Description
Spicy-sweet Pineapple & Jalapeño Summer Sausage merges tropical zest with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, creating a mouthwatering appetizer perfect for backyard gatherings. Meat enthusiasts will savor this unique blend of tangy pineapple and fiery jalapeño that promises a delightful culinary adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) finely chopped fresh pineapple
- 23 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) cold water
- Sausage casings
Instructions
- Prepare casings by soaking them in water as per package guidelines if using, ensuring they are pliable and ready for stuffing.
- Combine ground beef with finely diced pineapple and jalapenos in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for the sausage.
- Incorporate soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Introduce cold water gradually to the meat blend, mixing until the texture becomes sticky and develops a slightly elastic consistency.
- For cased sausages, rinse casings under cold water and carefully stuff the meat mixture using a sausage stuffer, forming 6-8 inch links and securing ends with tight twists.
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C), positioning sausages on a baking rack over a sheet pan to allow even cooking and fat drainage.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160F (71C), ensuring complete and safe cooking.
- Alternative smoking method can be used for enhanced flavor and firmer texture if a smoker is available.
- Remove from heat and let sausages rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute, then slice and serve as an appetizer or main course component.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
- Ensure meat stays cold during preparation to maintain proper texture and help seasonings bind effectively.
- Consider using lean ground beef or mixing with ground pork for richer flavor profile and improved moisture retention.
- For gluten-sensitive diets, verify soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce to maintain umami depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 2.9 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg