Can you cook sausages in the microwave?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can you cook sausages in a microwave” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can cook sausages in the microwave. Moreover, we are going to highlight the measures one should take into consideration while using this method.
Can you cook sausages in the microwave?
Yes, you can easily cook sausages in the microwave.
How to cook sausages in the microwave?
- Before cooking sausages in the microwave, make sure that it is thawed completely.
- Place the sausages in a microwave-safe container.
- Cover the sausages with a microwave-safe container lid or oven cooking bag and place the bowl in the microwave.
- Turn on the microwave and set it on high power. Cook the sausages for at least 1 ½ minutes.
- After 1 ½ minutes, turn the side of the sausages and cook them for another 1 ½ minutes.
- Now, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages (check at the thickest parts) which should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is not enough, cook the sausages for one more minute or until desired internal temperature is obtained.
- Take out the dish from the microwave and serve.
Find out How to cook Italian sausage in the microwave.
The time it takes to cook sausages in the microwave
| Sausage type | Quantity | Total cooking time at high power |
| Standard pork or beef sausages (weighing approx. 50 grams) | 842 | 5 minutes4 minutes2 minutes 30 seconds |
| Chipolata sausage (weighing approx. 25 grams) | 842 | 2 minutes 30 seconds1 minute 45 seconds1 minute 15 seconds |
How does the microwave heat food?
The microwave warms the food by using radiation. The radiation increases the kinetic energy of the food molecules and as a result of the movement of these molecules, the food warms.
Now when the energy level of the water molecules present in the food increases, they turn into steam. This condensed steam can resultantly make the food chewy or dry.
Measures to be considered
Safety:
Food items contain different microorganisms naturally that can cause diseases in humans when ingested. The best way to get rid of these small entities is to heat the food to a temperature that can kill the microorganisms and reduce their levels in food.
The internal temperature considered safe for sausages is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, one should be careful in treating the sausages with heat and ensure that the internal temperature should reach a safe level.
Cold spots:
Due to the uneven distribution of heat within the microwave ovens, some parts of the food material placed inside, such as sausages, may not be able to get heated at an internal temperature that is considered safe and forms cold spots.
These cold spots may contain microorganisms due to insufficient heat for killing them as well as may impart spoiled flavor to the overall product. The only solution is to cover the food placed in the microwave with a microwave-safe lid so that heat may remain intact in the container for some time and cook all the parts of the food and stir or flip your food at regular time intervals for even heat distribution throughout the food.
Harmful radiations:
Some people might also think that microwaves emit harmful radiation that may cause diseases. This is completely wrong. Microwave ovens produce electromagnetic radiation that is considered harmful but the internal manufactured structure of the microscope does not allow these rays to damage the food.
Furthermore, these rays also cannot come out of the oven due to the metal sheets and metal screens over the window.
It is worth mentioning that microwaved sausages should not be consumed right after removing from the oven as radiation may take time to be reduced. Let it stand for about 2-3 minutes.
The nutritional content of microwaved foods:
Heating is involved in almost every cooking method that can affect the nutritional content of the food to different extents. Another factor contributing to this is the cooking time. In the case of microwave cooking, it cooks the food for only a short period.
Additionally, boiling is not involved in this method that may seep out the nutrients from the sausages. Therefore, microwaves are thought to be effective in maintaining the nutritional value of sausages.
You can read about different types of sausage here.
Burning of sausages:
The temperature should also be controlled in terms of excessive heat treatment as overheating can burn the food contents inside the microwaves. Moreover, the temperature in the microwave rises quickly as compared to that of the stove, so one should be cautious while cooking the sausages in the microwave.
Cooking time variations with regard to power:
Microwave ovens may vary in terms of power and the food in the microwave with less power should be heated for a bit longer as compared to the food heated in the microwave with greater power. The only solution is to check the safe internal cooking temperature while cooking the sausages in the microwave oven.
Reheating of sausages:
Reheating multiple times in a microwave oven may affect the flavors and aromas of the sausages. Therefore, one should avoid reheating as it may reduce the overall appeal and acceptability of the product.
Other FAQs about Sausages that you may be interested in.
How to cook frankfurters in the microwave?
Can you cook sausages from frozen?
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question “can you cook sausages in a microwave” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can cook sausages in the microwave. Moreover, we highlighted the measures one should take into consideration while using this method.
