avoid these pitfalls.

Tips for Microwaving Beyond Sausage

While microwaving Beyond Sausage won’t cause any harm, it may not lead to the same delicious taste and texture as grilling. Here are some tips to microwave Beyond Sausages for enjoyable results:

• Cook in short 1-2 minute intervals, rotating and flipping the links between rounds to ensure even heating.

• Pierce sausages in a couple spots with a fork before cooking to allow steam to vent and prevent splitting.

• Place sausages on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a paper towel or vented lid to minimize splatter.

• Check temperature using a food thermometer to determine doneness. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Let sausages rest 1-2 minutes after cooking – the inner temp will continue rising a bit.

• Add a teaspoon of water to the dish to create steam that keeps the exterior from drying out.

• Use the defrost setting on your microwave if available for more gentle and gradual heating.

• Pair microwaved sausage with sauces, condiments or use in cooked dishes to boost moisture.

Best Practices for Cooking Beyond Sausage

While the microwave can work in a pinch, following the recommended cooking methods for Beyond Sausage yields the most appetizing end results.

Grilling

The high dry heat of the grill gives Beyond Sausage that perfect char and snap when you bite into it. Cook over direct medium heat for 6-8 minutes total, turning every 2 minutes.

Pan Frying

Cooking in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil creates nice caramelization on the outside while heating the interior. Use medium heat and fry for about 5-7 minutes flipping regularly.

Baking

Baked Beyond Sausages retain moisture and get evenly cooked throughout. Bake on a parchment-lined pan at 350°F for about 18-22 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

Air Frying

The hot circulating air of an air fryer makes Beyond Sausage crispy on the outside and tender inside. Air fry at 390°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.

Stovetop

For a quick stovetop method, simmer Beyond Sausage in an inch of water or broth for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Drain before serving.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Beyond Sausage

Beyond Sausage delivers on all the meaty, savory flavor you love without the health, environmental and ethical downsides of traditional pork sausage. Here are some tasty ways to savor it:

• Breakfast sandwiches or burritos

• Pizza topping

• Pasta sauce with crumbled sausage

• Sausage gravy over biscuits

• Gumbo or jambalaya

• Mac and cheese with cut up sausage

• Sausage and vegetable sheet pan meal

• Appetizers like sausage stuffed mushrooms or lettuce cups

With the proper techniques, you can certainly microwave Beyond Sausage in a pinch. But taking the time to grill, pan fry, bake or air fry it will provide the very best texture and taste. Any way you cook it, Beyond Sausage is a game-changing alternative packed with flavor and plant-based protein.