The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Vienna Sausages: Simple Recipes and Tasty Ideas
Vienna sausages, those small, canned, and often overlooked delights, hold a special place in many people’s hearts (and pantries). They’re quick, convenient, and surprisingly versatile. But beyond simply popping them straight from the can, there’s a whole world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored. This guide will take you from the basics of preparing Vienna sausages to exciting and delicious recipes, ensuring you unlock their full potential.
## What are Vienna Sausages?
Before diving into cooking methods, let’s understand what Vienna sausages are. These small, precooked sausages are typically made from a blend of meat trimmings (often beef, pork, and poultry), seasoned with spices, and then smoked. They’re traditionally encased in a thin, edible casing and packed in brine within a can. While they may not be gourmet fare, they offer a budget-friendly and readily available source of protein.
## Basic Preparation: Getting Started
While Vienna sausages are precooked and technically safe to eat straight from the can, heating them enhances their flavor and texture. Here’s how to prepare them for any recipe:
**1. Opening the Can:**
* Use a can opener to carefully open the can. Be mindful of the sharp edges.
**2. Draining the Brine:**
* Pour the contents of the can into a colander or strainer to drain the brine. You can discard the brine or, if you’re feeling adventurous, reserve a small amount to add a salty depth to sauces or stews (use sparingly!).
**3. Rinsing (Optional):**
* Some people prefer to rinse the sausages with cold water to remove any residual brine. This is a matter of personal preference.
**4. Patting Dry (Optional but Recommended):**
* Gently pat the sausages dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better when pan-frying or grilling.
## Cooking Methods: Unleashing the Flavor
Now that your Vienna sausages are prepped, let’s explore different cooking methods:
### 1. Pan-Frying: Crispy and Golden
Pan-frying is an excellent way to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior on your Vienna sausages.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained
* 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
**Instructions:**
1. **Heat the Oil:** Heat the oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the sausages.
2. **Add the Sausages:** Carefully place the Vienna sausages in the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and prevent them from browning properly.
3. **Cook and Turn:** Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are evenly browned on all sides and heated through. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
4. **Remove and Serve:** Remove the sausages from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
**Tips for Perfect Pan-Fried Vienna Sausages:**
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** As mentioned earlier, overcrowding the pan hinders browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use Medium Heat:** High heat can cause the sausages to burn on the outside before they are heated through. Medium heat ensures even cooking.
* **Pat Dry:** Patting the sausages dry before frying helps them brown better.
* **Add Flavor:** Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the oil for extra flavor.
### 2. Boiling: Simple and Quick
Boiling is the simplest and quickest method for heating Vienna sausages. It’s ideal when you’re short on time or need a no-fuss cooking option.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained
* Water
**Instructions:**
1. **Bring Water to a Boil:** Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the sausages. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
2. **Add the Sausages:** Carefully add the Vienna sausages to the boiling water.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausages are heated through.
4. **Remove and Serve:** Remove the sausages from the water using a slotted spoon and serve immediately.
**Tips for Boiling Vienna Sausages:**
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking can make the sausages rubbery. Cook just until they are heated through.
* **Add Flavor to the Water:** Enhance the flavor by adding bouillon cubes, herbs, or spices to the boiling water.
* **Gentle Simmer:** Avoid a vigorous boil, as this can cause the sausages to burst.
### 3. Microwaving: Fastest Option
Microwaving is the fastest way to heat Vienna sausages, perfect for a quick snack or meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained
* Microwave-safe plate
**Instructions:**
1. **Place on a Plate:** Arrange the Vienna sausages on a microwave-safe plate.
2. **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. The exact time will depend on the wattage of your microwave.
3. **Check and Serve:** Check the sausages for doneness. If they are not hot enough, microwave for another 15-30 seconds. Serve immediately.
**Tips for Microwaving Vienna Sausages:**
* **Pierce the Sausages (Important!):** Before microwaving, use a fork to pierce each sausage several times. This prevents them from exploding in the microwave.
* **Cover with a Paper Towel:** Covering the plate with a paper towel helps to prevent splattering.
* **Short Bursts:** Microwave in short bursts to avoid overheating and bursting.
### 4. Grilling: Smoky and Flavorful
Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor to Vienna sausages, making them a great addition to barbecues and cookouts.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained
* Oil (optional, for greasing the grill)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking (optional).
2. **Grill the Sausages:** Place the Vienna sausages directly on the grill grates.
3. **Cook and Turn:** Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and have grill marks on all sides.
4. **Remove and Serve:** Remove the sausages from the grill and serve immediately.
**Tips for Grilling Vienna Sausages:**
* **Medium Heat:** Use medium heat to prevent the sausages from burning on the outside before they are heated through.
* **Watch Closely:** Vienna sausages cook quickly on the grill, so watch them closely to prevent burning.
* **Grill Marks:** For attractive grill marks, rotate the sausages 45 degrees halfway through cooking each side.
* **Skewers (Optional):** Thread the sausages onto skewers for easier grilling and serving.
### 5. Air Frying: Crispy Without the Oil
Air frying offers a healthier alternative to pan-frying, providing a crispy texture with minimal oil.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained
* Cooking spray (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:** Place the Vienna sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness (optional).
3. **Air Fry:** Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausages are heated through and golden brown.
4. **Remove and Serve:** Remove the sausages from the air fryer and serve immediately.
**Tips for Air Frying Vienna Sausages:**
* **Single Layer:** Ensure the sausages are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
* **No Overcrowding:** Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the sausages from crisping up properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Shake the Basket:** Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
## Recipe Ideas: Beyond the Basics
Now that you know how to cook Vienna sausages using various methods, let’s explore some exciting recipe ideas to elevate your culinary creations:
### 1. Vienna Sausage Corn Dogs:
A fun and easy twist on a classic fair food.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained and patted dry
* Corn dog batter (store-bought or homemade)
* Wooden skewers
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Sausages:** Insert a wooden skewer into each Vienna sausage.
2. **Coat in Batter:** Dip each sausage into the corn dog batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. **Fry:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the battered sausages into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the corn dogs from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Serve immediately with your favorite condiments.
### 2. Vienna Sausage Fried Rice:
Add a savory kick to your fried rice with Vienna sausages.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained and sliced
* 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Sausages:** Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Vienna sausages and cook until lightly browned.
2. **Add Vegetables:** Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
3. **Scramble the Egg:** Push the sausages and vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten egg into the empty space and scramble until cooked through.
4. **Add Rice:** Add the cooked rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
5. **Season:** Add soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another minute to combine all ingredients.
6. **Serve:** Serve hot.
### 3. Vienna Sausage Mac and Cheese:
An easy and comforting meal that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained and sliced
* 1 box (7.25 ounces) macaroni and cheese mix
* 1/4 cup milk (or as directed on the box)
* 2 tablespoons butter (or as directed on the box)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook Macaroni:** Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the package directions, using milk and butter as indicated.
2. **Add Sausages:** Stir in the sliced Vienna sausages into the cooked macaroni and cheese.
3. **Heat Through:** Heat through for another minute or two, until the sausages are heated through.
4. **Serve:** Serve hot.
### 4. Vienna Sausage Breakfast Scramble:
A protein-packed breakfast to start your day.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained and sliced
* 2 eggs
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream
* 1 tablespoon butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: shredded cheese, chopped vegetables (onions, peppers)
**Instructions:**
1. **Whisk Eggs:** In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
2. **Sauté Sausages:** Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Vienna sausages and cook until lightly browned.
3. **Add Vegetables (Optional):** If using, add chopped vegetables to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. **Pour in Eggs:** Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set but still slightly moist.
5. **Add Cheese (Optional):** Sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired, and cook until melted.
6. **Serve:** Serve hot with toast or your favorite breakfast sides.
### 5. Vienna Sausage Skewers with BBQ Sauce:
A simple and flavorful appetizer or snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can of Vienna sausages, drained
* BBQ sauce
* Wooden skewers
**Instructions:**
1. **Thread Sausages:** Thread the Vienna sausages onto wooden skewers.
2. **Brush with BBQ Sauce:** Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce, coating them evenly.
3. **Grill or Bake:** Grill the skewers over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and the BBQ sauce is caramelized. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
4. **Serve:** Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
## Storage Tips:
* **Unopened Can:** Store unopened cans of Vienna sausages in a cool, dry place. They have a long shelf life.
* **Opened Can:** Once opened, transfer any uneaten sausages to an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 2-3 days.
* **Cooked Sausages:** Cooked Vienna sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
## Nutritional Information:
Vienna sausages are a source of protein and contain some essential nutrients. However, they are also relatively high in sodium and fat. Be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
## Conclusion:
Vienna sausages are a convenient and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From simple pan-frying to creative recipes, there’s no limit to what you can create with these little sausages. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or snack, reach for a can of Vienna sausages and let your culinary imagination run wild!
