Are you a fan of Conecuh sausage? If so, you may be wondering whether it’s already cooked or if you need to cook it yourself.
The answer is that Conecuh sausage is a raw product that must be refrigerated or frozen until ready to use. While it’s not pre-cooked, it can be easily cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling or frying.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Conecuh sausage, including how to properly cook it and store it. So, whether you’re a seasoned Conecuh fan or a newcomer to this delicious Southern staple, read on to learn more!
Is Conecuh Sausage Already Cooked?
As mentioned earlier, Conecuh sausage is not already cooked. It is an uncooked product that must be kept chilled or frozen until ready to use. This is because Conecuh sausage does not contain any preservatives, so it must be cooked thoroughly before consumption to ensure that any harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria, are destroyed.
While you may not find raw Conecuh sausage in grocery stores or restaurants due to the sale of raw sausage being prohibited, you can purchase uncooked Conecuh sausage and store it in your home refrigerator. If you make it yourself, it can also be raw.
To cook Conecuh sausage, there are a variety of methods you can use. Grilling and frying are two of the easiest methods. When grilling, simply place the sausages on the grill and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. When frying, place the sausages in a pan with about 1/4 inch of water covering the bottom and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
It’s important to note that when cooking Conecuh sausage, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.
What Is Conecuh Sausage?
Conecuh sausage is a type of smoked sausage made by the Conecuh Sausage Company, named after Conecuh County, Alabama. It is made using a blend of pork and spices and is available in six different flavors, including original, hickory, all-natural hickory (without MSG), spicy & hot hickory, cajun, and cracked black pepper.
The sausage links are an inch thick and have flecks of bright red pepper, lending a perfect bite of spice. Conecuh sausage is known for its smoky and savory flavor, which comes from being lightly smoked before packaging. It is a state symbol in Alabama and is revered by home cooks and restaurant chefs alike.
While Conecuh sausage is not already cooked, it can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, frying, baking or air-frying. However, boiling is not recommended as the casing can split open. It’s important to cook the sausage thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.
Conecuh sausage does not contain any preservatives, so it must be kept chilled or frozen until ready to use. Raw Conecuh sausage is not sold in stores or restaurants due to the sale of raw sausage being prohibited. However, you can purchase uncooked Conecuh sausage and store it in your home refrigerator. If you make it yourself, it can also be raw.
How To Cook Conecuh Sausage
Cooking Conecuh sausage in the oven is another easy and effective way to cook the sausage. This method ensures that the sausage is crispy and evenly cooked. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place a nonstick baking sheet or a large cast-iron skillet onto the middle oven rack.
2. Remove the sausages from their packaging and poke a hole in each inch of sausage using a fork or knife. This will help render the fat quicker, resulting in a tastier cooked sausage.
3. Cut the sausages into 4-inch pieces for a shorter cooking time, or leave them as they are before placing them onto the pan and in the oven.
4. After 10-15 minutes (for raw sausage) or 20-25 minutes (for frozen sausage), remove the sausages from the oven using oven mitts, and turn them using kitchen tongs to brown the bottom sides.
5. Place the sausages back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes (for raw sausage) or 20-25 minutes (for frozen sausage), while keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
6. Remove them from the oven when the internal temperature of each sausage reaches 165°F (measured with a meat thermometer) and serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Conecuh sausage can also be included in popular baked dishes such as cornbread, baked beans, pizza, hash brown casserole, and macaroni and cheese. The link can also be used in appetizers such as bacon-wrapped sausage, Conecuh wontons, or as pigs in a blanket.
Grilling Conecuh Sausage
Grilling Conecuh sausage is a popular method of cooking that results in crispy, smoky sausages. To begin, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and add a layer of cooking oil to the grill grates. Let the grill preheat for about 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 275°F.
Next, cut the Conecuh sausages into 6-inch chunks and prick the sausage casings with a fork or knife. Place the sausages on the grill plates with space between each sausage. Use kitchen tongs to turn the sausages every two to four minutes to ensure an even sear.
Grilling Conecuh sausages requires constant attention to ensure that the sausages don’t burn. The grilling time for raw sausages is between 10 and 12 minutes, while frozen sausages may take up to 15 minutes to cook through. If you’re using an electric grill, increase the grilling time, and if using a gas grill, decrease the total time.
When using a charcoal grill, wait until the charcoal is ashed over before placing the sausages on the grill. Remember to turn the sausages frequently to ensure that they’re evenly cooked on all sides.
Once the sausages are golden brown on all sides and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove them from the grill. Allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Grilled Conecuh sausage can be used in many popular grilled dishes, such as hotdogs and sausage kebabs. The links go well with grilled veggies like onions and peppers and are delicious when marinated.
Frying Conecuh Sausage
Frying Conecuh sausage is a popular cooking method that can be done quickly and easily. To fry Conecuh sausage, start by cutting the sausage into four to six-inch links. Then, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to a frying pan or iron skillet and heat it over medium heat for two to three minutes.
Once the pan is heated, add the sausage links to the pan. Use a spatula or tongs to turn the sausages frequently to ensure that they cook evenly. Cook the sausages for about 14 to 16 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
If you prefer a faster cooking time, you can also use the stove-top, pan-frying method. To do this, add the sausages into the frying pan and turn the burner to medium heat. Cover the pan and let the sausage cook for about five minutes. Next, open the lid and turn the sausage with the help of a spatula. Cook the other side of the sausage for another five minutes until golden brown.
It’s important to note that no matter which frying method you choose, you should always ensure that the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 165°F before eating it. This will help ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.
Other Ways To Cook Conecuh Sausage
Aside from grilling and frying, there are other ways to cook Conecuh sausage that you can try. One of the healthiest methods is boiling, which involves placing the sausages in a pot of boiling water and letting them cook for about 10-15 minutes until they are no longer pink inside. This method is great for those who want to cut down on added fats and oils.
Another easy way to cook Conecuh sausage is through oven baking. Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the sausages on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked. This method is perfect for those who want to set it and forget it.
Simmering Conecuh sausage at medium heat is also a great way to extract its flavor. You can do this by placing the sausages in a pan with some water or broth, adding your desired seasonings, and letting it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to ensure that the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. With these cooking methods, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Conecuh sausage in a variety of different ways.
