Grilled Vienna sausages whole on a grill with char marks

Quick and Easy Grilled Vienna Sausage

Quick and Easy Grilled Vienna Sausage
easystar
6 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories180kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat15gram

Protein6gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Vienna sausages (canned, whole)4 pieces
  • Olive oil (for brushing)1 tbsp
  • Black pepper (ground, optional)to taste n/a
  • Mustard or ketchup (for serving, optional)to taste n/a

This quick and easy grilled Vienna sausage recipe is perfect for home cooks looking for a simple, flavorful snack or meal addition. Grilling enhances the smoky flavor and gives a delightful char while keeping the sausage juicy. Featuring minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and food safety tips ensuring the sausages are delicious and safe to eat. Estimated cost of ingredients is approximately $3-5 / €3-4 / £2.5-3.5 / ₹220-400, with a total caloric content around 150-200 kcal per serving. This recipe is beginner-friendly, requires basic cooking skills and standard kitchen equipment, making it accessible for everyday cooking. Total cooking time is about 10 minutes with a low difficulty level.

Preparation instructions

Preheat the grill

1Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350-400°F (175-200°C). This prepares the grill for even cooking and prevents sausages from sticking.

Prepare the sausages

2Open the can of Vienna sausages and drain all liquid. Pat the sausages dry with paper towels to remove moisture; this helps achieve a nice grilled texture.

Brush with olive oil

3Lightly brush the sausages with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance grilling. Optionally, sprinkle with some black pepper for extra flavor.

Grill the sausages

4Place the sausages whole on the grill grates. Grill for about 4-6 minutes, turning every 1-2 minutes to get an even char and heat through.

Check internal temperature

5Using a food-safe thermometer, check the internal temperature of the sausages. They should reach an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure safety, as recommended for pre-cooked sausages.

Serve and enjoy

6Once cooked through with a slight char, remove from grill and serve immediately with your favorite condiments like mustard or ketchup.

Cooking Tips

-Use tongs to turn sausages gently to avoid breaking the casing.

-If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler with similar timing and method.

-Do not reuse any utensils that have touched raw meat without washing to avoid cross-contamination.

-Always check the canned Vienna sausages expiration date before use.

Equipment Needed

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Tongs
  • Food thermometer (for safe internal temperature check)
  • Brush for oil
  • Paper towels

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] Vienna sausages (canned, whole) - ~$2-3 per can. Choose brands with simple ingredients. Check the expiry date.
  • [ ] Olive oil - ~$5 for a bottle; a small quantity is needed for this recipe.
  • [ ] Black pepper (optional) - ~$1-2 for a jar.
  • [ ] Mustard or ketchup (optional) - ~$2-3 for a bottle.

Total approximate cost: $3-5

Tip: Select Vienna sausages in sealed cans without dents or leaks, which indicates freshness and safety.

FAQ

Can I grill Vienna sausages without opening the can?

No, you should always remove the Vienna sausages from the can and drain the liquid before grilling to avoid any metal taste and for better grilling results.

Do Vienna sausages need to be fully cooked on the grill?

Most Vienna sausages are pre-cooked, but grilling ensures they are heated through and safe to eat. Always check for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to be safe.

Can I use other types of sausages for this grilling method?

Yes, this grilling method works well for other pre-cooked sausages, such as hot dogs or frankfurters, just adjust grilling time accordingly.

What should I do if I don't have a food thermometer?

If you don't have a thermometer, grill sausages for about 6 minutes total, turning regularly until they are evenly heated and have nice grill marks. However, investing in a food thermometer is highly recommended for safety.