Learning how to pan-fry Italian sausage is incredibly simple, quick, and easy, and tastes absolutely amazing! It's a great way to mix up your standard protein options, and your entire family will enjoy these sausages! Not to mention, they only take about 20 minutes to make!
How To Cook Italian Sausage In A Skillet
Italian sausage can easily be made on the stovetop in a matter of minutes. It's the perfect dish for those busy weeknights, and even your kids will love it! Here's everything you need to know about pan-frying Italian sausages.
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Check out my guide on how to cook Italian sausage for some more methods, as well as my collection of delicious Italian sausage recipes!
🤔 What Is Italian Sausage
In America, Italian sausage is a variety of pork-based sausage that is often seasoned using fennel or anise. You can find these sausages in supermarkets that are marketed as either hot, sweet, or mild.
The hot variety adds red pepper flakes to the seasonings, while the sweet ones may incorporate sweet basil.
🥘 Ingredients For Pan-Frying Italian Sausage
All you really need is some sausage links and water. However, you can use beer for extra flavor or add peppers and onions!
- Italian Sausage Links - Of course, you'll need some Italian sausage! You can prepare as many links as you like, but you'll want to avoid overcrowding your pan. So, use a large enough pan or cook your sausages in batches.
- Water (or beer) - You'll need enough water to fill your skillet up approximately ½-inch deep. You could also use beer; use the same amount as water. I recommend using a light beer, like a lager or a pilsner, but you could use whatever you like best.
- Optional Ingredients - While you can certainly enjoy your sausages on their own, you could also add in some other tasty ingredients! Bell peppers and onions are a classic (and delicious) option.
🔪 How To Pan-Fry Italian Sausage
Before getting started, make sure your sausages are completely thawed if you have them in the freezer. Go ahead and slice your onions and peppers if you are wanting to add those, too!
- Add. Place your sausage links into a large skillet and add ½-inch of water or light beer.
- Heat. Bring the liquid to a simmer and then place the lid on the skillet.
- Simmer. Simmer your sausages for about 12 minutes, and then remove the lid of the pan. Continue to cook your sausages, rotating them occasionally so that the outsides brown evenly. All of the liquid should evaporate as well.
- Continue if desired. At this point, you can either serve your cooked sausages or place them on a plate while you continue with adding some sliced peppers and onions.
- Add. Add your peppers and onions to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring as needed, until they have softened.
- Warm. Return the sausages to the pan and stir until everything is hot.
- Serve. Serve immediately.
🍴 What To Serve With Italian Sausage
You can eat your sausages on a bun or serve them alongside some zucchini and squash casserole or oven-roasted potatoes.
Take a look at my post on what to serve with Italian sausage for more ideas! Enjoy!
💭 Tips For Cooking Italian Sausage
- Some people prefer to sear their sausages first and then simmer them, while others like to simmer them and then sear them (as I do). I have found that simmering them first helps to prevent them from drying out during cooking, but it is entirely up to you!
- You do not need to pierce the skin of your sausages before cooking them!
- Your Italian sausages are done cooking when their internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
Following this method (simmering and then searing), you do not need to use any oil. If you want to sear your Italian sausages before simmering them, you can use a small amount of extra virgin olive oil.
The best, most accurate way of knowing when your sausages are done (and to avoid overcooking them), you should always use a meat thermometer. They are ready to go when the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C).
Now that you know how to pan-fry Italian sausages, you can enjoy this simple meal whenever you like! Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think!
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📖 Recipe Card
How To Pan Fry Italian Sausage: Pan-Fried Italian Sausage (+More Recipes!)
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausage links
- water (or light beer)
- 1 small onion (optional, sliced)
- 1 medium bell pepper (optional, sliced)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Place your 4 Italian sausage links into a large skillet and then add ½-inch of water.
- Bring the water to a simmer and then place the lid onto the skillet.
- Simmer for 12 minutes and then remove the lid. Continue to cook, rotating the sausages occasionally so that they brown evenly.
- Once the water has evaporated and the sausages are browned, remove them from the skillet and serve immediately or continue to add peppers and onions.
- Optional: After removing the sausages, place the 1 small onion and 1 medium bell pepper into the same skillet, over medium-high heat.
- Optional: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender. Return the sausages to the skillet and toss until warm. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You do not need to pierce the skin before cooking your sausages. This will actually cause the juices to run out during cooking.
- Italian sausages are a ground pork product, so their internal temperature needs to reach 160°F (71° C) to be considered safe to eat.
- Avoid overcooking your sausages as it will cause them to dry out. Use the water to properly cook them and then sear them in the pan to help them brown.
- For delicious beer-braised sausages, onions, and peppers: Sear your Italian sausages in a dry skillet until browned (but still not cooked all the way), then set them aside. Add one 12-ounce bottle of your preferred beer to deglaze the pan, and then add sliced onions and peppers. Simmer the mixture until the vegetables have softened, then slice your Italian sausages and return them to the skillet. Place the lid on the skillet and simmer until the sausages are fully cooked.
- To store: Keep any leftover sausages stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- To reheat: You can reheat your Italian sausages either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Good says
You put water cover them the water will dry out and then turn them and turn them until you get them to color you want and they'll be well done