How to Cook Sausage in the Instant Pot?
Cooking sausage in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly cooked sausage every time. The process involves adding water or broth to the Instant Pot, placing the sausage on a trivet, and pressure cooking for a short duration, typically resulting in juicy, delicious, and evenly cooked sausage ready to eat or incorporate into other dishes.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Sausage?
The Instant Pot offers several advantages when it comes to cooking sausage compared to traditional methods. It provides a hands-off approach, requiring minimal monitoring, and consistently delivers uniformly cooked results. The moist cooking environment ensures the sausage remains juicy and avoids the dryness often associated with pan-frying or baking. Furthermore, the Instant Pot’s speed significantly reduces cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Types of Sausage Suitable for the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is versatile and can accommodate a wide variety of sausage types, including:
- Fresh Sausage: Italian sausage, bratwurst, chorizo, breakfast sausage. Requires careful monitoring to ensure proper cooking.
- Pre-Cooked Sausage: Smoked sausage, kielbasa, hot dogs. Primarily for warming and adding a smoky flavor.
- Chicken or Turkey Sausage: A leaner alternative that cooks equally well.
- Plant-Based Sausage: Many brands can be cooked in the Instant Pot with similar results.
The Basic Instant Pot Sausage Cooking Process
Here’s a simple guide to cooking sausage in your Instant Pot:
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of water or broth to the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Place the Sausage: Arrange the sausage on a trivet inside the pot. This prevents the sausage from sitting directly in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the Sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook setting (high pressure) and set the cooking time.
- Fresh Sausage: 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Pre-Cooked Sausage: 2-5 minutes (primarily to warm through).
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes, then perform a quick release to vent any remaining steam.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of fresh sausage reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Optional: Sear for Added Flavor: For a browned and crispy exterior, remove the sausage from the Instant Pot and sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes per side.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Several factors influence the optimal cooking time for sausage in the Instant Pot:
- Sausage Thickness: Thicker sausages require longer cooking times.
- Sausage Type: Fresh sausage needs more time than pre-cooked sausage.
- Instant Pot Model: Different models may have slight variations in cooking power.
- Desired Level of Doneness: Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While cooking sausage in the Instant Pot is relatively straightforward, some common mistakes can impact the results:
- Overcooking: Overcooked sausage can become dry and rubbery. Start with the minimum recommended cooking time and increase as needed.
- Under-cooking: Under-cooked sausage poses a food safety risk. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Forgetting the Liquid: Insufficient liquid can trigger the Burn warning. Always add at least 1 cup of water or broth.
- Skipping the Trivet: Placing the sausage directly in the liquid can result in a soggy texture. The trivet helps to elevate the sausage and promote even cooking.
- Performing Quick Release Immediately: For fresh sausage, a partial natural pressure release helps to retain moisture and prevent the sausage from bursting.
Adding Flavor to Instant Pot Sausage
Enhance the flavor of your Instant Pot sausage by:
- Using Broth Instead of Water: Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth can add depth of flavor.
- Adding Aromatics: Onions, garlic, herbs, and spices can be added to the Instant Pot for infused flavor.
- Browning Before Pressure Cooking: Searing the sausage before pressure cooking adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Using Different Types of Sausages: Combining different sausage types (e.g., Italian and chorizo) can create a more complex flavor profile.
Sausage Cooking Time Table
| Sausage Type | Thickness | Pressure Cook Time | Natural Pressure Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Italian | Medium (1 inch) | 10 minutes | 5 minutes | Check internal temperature. Sear after if desired. |
| Bratwurst | Medium (1 inch) | 12 minutes | 5 minutes | Check internal temperature. Sear after if desired. |
| Smoked Sausage | Thick (1.5 inch) | 5 minutes | 0 minutes | Primarily for heating through. |
| Chicken Sausage | Medium (1 inch) | 8 minutes | 5 minutes | Check internal temperature. Sear after if desired. |
| Plant-Based Sausage | Medium (1 inch) | 6 minutes | 3 minutes | Follow packaging recommendations and ensure proper texture and temperature. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cook frozen sausage in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen sausage in the Instant Pot, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. Frozen sausages also benefit from a longer natural pressure release to ensure even cooking.
What happens if I get the ‘Burn’ warning?
The Burn warning indicates that the Instant Pot is overheating. Immediately turn off the Instant Pot, release the pressure manually, and carefully remove the inner pot. Add more liquid to the pot, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom, and then restart the cooking process.
How do I prevent the sausage from bursting?
To prevent sausage from bursting, avoid overfilling the Instant Pot, allow for a natural pressure release of at least 5 minutes, and avoid piercing the sausage casing before cooking.
Can I cook sausage and vegetables together in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook sausage and vegetables together. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pot along with the sausage. Softer vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers should be added later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked sausage?
The ideal internal temperature for cooked fresh sausage is 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausage reaches this temperature before serving.
Can I add beer to the Instant Pot when cooking bratwurst?
Yes, adding beer to the Instant Pot when cooking bratwurst can enhance the flavor. Substitute half of the water or broth with beer for a more flavorful and aromatic result.
How do I store leftover cooked sausage?
Store leftover cooked sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked sausage for longer storage.
Can I use the Instant Pot to cook sausage gravy?
While you can’t make a roux-based gravy in the Instant Pot (it won’t brown properly), you can cook the sausage and then thicken the liquid with a cornstarch slurry after the pressure cooking is complete. Use the Sauté function for this.
Is it necessary to sear the sausage after pressure cooking?
Searing the sausage after pressure cooking is not necessary but recommended for added flavor and visual appeal. It creates a browned and crispy exterior that complements the juicy interior.
What’s the best way to clean my Instant Pot after cooking sausage?
After cooking sausage, wash the inner pot, trivet, and lid with soap and water. You can also use the Steam function to loosen any stuck-on food.
Can I use the Instant Pot to cook breakfast sausage patties?
Yes, you can cook breakfast sausage patties in the Instant Pot using the Pot-in-Pot method to prevent them from becoming soggy. Place the patties on a trivet inside a separate heat-safe dish within the Instant Pot.
Does the altitude affect the cooking time for sausage in the Instant Pot?
Yes, altitude can affect the cooking time. At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, which can require slightly longer cooking times. Increase the cooking time by 5-10% if you live at a high altitude.