Perfectly grilled golden-brown sausage links on a barbecue grill

Tender & Juicy Grilled Sausage Links

Tender & Juicy Grilled Sausage Links
easystar
20 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories400kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat35gram

Protein15gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Sausage links (pork, beef, or chicken - choose fresh and preferably casings intact)8 piece
  • Vegetable oil (for brushing, prevents sticking and helps crispiness)1 tbsp

Grilling sausage links to juicy perfection is easier than you might think! This recipe guides you through the process to achieve tender, flavorful sausages with a crisp exterior. You'll learn how to grill safely, ensuring the sausages reach the recommended internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork or beef sausages, or 165°F (74°C) for poultry sausages. The total ingredient cost is approximately $8 USD / 7.50 EUR / 6.50 GBP / 650 INR. The dish yields 4 servings, totals about 400 kcal per serving, and is an easy recipe taking less than 30 minutes. This recipe suits most diets except vegan or vegetarian. We also provide variations and handy tips for the best grilling experience!

Preparation instructions

Preheat the Grill

1Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). A medium heat is essential for cooking sausages evenly without burning them.

Prepare the Sausages

2Pat the sausage links dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly brush the sausages all over with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Place Sausages on Grill

3Arrange the sausage links on the grill over indirect heat if possible. This avoids direct flames that can burn the exterior before the inside is cooked.

Grill Slowly and Turn Often

4Cook the sausages for about 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides, keeping them tender.

Check Internal Temperature

5Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature. Pork and beef sausages should reach 160°F (71°C), poultry sausages 165°F (74°C). This ensures food safety by killing harmful bacteria.

Rest and Serve

6Remove sausages from the grill and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Resting helps juices redistribute for a tender and juicy bite.

Cooking Tips

-Avoid piercing the sausages with a fork during grilling to keep the juices inside and retain tenderness.

-If you have time, you can simmer sausages in beer or broth for 10 minutes before grilling to add flavor and ensure tenderness.

-Use a meat thermometer for safe cooking and perfect texture—don’t guess!

-Clean your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and flare-ups.

Equipment Needed

  • Grill (charcoal or gas)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Brush for oil
  • Plate or tray for resting sausages

Shopping List

  • [ ] Sausage links (8 pieces) – $6.00: Choose fresh sausages with natural casings for better texture and flavor.
  • [ ] Vegetable oil (small bottle) – $2.00: Use neutral oil for brushing to prevent sticking.

Total Approximate Cost: $8.00

FAQ

Can I grill frozen sausage links?

It's best to thaw sausages completely before grilling to ensure even cooking. Grilling frozen sausages can result in a burnt outside and undercooked inside.

How do I avoid sausages bursting while grilling?

Cook sausages over medium heat and turn frequently. Avoid piercing the casing to keep juices inside and prevent bursting.

Can I cook sausages on a stovetop instead of a grill?

Yes! You can pan-fry sausages over medium heat, turning frequently, cooking for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.