Turkey and pork sausage are grocery staples. Turkey is often seen as a healthier alternative to pork, but pork remains popular and is the go-to sausage for many cooks. Both taste great and are available in a number of varieties, such as kielbasa and breakfast sausage. However, depending on how they were produced, youll have to expect turkey and pork sausages to taste at least a little bit different. You can also make your own sausage with either meat, and play around with the seasonings to see if you can reproduce the flavor of one meat while using the other.
The two are also similar in a lot of ways — and their differences arent always what youd expect. Theyre generally interchangeable in recipes, with one notable exception. Take a look at how turkey and pork sausage are alike and how they differ, and that may help you decide on which one to use the next time you cook with sausage.
Turkey sausage has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork sausage over the last few decades. With its lower fat and calorie content, turkey sausage is often promoted as a healthier choice. But how does it actually taste in comparison to pork sausage? Here’s an in-depth look at the origins, ingredients, and flavor profile of turkey sausage.
A Brief History of Turkey Sausage
While pork sausage has been around for centuries, turkey sausage is a relatively new product that emerged in the 1980s. As the low-fat dieting craze took hold the National Turkey Federation pushed for turkey to replace higher-fat meats. Ground turkey became widely available, and soon turkey sausage hit the market.
The goal was to create a lower-calorie, leaner alternative to pork sausage that still delivered on flavor. Turkey meat itself is very mild, so spices, herbs and other ingredients are added to make it more exciting. Over the years, turkey sausage has carved out a niche for itself as a versatile and tasty option.
Nutritional Profile: The Health Benefits of Turkey Sausage
Turkey sausage has some clear nutritional advantages over pork sausage A 4-ounce serving of turkey sausage contains around 170 calories, 11 grams fat, and 22 grams protein Comparable pork sausage has about 290 calories, 23 grams fat and similar protein.
So turkey sausage cuts about 100 calories and half the fat, while providing the same satisfying protein content. The white meat turkey also provides more B-vitamins than pork. For those managing their cholesterol and weight, turkey can be the healthier way to enjoy the great taste of sausage.
The Ingredients That Create Turkey Sausage Flavor
While pork fat provides much of the signature flavor in traditional sausage, turkey sausage relies on herbs, spices and other ingredients to make it tasty. Common seasonings include:
- Sage – Provides an earthy, savory taste often associated with breakfast sausage
- Thyme – Adds subtle lemony undertones
- Black Pepper – Brings mild heat and spice
- Garlic Powder – Provides rich, aromatic flavor
- Paprika – Adds a touch of natural sweetness
- Maple Syrup or Honey – Helps counterbalance the spices
The blend of these ingredients gives turkey sausage a balanced flavor profile. It offers savory, subtly sweet notes rounded out by aromatic spices and herbs.
How the Texture and Mouthfeel Compares
Since turkey meat is leaner than pork, the texture and mouthfeel of turkey sausage is a bit different. Turkey sausage has a firm, dense texture and a meaty bite. It can have a slightly rubbery chew if not properly cooked. The low fat content means turkey sausage tends to dry out faster.
In comparison, pork sausage has a looser, more crumbly texture with ample moistness from fat. It often maintains juiciness even with higher heat or longer cook times. So turkey sausage requires a bit more care during cooking to keep it from drying out.
Cooking Methods to Bring Out the Best Flavor
Proper cooking is key to making sure turkey sausage reaches its full potential. Quick cooking over high heat helps keep turkey sausage tender and brings out flavor. Grilling, sautéing, or stir-frying are ideal methods.
Baking turkey sausage in the oven can work well, but special care should be taken to prevent drying. Brushing with oil, adding moisture from other ingredients, and preventing overcooking are recommended.
Slow-cooking methods like braising aren’t the best match for turkey sausage. The lean meat and lack of fat means turkey sausage can end up dry and bland without quick cooking.
Great Recipe Pairings for Turkey Sausage
The milder flavor profile of turkey sausage makes it very versatile for recipes. Here are some tasty pairings:
- Breakfast sandwiches or burritos – Turkey sausage complements eggs nicely
- Pasta dishes – Turkey sausage crumbles add hearty flavor to tomato sauce
- Soups and stews – Adds a protein punch to bean or veggie-based soups
- Pizza – A smart swap for higher-fat meats on pizza
- Veggie sautés – Turkey sausage pairs well with bell peppers, onions, etc.
- Salads – Grilled slices or crumbles make flavorful salad toppers
With a little creativity, turkey sausage can be substituted in many recipes traditionally calling for pork sausage. Adjusting seasoning or adding fat/moisture may be needed in some cases.
Key Takeaways on Turkey Sausage Flavor
While personal tastes will always vary, there are some broad conclusions to be made about turkey sausage:
- It has a mildly sweet, predominantly savory flavor profile compared to pork
- Herbs, spices and other ingredients provide most of the flavor since turkey itself is mild
- The texture is dense and firm due to the low fat content
- Cooking method impacts moisture level and flavor intensity
- Turkey sausage is versatile for recipes but may require seasoning adjustments
For those seeking a healthier alternative, turkey sausage provides a good solution. While it may lack the rich succulence of pork sausage, proper preparation and seasoning can make turkey sausage taste quite satisfying in its own right. Give it a try and see which type of sausage suits your preferences.
Turkey sausage is a relatively new product
Sausage has been around for centuries, but turkey sausage as a mainstream grocery product is comparatively new. Go to most markets today and youll find turkey, chicken, and pork sausage all in the same section, with many brands offering both turkey and pork versions of kielbasa and other types of sausage. Go back a few decades, though, and youll find sausage selections devoid of these alternatives.
Back before the 1970s, turkey wasnt eaten that much. It showed up at Thanksgiving, but it had only a small share of the non-holiday market. According to the National Turkey Federation, U.S. turkey consumption was only 8.2 pounds per capita in 1970 (for comparison, in 2021, it was 15.3 pounds per capita). In the 1980s, the push for leaner meat and low-fat meals put turkey in the spotlight. Ground turkey became much easier to find in stores, and eventually, companies tried turning turkey into sausage. It was a hit.
Turkey sausage is usually lower in calories
Protein, fat, and carbohydrates are macronutrients, and fat is the macronutrient that really adds calories. Protein and carbohydrates have about 4 calories per gram, and fat has about 9 calories per gram. Something lower in fat is going to be much lower in calories than a high-fat counterpart. Turkey meat without the skin is very lean. Even the thighs are lean, despite having a little more fat than turkey breasts. Because turkey meat doesnt have as much fat as pork meat, turkey ends up being lower in calories than pork when you compare similar amounts of the two meats.
However, two things can make turkey sausage soar in calories. One is that some turkey sausage meat contains ground-up skin as well as the muscle, and that increases the amount of fat in the sausage. Just adding skin to a piece of plain turkey can more than double the amount of fat. The other is that cooking can eliminate any calorie and fat savings by adding excessive amounts of oil or other fat to whatever recipe youre making. So, while turkey sausage is a great substitute in general, check out the nutrition label on the package or make it yourself to ensure youre getting the low-calorie, low-fat food you wanted, and be cautious about how much fat you add during cooking.
Turkey Sausage / How to make turkey sausage taste like pork sausage!
FAQ
Does turkey sausage taste the same as regular sausage?
Is turkey sausage any good?
Is turkey sausage healthier than bacon?
Which is better, pork or turkey sausage?
Do turkey & pork sausages taste different?
However, depending on how they were produced, you’ll have to expect turkey and pork sausages to taste at least a little bit different. You can also make your own sausage with either meat, and play around with the seasonings to see if you can reproduce the flavor of one meat while using the other.
Is pork sausage healthier than Turkey?
Turkey and pork sausage are grocery staples. Turkey is often seen as a healthier alternative to pork, but pork remains popular and is the go-to sausage for many cooks. Both taste great and are available in a number of varieties, such as kielbasa and breakfast sausage.
Does dark turkey sausage have more fat?
The dark meat has a tad more fat. However, it’s completely up to you and what you prefer. You can also add more oil if you use lean ground turkey. Otherwise, it might be a little bit dry. You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to make your own turkey sausage. And you get sausage that’s seasoned perfectly for you and your family.
What is turkey sausage?
Turkey sausage is literally just sausage made with turkey meat. It’s a leaner type of sausage that became popular in the 1980s when eating low-fat foods was all the rage.