how long to boil roger wood sausage

Master the Art of Boiling Roger Wood Sausage to Juicy Perfection

Roger Wood sausage is a staple at many Southern dinner tables. This mildly spiced, smoked pork sausage is beloved for its hearty texture and robust, smoky flavor. While Roger Wood sausage is delicious when grilled or pan-fried, boiling is one of the best cooking methods to achieve a tender, juicy interior infused with flavor. If you want to master the art of boiling Roger Wood sausage to juicy perfection, this comprehensive guide will walk you through proper selection, preparation, optimal boil times, doneness tests, and more. Soon you’ll be dishing up irresistibly succulent Roger Wood sausage, whether enjoying it on its own or incorporating it into soups, jambalayas, breakfast skillets, and other tasty recipes. Let’s get started!

Choosing Your Roger Wood Sausage

The first step to boiled sausage success is selecting high-quality Roger Wood sausage. Check the refrigerated meat case for packages boasting the Roger Wood name to ensure authenticity. Then, look for the following signs of freshness:

• Bright, reddish-pink color

• Firm, plump shape

• No discoloration or dry spots on the casing

• Pleasant, mildly smoky aroma

• Expiration date at least a week away

Roger Wood makes smoked sausage in a few different varieties, including Original, Hot and Spicy, Turkey, and Chicken Apple. Feel free to choose your favorite or mix it up. Just be sure to buy enough links to feed your crowd, allowing 1-2 sausages per adult. With your fresh Roger Wood sausage in hand, it’s time to get prepping.

Pre-Boil Prep Work

Proper prep ensures your Roger Wood sausage reaches the pot ready for boiling success. Here are a few tips:

• If frozen, thaw sausages overnight in the fridge.

• Prick the sausages all over with a fork to prevent bursting.

• For more flavor, marinate for 30 minutes in olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs.

• Pat sausages dry so they brown better during a pre-boil sear (optional).

Once prepped, it’s go time! Read on for the step-by-step process to boiled sausage perfection.

Step-By-Step Guide to Boiling Roger Wood Sausage

Follow these simple steps for irresistibly juicy, flavorful boiled Roger Wood sausage every time:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (enough water to cover sausages).

2. While waiting for the boil, pat sausages dry and sear briefly in a skillet for extra flavor (optional).

3. Once boiling, use tongs to gently add sausages. Avoid overcrowding.

4. Maintain a gentle boil and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

5. Use a thermometer to check internal temp reaches 160°F.

6. Drain immediately and serve, or use in your favorite recipes.

It’s that easy! Perfectly cooked Roger Wood sausage ready in 15 minutes or less. Now let’s go over some boiling tips and tricks.

Boiling Tips and Tricks for Roger Wood Sausage

Follow these handy tips for foolproof boiled Roger Wood sausage every time:

• Use a heavy pot with a thick base to distribute heat evenly.

• Add spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, or garlic to the boiling water for extra flavor.

• Don’t boil too vigorously to prevent sausage bursting. Gentle boil is best.

• Cook times vary based on size/thickness. Thicker sausages need more time.

• Use tongs and handle gently when removing sausages to prevent breakage.

• For extra safety, use a thermometer to check 160°F internal temp.

• Plunge into an ice bath briefly after boiling to stop the cooking process.

Now that you’re a Roger Wood sausage boiling pro, let’s go over how to tell when they’re perfectly cooked as well as recipe ideas.

Checking Doneness of Boiled Roger Wood Sausage

These tips will help you determine when your boiled Roger Wood sausage is cooked to juicy perfection:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

• Cut into the thickest part of a sausage to check the interior is no longer pink.

• Texture should be firm yet springy when gently squeezed.

• Casing should have a subtle snap when bit into.

Your boiled Roger Wood sausage is done when the thermometer hits 160°F and the interior shows no sign of pink. Time to enjoy your juicy, smoky sausages!

Mouthwatering Ways to Use Boiled Roger Wood Sausage

Boiled Roger Wood sausage is endlessly versatile. Try it in these delicious recipes:

• Gumbo – Slice and add to a hearty seafood gumbo packed with shrimp, chicken, okra, and rice.

• Breakfast tacos – Chop and pair with scrambled eggs, cheese, peppers, and salsa in a warm flour tortilla.

• Jambalaya – Sauté with the holy trinity of onions, peppers, and celery for a Creole jambalaya.

• Sausage sandwiches – Layer boiled sausage with sautéed peppers and onions on a hoagie roll.

• Potato soup – Dice and add to a creamy potato soup along with potatoes, celery, and heavy cream.

However you choose to use your boiled Roger Wood sausage, it’s sure to add a welcome punch of flavor. Just be prepared for requests for seconds!

FAQs About Boiling Roger Wood Sausage

Still have some questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to boil Roger Wood sausage?
On average, boil 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Thicker sausages may need a minute or two longer.

Should I prick the sausages before boiling?
Yes, always prick sausages a few times with a fork before boiling to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.

Can I boil frozen Roger Wood sausage?
You can boil frozen sausage, but it will take several minutes longer to cook through. Thaw first in the fridge for quicker, more even cooking.

What’s the best way to add flavor when boiling?
Add spices, aromatics like garlic or onions, wine, or broth to the boiling water for extra flavor infusion.

What’s the minimum internal temperature for safely cooked sausage?
Sausage should always reach 160°F internally before removing from heat for food safety.

Mastering the Art of Boiling Roger Wood Sausage

Armed with this sausage boiling knowledge, you’re ready to achieve tender, juicy Roger Wood sausage every time. Follow the steps for selecting fresh sausage, proper prep, foolproof boiling, and doneness checks. Soon you’ll be serving up spectacular Roger Wood sausage platters and savoring this Southern staple in all its smoky, spicy glory. Get boiling!