Deer sausage, a delicious and lean alternative to traditional pork or beef sausage, has gained popularity among hunters and food enthusiasts alike. In this article, I’ll instruct you how to cook deer sausage in 4 different ways. Besides, we will also discuss ideal side dishes with deer sausage.
1. How to Cook Deer Sausage in Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- raw deer sausage links
- Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place the raw deer sausage links in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between them for proper air circulation.
If desired, lightly brush or spray the sausages with olive oil for a crispier texture.
Cook the sausages for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once fully cooked, remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. How to Cook Deer Sausage on Stove
Ingredients
- raw deer sausage links
- Cooking oil or butter (optional)
Instructions
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil or butter if desired.
Place the raw deer sausage links in the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
Once fully cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. How to Cook Deer Sausage in Oven
Ingredients
- raw deer sausage links
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
If desired, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it with cooking oil or cooking spray.
Place the raw deer sausage links on the baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Bake the sausages for 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time.
Once fully cooked, remove the sausages from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
4. How to Cook Deer Sausage on Grill
Ingredients:
- Raw deer sausage links
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
If desired, lightly oil the grill grates with cooking oil or use a grill spray to prevent sticking.
Place the raw deer sausage links on the grill grates, leaving space between them.
Grill the sausages for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning.
Once fully cooked, remove the sausages from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. What to Eat With Deer Sausage
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, onions, and zucchini make perfect companions to deer sausage, adding a burst of color and flavor.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with deer sausage.
Sauerkraut: The tangy and crunchy sauerkraut complements the richness of deer sausage perfectly.
Mustard: A good-quality mustard, such as Dijon or whole-grain, can be a simple yet flavorful condiment.
Fresh Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory sausage.
Rice: Serve your deer sausage with a side of steamed rice or a flavorful rice pilaf for a satisfying meal.
6. FAQs When Cooking Deer Sausage
6.1. Can You Eat Raw Deer Sausage?
No, it is not recommended to eat raw deer sausage. Like all ground meat products, deer sausage should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is safe to consume and to eliminate any potential pathogens.
6.2. How Do You Know When Deer Sausage Is Fully Cooked?
To determine when deer sausage is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage without touching the casing. It should register at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure safe consumption. Additionally, the sausage should no longer appear pink in the middle and should have a firm texture.
6.3. Is Deer Sausage Healthy For You?
Deer meat is touted as a healthy red meat option. Compared to traditional pork sausage, deer sausage is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol while still providing protein, iron and other nutrients. Look for quality deer sausage without too much added sodium or other preservatives
Now, you know how to cook deer sausage properly. With various cooking methods, I hope that after reading this article, you can enjoy tasty homemade sausage safely and easily. Good Luck
