Grilling turkey sausages over an open flame can leave you with a dry and burnt meal if you’re not careful. If you want better flavor and texture, try braising your turkey sausages! Smoke braising will deliver the flavors of smoked sausages with the juiciness of braised meat.
Grilling turkey sausage is a great way to add flavorful, lean protein to your summertime cookouts. But to achieve the perfect blend of smoky char and juicy interior, it’s important to know exactly how long to grill turkey sausage. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide tips and techniques to help you grill turkey sausage like a pro.
Determining Grill Time Based on Thickness
The most important factor in grilling turkey sausage is understanding how the thickness impacts cooking time Thinner sausages will grill faster than thicker links. Here’s a general guideline
- Thin turkey sausages (1/2 inch diameter or less): Grill for 8-12 minutes total
- Medium turkey sausages (3/4 inch diameter): Grill for 12-15 minutes total
- Thick turkey sausages (1 inch or more): Grill for 15-18 minutes total
For the juiciest results, grill sausages over medium heat. This prevents the exterior from overcooking before the interior reaches the safe minimum internal temperature. Speaking of which…
Grill Until 165°F Internal Temp is Reached
Regardless of thickness, turkey sausage should always be grilled to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. This ensures any bacteria is eliminated.
Don’t rely solely on grill time. Factors like grill temperature and proximity to the heat source can impact how quickly the interior reaches 165°F. Use a thermometer to be safe.
Preheating is a Must
Allowing the grill to fully preheat is crucial for properly grilled turkey sausage. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill for at least 10-15 minutes on medium heat before adding the sausages.
Preheating does two key things
- Brings the grill to the ideal cooking temperature
- Ensures the grates are hot for quick searing and those beautiful grill marks
Place sausages on the grates only once optimal preheat temperature is reached.
The Perfect Grilling Process
Follow this simple process for grilling turkey sausage flawlessly every time:
- Preheat grill for 10-15 minutes on medium heat
- Place sausages on hot grill grates and lid closed
- Grill for 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally
- Brush with olive oil or bbq sauce glaze (optional)
- Continue grilling until 165°F internal temp
- Transfer sausages to a plate and rest 5 minutes
- Enjoy!
Adjust times based on thickness. Use tongs for easy, mess-free flipping.
Oil the Grates
A light coat of cooking oil brushed over the hot grates before adding the sausages helps prevent sticking. Opt for olive oil or an oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil.
Allow a Rest Period
Never slice into turkey sausages straight off the grill! Allowing them to rest for 5-10 minutes enables the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the sausage. Skipping this step means dry, overcooked sausage.
Add Flavor with Sauces and Rubs
Plain turkey sausage tastes great, but marinades and rubs can bring an explosion of flavor:
- Dry rubs: Coat raw sausages with Cajun seasoning, jerk rub, or barbecue dry rub before grilling
- Marinades: Soak sausages for 30 min to an hour in Italian dressing, mojo criollo, or teriyaki
- Glazes: Brush bbq sauce, honey mustard glaze, or cherry chipotle sauce on sausages during last 5 minutes on the grill
Pair with Grilled Veggies
Balance the richness of turkey sausage with fiber-filled grilled veggies. Peppers, zucchini, corn, and eggplant all pair deliciously. Brush veggies with olive oil and add salt and pepper before grilling until tender.
Cook Safely
Implement these food safety tips when grilling turkey sausage:
- Always use separate utensils and platters for raw and cooked meat
- Wash hands before and after handling raw sausage
- Cook sausage thoroughly until interior reaches 165°F
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
Following safe practices reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
Grilled Turkey Sausage Recipes
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy grilled turkey sausage:
Italian Turkey Sausage Sandwiches
Grill turkey sausage links brushed with sun-dried tomato oil. Serve in rolls topped with grilled onions, peppers, and spinach.
Turkey Sausage Kabobs
Thread turkey sausage chunks, bell peppers, zucchini, and pineapple onto skewers. Grill until sausage is cooked through.
Turkey Sausage Breakfast Tacos
Chop grilled turkey sausage and combine with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa in warmed tortillas.
Turkey Sausage Pasta
Slice grilled turkey sausages and toss with cooked pasta, olive oil, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
Get Grillin’!
Armed with this sausage grilling knowledge, you can enjoy perfectly cooked turkey sausage all summer long. Reference the tips above to determine the ideal grill time based on thickness, use a thermometer to guarantee safety, and experiment with flavors. In no time, you’ll earn “grill master” status!
Why Make Braised Turkey Sausages?
Our turkey sausages are an alternative to higher fat sausages like those made from pork and beef. However, because turkey sausages generally contain less fat than sausage made from other proteins, they can dry out on the grill if you are not careful. Also, because grilling causes turkey sausages to lose moisture, the sausage may shrink and appear less appealing.
Fortunately, you can prevent all of these potential issues by making braised turkey sausages. A braised sausage cooks in a liquid, like beer or broth, and the braising liquid provides flavor and moisture as the sausage cooks, preventing shrinkage and dry meat. Braising ensures that you don’t have to worry about getting burned or unevenly cooked sausages.
Instructions for Braising Turkey Sausages on the Grill
After prepping your turkey sausages and gathering everything needed for braising them, follow these steps to create a delicious braised sausage.
Put your thawed turkey sausages inside an aluminum pan with your preferred aromatics, such as garlic, onions, ginger, or bay leaves. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or your sausages may not cook evenly.
Pour in enough water to cover the bottom half of your sausages. If you want to add more flavor to your sausages, substitute the water with beer, chicken stock, wine, or a braising mixture. Leaving the upper part of the sausage un-submerged ensures that the smoke from your grill can penetrate the meat and flavor it.
After you’ve preheated your grill, place the pan with your turkey sausages and braising liquid in it. Cover the grill and leave your sausages to cook for about 20 minutes. The braising liquid will cook the sausages without drying them out.
When your turkey sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F, take them out of the braising liquid and pat them dry with paper towels. If you want your sausage casing to have a nice sear and snap, coat the braised sausages with olive oil and place them over direct heat on your grill. Grill for only a couple of minutes to crisp up the exterior.
Are you ready to make delicious braised turkey sausages? Discover where to buy your sweet or hot Italian turkey sausages from Shady Brook Farms today.
How to Grill a Better Turkey Sausage
FAQ
How long does it take to grill turkey sausages?
How long does it take sausage on the grill?
How do you know when turkey sausage is cooked?