Healthy Grilled Vienna Sausages: Quick & Tasty Whole
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat18gram
Protein8gram
Ingredients
- Vienna sausages (look for low sodium, natural casing if possible)8 pieces
- Olive oil (preferably extra virgin for flavor and health benefits)1 tbsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground for best taste)to taste n/a
- Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish1 tbsp
This healthy grilled Vienna sausage recipe is perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. By grilling whole Vienna sausages, you retain their juiciness and enhance their smoky flavor. This recipe is budget-friendly and uses common ingredients you can find at your local supermarket. The cooking process is simple and beginner-friendly, taking under 15 minutes total. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $3 USD, €2.70, £2.30, or ₹220. Each serving contains about 220 kcal, making it a light and tasty option. The recipe is easy in complexity and includes food safety measures to ensure your sausages are perfectly cooked and safe to enjoy.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the Grill
1Preheat your outdoor or indoor grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F (175°C). Preheating helps to get a nice sear and even cooking.
Prepare the Sausages
2Pat the Vienna sausages dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush each sausage lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
Place Sausages on Grill
3Arrange the Vienna sausages whole directly on the grill grates. Space them evenly to ensure they heat uniformly.
Grill Sausages
4Grill the sausages for about 5-7 minutes, turning every 2 minutes to get even grill marks and prevent burning. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your grill.
Check Internal Temperature
5Use a food-safe instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe internal cooking temperature for pre-cooked Vienna sausages is 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are heated thoroughly for safety and taste.
Remove and Serve
6Once sausages reach 165°F (74°C), remove them from the grill and let them rest for 1-2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and platters for raw and cooked sausages.
-If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even a non-stick skillet works well for cooking Vienna sausages.
-To add flavor, consider brushing sausages with a little mustard or BBQ sauce halfway through grilling.
-Always use an instant-read thermometer to check final temperatures for food safety.
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Instant-read food thermometer
- Brush for oil
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Vienna sausages (8 pieces) - approx. $2.00 / €1.80 / £1.60 / ₹150. Choose sausages labeled low-sodium or natural casing for healthier and better texture.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle if not already on hand) - approx. $1.00 / €0.90 / £0.85 / ₹70. Look for extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) - approx. $0.50 / €0.40 / £0.30 / ₹20. Choose bright green, fragrant herbs for garnishing.
Total Approximate Cost: $3.50 / €2.70 / £2.30 / ₹220
FAQ
Can I grill frozen Vienna sausages?
It's best to thaw Vienna sausages before grilling to ensure even heating and to prevent overcooking the exterior.
How do I know when the Vienna sausages are done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can I use a microwave instead of a grill?
Yes, but grilling adds a smoky flavor and crisp texture. The microwave will heat the sausage but won’t give the same grilled results.
Is it necessary to use oil on the sausages before grilling?
Brushing with a small amount of oil helps prevent sticking and promotes better browning, but it's optional.
How should I store leftover grilled Vienna sausages?
Cool them to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.