Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take To Cook Deer Sausage?
Deer sausage can be made 5 different ways and requires different cooking times, depending on the approach. Grilling takes 10-15 minutes and pan-frying, 15 minutes. Oven roasting and boiling require a little more time, approximately 30 minutes. Finally, you can also smoke your sausages, which takes the longest: about 2 hours.
Deer meat, or what is more commonly referred to as “venison meat,” is one of those dishes that many are hesitant to eat but are always pleasantly surprised when they do.
If you’re from the countryside in many parts of North America, you may be more familiar with this meat.
Deer meat plays a significant role in hunting culture (if you know, you know), so following the end of the season, there’s plenty to go around for everyone.
Unlike most meat you’re used to eating, such as beef or pork, deer meat is taken from a wild animal. This gives it a distinctive texture and flavor from the more common domesticated mammals.
Because of the diet of a deer when it is alive, venison typically possesses a more earthy taste (think acorns and herbs).
Many people try to compare deer to beef, but this is a mistake, as venison is significantly more firm and smooth than cow meat and slightly less juicy.
In addition, venison contains a lower fat content than beef (on average, 50% less) but is still super high in protein, making it a healthier alternative for those on diets or those wanting to build lean muscle.
When it comes to eating venison, one of our favorites has to be deer sausages. Deer sausages are not only delicious in flavor but are highly versatile and can be prepared 5 different ways.
Regardless of what kitchen equipment you have at home, with this dish, there’s a method for everyone.
If you’re ready to take the leap and try out venison for the first time, or simply want to perfect your deer sausage-making skills, make sure to check out the rest of this article.
With step-by-step instructions as well as a variety of tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Grilled?
Ahhhh, grilling season. Is there really a better time of year?
Grilling your deer sausages is super easy and will provide your venison with a delicious smoky flavor.
And while you’re at it, why not kill two birds with one stone and throw on some veggies as well?
Pro Tips
- In the case that you have a gas or electric grill, adjust the heat setting to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
- If you have a charcoal grill, light the fire and allow it to heat up until your hand is able to hover comfortably over the grate for 6 seconds.
- Greasing the gates is vital so that the sausages don’t stick to the grill.
- The grill will be hot, so make sure you use tongs when placing the sausages on the grill.
- If you are using a charcoal grill, ensure you arrange the venison beside the fire and not directly on it (to prevent overcooking or burning the sausages).
- Make sure the sausages are arranged in a way that they are not touching (so that they can all be heated through evenly).
- It’s important you continuously flip the venison so that it doesn’t burn (if you notice any blackening turn them more often).
- The total cooking time will vary depending on how large your sausages are and how many you are cooking at once.
- A good way of knowing your venison is done is by checking whether or not they are firm. If you touch them and they are, this is a sign of readiness. In addition, they will be a deep or golden brown shade.
- If you have a meat thermometer on hand, a foolproof way of knowing when your venison is ready to eat is by sticking the thermometer into the thickest part of one of the sausages and when the internal temperature reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), it’s done.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Pan-Fried?
Pan-frying your deer sausages is another great way to cook them not only because of how simple it is but also because of the delicious crispy, golden brown skin it creates.
This method takes less than 15 minutes and only requires a skillet, butter or oil and of course, your venison.
Pro Tips
- A non-stick, stainless steel skillet works best for this method.
- Ensuring your sausages are coated in oil will help prevent them from sticking.
- It’s important you continuously flip the venison so that it doesn’t burn (if you notice any blackening turn them more often).
- Adding onion and/or garlic is totally optional (however to really boost the flavors in the sausages, we highly recommend it).
- The total cooking time will vary depending on how large your sausages are and how many you are cooking at once.
- A good way of knowing your venison is done is by checking whether or not they are firm. If you touch them and they are, this is a sign of readiness. In addition, they will be a deep or golden brown shade.
- If you have a meat thermometer on hand, a foolproof way of knowing when your venison is ready to eat is by sticking the thermometer into the thickest part of one of the sausages and when the internal temperature reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), it’s done.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Oven-Roasted?
Opting for the oven method is great for nights when you need to get multiple things checked off your to-do list at once.
This approach takes 30 minutes and although it requires a longer cooking period, it can be preferable to others as it doesn’t necessitate any “standing around or attentive watching.”
Simply throw the venison into the oven and let the magic happen!
Oh yeah, and if you’re a fan of one-sheet meals, this is definitely your go-to.
Pro Tips
- Make sure you don’t go any higher than 350, as this might cause the casings on the sausages to break open.
- If you’re opting for veggies, we highly recommend onions and bell peppers. For the full picture, add some baby potatoes too!
- Adding butter is not necessary, but it will help the sausages to retain their flavor while cooking.
- Make sure the sausages are arranged in the pan in a way that they are not touching (so that they can all be heated through evenly).
- The total cooking time will vary depending on how large your sausages are and how many you are cooking at once.
- A good way of knowing your venison is done is by checking whether or not they are firm. If you touch them and they are, this is a sign of readiness. In addition, they will be a deep or golden brown shade.
- If you have a meat thermometer on hand, a foolproof way of knowing when your venison is ready to eat is by sticking the thermometer into the thickest part of one of the sausages and when the internal temperature reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), it’s done.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Boiled?
If you’re eating venison for its health benefits, then you’ll definitely want to boil them.
Boiling deer sausages doesn’t require the use of any extra fats, making it perfect for those of us wanting a leaner option.
Plus, it takes just 20 minutes to cook.
Keep in mind that this method won’t give you that crispy exterior that the other approaches provide.
Nevertheless, with the right sauces, they can be equally as delicious.
Pro Tips
- If you desire that crispy skin, you can sear your sausages in a pan first (with no added fats- the grease from the sausages will do the trick and will make your venison even more crispy).
- For an easier cleanup, after searing, poke holes into the sausages, add 1 cup of water to the pan and put the lid on.
- The total cooking time will vary depending on how large your sausages are and how many you are cooking at once.
- If you have a meat thermometer on hand, a foolproof way of knowing when your venison is ready to eat is by sticking the thermometer into the thickest part of one of the sausages and when the internal temperature reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), it’s done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Smoke Deer Sausages?
Yes, venison sausages can be smoked, however it does require a lengthy cooking period, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve reserved enough time.
Here’s how to do it
- Set the smoker to a medium-high temperature
- Arrange the sausages in the smoker
- Cook for 2 ½ minutes
- Flip The sausages
- Cook for an additional 2 ½ minutes
- Reduce the heat (to around 160 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Close the smoker and allow the venison to cook for approximately 2 hours
How Can You Make Deer Sausages Crispy?
The best way to make your sausages crispy is either grilling, pan-frying or oven-roasting them. Each of these methods will give the skin of the venison a delicious crunch you won’t be able to resist.
For more information on how to complete these methods, make sure to check out the rest of this article.
Is Deer Sausage Good For You?
Yes! Deer sausage is low in fat content (50% less than beef) and is, therefore, a leaner alternative to a lot of other meats.
In addition, it is high in protein, vitamins and minerals and is low in sodium as well as carbohydrate-free.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Grilled?
Deer sausages are placed on the grill for 10-20 minutes, or until golden brown, ensuring they are flipped every 3 minutes
Materials
- Deer sausages
- Olive oil
Tools
- Grill
- Brush
- Tongs
Instructions
- Adjust the heat setting on your grill to medium
- Using a brush, grease the grill gates with olive oil
- Using tongs, set your sausages onto the grill
- Again, using your tongs, flip the venison every 2-3 minutes
- Allow your sausages to cook for 10-20 minutes or until they are deep or golden brown
- When done, remove sausages from the grill using tongs and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Pan-Fried?
Sausages are placed in a preheated, greased pan on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown, ensuring they are flipped every 2-3 minutes.
Materials
- Deer sausages
- Olive oil/butter
- Onions/garlic (optional)
Tools
- Skillet
- Tongs
Instructions
- Adjust the temperature on your stovetop to medium heat
- Retrieve a skillet and place it on the heat
- Allow the skillet to warm up for 15 minutes
- Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of oil to the pan and spread it evenly throughout
- Wait until the oil begins to sizzle
- Arrange the sausages in the pan, ensuring they are sufficiently coated in oil
- Using your tongs, flip the venison every 2-3 minutes
- If desired, add some sliced onions or minced garlic for flavor!
- Allow the sausages to cook for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown
- Make sure to also flip the onions so that they do not stick
- When done, remove sausages from the skillet using tongs and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Oven-Roasted?
Sausages are placed in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes on each side.
Materials
- Sausages
- Cooking spray/olive oil
- Veggies (optional)
- Butter
Tools
- Pan
- Tongs
Instructions
- Set your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Retrieve a pan and either spray it with cooking spray or grease it with olive oil
- If desired, chop your veggies and spread them out on the pan
- Melt a small cube of butter in the microwave
- Using the brush, spread the butter on the entire surface of the sausages
- Place your venison in the pan
- Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack
- Allow the sausages to cook for 15 minutes
- Remove the pan and flip the sausages over with the tongs (do the same to the veggies if using them)
- Cook the sausages for another 15 minutes
- When done, remove sausages from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
How Long To Cook Deer Sausages: Boiled?
Sausages are boiled in water on the stovetop and then simmered for 20 minutes.
Materials
- Deer sausages
- Water
Tools
- Pot
- Tongs
Instructions
- Poke a few small holes into your sausages
- Place them into the bottom of a pot
- Fill the pot with water and place it on medium heat on the stove
- Bring the water to a boil
- Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes
- Remove the sausages using tongs
- Allow to cool for a couple of minutes
- Serve and enjoy!
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
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