5 Easy Steps to Cure Sausage for Smoking? , Nov(2023)

Before diving into how to cure sausage for smoking , there are few things that might give you more insight about the curing process.

I have discussed here about things to know before curing sausages, different casings, different salts, steps to cure etc in detail.

I have tried to put as much as information to help you. Hope it helps..

Let’s dive in…,

Recommended Reading : How to smoke a turkey in an electric smoker ?

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#1 Things to Know before Curing Sausages

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1.1 Sausage Casings

When I prepare my sausage mix, I always remember that it needs a good casing.

These casings, known as sausage casings, are crucial for the final product.

It’s important to choose the right type of casing for your specific sausage-making needs.

1.2 Types of Sausage Casings

a) Natural Casings: 

Natural casings are made from a layer of farm animal intestine. These types of sausages are very rich in flavors.

b) Man-Made Casings:

These include synthetic collagen, plastic, or cellulose. Some are inedible but they’re easy to handle and prepare.

Collagen casings vary, with fresh types used for bratwurst and breakfast sausage links, though they’re not ideal for smoking due to their delicate nature.

c) Regional Variations: 

Based on different regions and climate people have come up with multiple versions of their casings for Sausage. For Example they may use plastic wrappers, different foil types etc. Usually these casings are best suited for homes.

To know more about the types of sausage casings, I recommend reading this informative article by spruce eats.

1.3 Types of Cured Sausage

a) Fresh sausages :

By the name itself it tells that these sausages are prepared fresh. 

Because of perishable nature these types of sausages required fast production and distribution. 

Usually the meats used for these types of sausages are pork, beef, veal etc. 

Some people add cereal to the meat and seasoning.  For eg:;  chipolatas, bockwurst. etc..

b) Cooked sausages :

These types of sausages are made by mincing the meats, cooking the minced meat. Then it is stuffed into casings.  

The most common examples are liver sausages, black pudding, Frankfurter Würstchen etc.

The meats used for this type of sausages are beef, veal, ham, tongue, and pork . 

Occasionally a binder is also used..

Binder agents here use items such as bread, rusk, flour, rice, potato flour etc..

c) Dry sausages :

Dry sausages mostly use pork . It is an important part of it. Dry curing is done only after pickling . It is then smoked.

Some of the examples are salami, mortadella (Italian Sausage).

d) Frankfurt sausage :

These sausages are thin parboiled, made of pure pork. 

Parboiled here refers to the partial boiling. 

Frankfurt Sausage gives a juicy bite and incredible texture. 

The casing used for these sausages is the sheep’s intestine. 

These are perfect for grilling and smoking…

e) Chipolata sausages :

This is a type of fresh sausages . Chipolata Sausages are believed to have originated from France. 

f) Salamis :

Salami sausages  are smoked and served as slices in medium sizes .

It is cured and consists of fermented and air-dried meat. 

Most of the time pork is being used to make this type of sausage.

g) Kielbasa(polish) :

This is a U shaped smoked sausage. The meat used are of all kinds.

It closely resembles the Wiejska sausage . 

Most of the time pork is used for Kielbasa sausages. 

h) Andouille(cajune) :

Unlike the normal sausages , Andouille sausages are more chunky. This is due to the chopped pork being used.

This originates from France..

i) Bratwurst(germany) :

Bratwurst sausages are salty and mild. This has more of a gingery flavor. 

j) Italian :

These sausages are mainly seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, fennel seed, and anise seed.

We can have two varieties of it, Hot and Sweet. 

Mostly Pork is used to prepare these sausages.

k) Chorizo(mexican) :

These types of sausages are highly seasoned and chopped. 

Pork and beef are mostly used for these sausages. 

The taste is smokey, spicy and has a deep aroma. 

1.4) Understanding Curing Salts

a) Sodium Nitrate 

Basically this is a chemical used to protect the sausage from bacteria.  

Using this can increase the life of the sausage.

Also it has its own deep taste that adds up to the taste and color of the smoked sausage. 

Nitrates are used only in the preparation of the cured dry style of sausages.

Over a period of time the nitrates are converted into nitrites by endogenous or added bacteria.

b) Sodium Nitrites 

It retards the growth of botulism spores. This is a special kind of bacteria which are responsible for food poisoning. 

Previously sodium nitrate uses were more . However after the entry of nitrites , it has taken over the nitrates.

Since nitrates take a turn after sometime to become nitrites. However with nitrites you can easily skip the stage and prevent the bacteria from harming.

However the choice between using nitrates vs nitrites are still controversial.

c) Pink Curing Salt

Pink curing salt is a special type  of salt which is used for giving a pinkish color to the sausage. This substance also prolongs the life of the sausage. 

This salt is a mixture of sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium nitrite.

1.5) Which curing salt is best/What is the best salt for curing meat?

Nitrate is best for curing sausages for smoking and are widely used. Know more about the difference between sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate. They are not SAME.

1.6) Can you use table salt for curing?

No. Table salt does not contain sodium nitrate . Which is why it can be harmful and can cause food poisoning . Since sodium nitrate helps to preserve the sausage from bacteria while smoking.

1.7) Can you make sausage without nitrates?

Yes, you can use Sodium Nitrite, Pink curing salts to prepare the sausages.

1.8) What are curing salts?

These are simply salts with the power of table salts and sodium nitrite. Sodium nitrite has the ability to retard the growth of a special; bacteria called botulism.

This bacteria can cause food poisoning.  

1.9) How much salt should I use?

You should be using around 1.5 to 2 % of salt in your sausages. Anything beyond this will be more… 

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#2 How to cure sausage for smoking?

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2.1) What are the items required for curing sausage?

• 20 or 40 pound meat mixer gonna help seasoning, cure ,additives, and water with the meat.
• Grinder pro or Butcher series from westin 12 22 or 32

• ⅜ grinder plate , ⅛ grinder plate , 
• Protein extraction
• Sausage Stuffer

• Hog ring
• Humidity meter
• Pure sodium nitrite
• Hook

• Fan & heater

• Humidifier

• Casing

• String
• Elastic Sausage String

• Knife

2.2) Steps to cure sausages

To make Smoked sausages, we need to season, ground and apply low heat in a smoker.  The steps to cure the sausages are given below..

1. Get ready with :

•  casings, ingredients, mixer, and knives.

2. Mixing the sausage:

• Cut the meat into small strips.
• Grind the small stripes of meat twice.
• Season the mixture with the ingredients in the mixture or with the hand.

3. Stuffing:

• Put the mixed stuffed into the stuffer or to the pot.
• Load the casing now.
• Keep the product overnight in the refrigerator for curing. If  the meat size is big enough, keep it for about 72 hrs.

4.  Smoking:

• Now take the sausage from the refrigerator and hang it in the smoker .
• Set the temperature of 125F for 30 minutes and keep on increasing the temperature at the rate of 20 F at each  interval of 30 minutes till the temperature reaches 175F.
• Now let the temperature of the smoker cool down to 160F. Take out the sausage and transfer it to an ice bath to lower the temperature.
• Now after that keep it at room temperature for about an hour.

5. Packing 

• After an hour , It is ready to be packed. Make sured the bag is free from the moisture.
• You can also use a machine to do the packing for you.

There are different ways of curing based on culture and locations . However the basics are always common. If you liked our take on  how to cure a sausage for smoking, be sure to give us your valuable feedback.

FAQs

# Does fresh sausage need curing salt?

There is no need to add salt when making fresh sausage..

# Why are sausages cured before being smoked?

The method of curing sausage improves flavor, preserves the meat and stops hazardous bacteria from growing while it is being smoked.

# What substances are often used for curing sausage?

Curing salts, sugar and a variety of flavoring herbs and spices are typical materials for sausage curing.

# Conclusion

In conclusion, curing sausage for smoking is a quick and important step that improves flavor and preserves the meat.

You may consistently make safe and delectable smoked sausage by following the simple instructions provided in this article.

Spend the time necessary to properly cure your sausage, and you’ll be rewarded with delectable results that are sure to impress your family and friends.