Venison sausage is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a slightly gamey flavor that is complemented by a variety of spices. Venison sausage is also a good source of protein and iron, making it a healthy choice for your next meal. If you are looking for a flavorful and healthy way to cook venison sausage, then this recipe is for you. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to cook venison sausage in the oven. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks to help you make the most of this delicious meat.
Before you start cooking your venison sausage, you need to make sure that it is properly prepared. First, remove the sausage from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Next, use a sharp knife to score the sausage in several places. This will help the sausage cook evenly and prevent it from bursting. Once the sausage is prepared, you can start cooking it in the oven.
To cook venison sausage in the oven, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the sausage on the sheet. Cook the sausage for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through. The sausage will be done when it is no longer pink in the center. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Venison sausage can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or green beans. It can also be used in sandwiches, soups, and stews.
Seasoning the Sausage
The key to crafting flavorful venison sausage is in the expert blending of spices and seasonings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to guide you through this crucial step:
Salt and Pepper: The Foundational Duo
These two pillars of seasoning establish a solid base for your sausage. Salt enhances the meat’s inherent flavors, while pepper adds a touch of warmth and spiciness. Experiment with different proportions to suit your taste preferences, but a general rule is to use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper per pound of ground venison.
Garlic and Onion: Aromatic Essentials
Garlic and onion lend depth and complexity to the sausage’s flavor profile. Minced or powdered garlic (1/2 teaspoon per pound) provides a subtle pungency, while chopped onion (1/4 cup per pound) adds a hint of sweetness and texture. You can also incorporate sautéed onions for a more caramelized flavor.
Herbs and Spices: The Finishing Touches
Herbs and spices add nuance and character to the sausage. Popular choices include sage (1/2 teaspoon per pound), thyme (1/4 teaspoon per pound), rosemary (1/4 teaspoon per pound), and crushed red pepper (1/8 teaspoon per pound for mild spiciness). You can also adapt the seasoning blend to suit your culinary preferences and dietary restrictions.
| Spice | Amount (per pound of ground venison) |
|---|---|
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 1/2 teaspoon (minced or powdered) |
| Onion | 1/4 cup (chopped) |
| Sage | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Crushed Red Pepper | 1/8 teaspoon (for mild spiciness) |
Removing from the Oven
Once the venison sausage is cooked through, it is important to remove it from the oven promptly. Leaving it in the oven will cause it to overcook and dry out.
- Turn off the oven and open the door. This will allow the hot air to escape and prevent the sausage from overcooking.
- Put on oven mitts. The oven and sausage will be hot, so it is important to protect your hands.
- Use a spatula or tongs to remove the sausage from the baking sheet. Be careful not to drop or break the sausage.
- Place the sausage on a plate or platter. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- If the sausage is sticking to the baking sheet, you can use a spatula to gently loosen it.
- Let the sausage rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy sausage.
Table
| Temperature | Cooking Time |
|—|—|
| 165°F | 20-25 minutes |
| 170°F | 25-30 minutes |
| 175°F | 30-35 minutes |
Cooling and Storing
Once your venison sausage is fully cooked, it’s essential to cool it down promptly to prevent the growth of bacteria. Here are detailed steps on how to cool and store your venison sausage properly:
Cooling Steps
1. Remove the venison sausage from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the internal temperature to cool down slightly.
2. Once the initial cooling is complete, transfer the venison sausage to an ice bath. Fill a clean bowl with ice and water and place the sausages in it. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cool evenly.
3. Cool the venison sausage in the ice bath for at least 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches below 40°F (4°C).
Storing Steps
1. Drain the venison sausage from the ice bath and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Wrap the individual sausages in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Place the wrapped sausages in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for up to 2 months.
4. For longer storage, vacuum seal the wrapped sausages and freeze them for up to 1 year.
5. To thaw frozen venison sausage, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it under warm running water in a sealed plastic bag.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days |
| Freezer (wrapped) | 2 months |
| Freezer (vacuum sealed) | 1 year |
How to Cook Venison Sausage in the Oven
Venison sausage is an excellent source of lean protein and can be cooked in various ways. Baking venison sausage in the oven is a simple cooking method that results in juicy and flavorful sausage links. Here is a step-by-step guide to cook venison sausage in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Prepare the venison sausage links: Remove the venison sausage links from the packaging and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the sausage links: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the sausage links reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Flip the sausage links: After 10-12 minutes of baking, flip the sausage links over to ensure even cooking.
- Cook until done: Continue baking the venison sausage links until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Rest before serving: Once the sausage links are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve the baked venison sausage links with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to cook venison sausage in the oven?
It takes about 20-25 minutes to cook venison sausage in the oven at 400°F (200°C) or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Can I cook venison sausage from frozen?
Yes, you can cook venison sausage from frozen. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. So, if the recipe calls for baking the sausage links for 20 minutes, you will need to bake them for about 30 minutes if they are frozen.
How do I know when venison sausage is cooked?
You can tell that venison sausage is cooked when it is no longer pink in the center and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
