How to Cook Boudin on the Grill

There are different ways to cook the Southern Louisiana classic sausage, boudin. A flavorful Cajun experience awaits you if you cook boudin on the grill the right way. Some methods of cooking boudin include grilling, boiling, and oven baking.

Each method offers a slightly different outcome in terms of texture or taste. Nonetheless, boudin tastes fantastic whichever way you cook it. This article explores how to cook boudin on the grill to enjoy a great-tasting sausage feast.

What Is Boudin?

Boudin essentially contains pork shoulder meat and boiled, healthy rice stuffed into a sausage casing. It is a staple in Southern Louisiana and can be referred to as boudin blanc. It is also enjoyed in parts of New Orleans. Other ingredients, such as vegetables (onions and green peppers), and aromatics, are also boiled with the pork and boiled rice before the mixture is stuffed into a sausage-like casing often made from the small intestines of the pig.

The fundamental recipe has a few variations, though. For example, seafood boudin made of crab, shrimp, and rice is also common. Boudin balls are also another way people enjoy boudin. This variant does not include the sausage casing and is made like deep-fried steak.

To make homemade boudin, you’ll need pork (about 30 percent fat), pork liver, salt, freshly ground black pepper, green onions, fresh parsley, and onion. You’ll also need cooked rice and sausage casing. These ingredients might differ depending on the recipe you’re using. You can also get boudin links at the store.

As we stated earlier, you can boil, oven-bake, or grill boudin sausages. Whichever way you choose to enjoy your boudin, it will always be a tasty meal. An ounce of boudin typically contains 50 calories and 3.5 grams of protein and fat each. Locals usually enjoy boudin with regional dishes like spicy gumbo or jambalaya. You can also pair them with eggs for a simple breakfast meal.

How to Grill Boudin

Cooking boudin on the grill is a great way to amp up the smoky flavor of this cajun sausage.

What You’ll Need

  • A grill (charcoal or gas)
  • A pair of tongs
  • Plastic wrap or container (optional)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil (optional)
  • Butter or olive oil (optional)

Step 1

Only if you’re using freshly prepared boudin will you need to do this first step. Firstly, give the sausage time to cool down so the various ingredients can mellow out. Put the fresh boudin in a sealed container or plastic wrap and chill it overnight to let the flavors develop. For store-bought boudin, you should skip this step as the product must have already been tempered while being refrigerated.

Step 2

Preheat your charcoal or gas grill on medium-low heat. This should be about 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. You need to grill at this temperature range to allow the boudin to cook well at the center without burning the outside. If you use a charcoal grill and are unsure of the temperature, cover the grill base with just one layer of charcoal. Some people prefer charcoal grills for the smoky barbecue flavor they give the boudin links. Butter and olive oil work well for greasing the grill grates before you start cooking.

Step 3

Set the boudin links on the grill and ensure you space them evenly. If you want a softer casing, wrap the boudin in aluminum foil before setting it on the grill. Close the grill and let the boudin links cook for 3-5 minutes. For thicker boudin links, you can grill one side for up to 7 minutes.

Step 4

Use the tongs to flip the boudin and let each side cook for three to five minutes on the grill. Ensure you cover the grill while each side of the boudin cooks.

Step 5

When the sides are cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of each of the boudin links. The boudin is ready at an internal temperature of 160 to 170 degrees. When the links are ready, their casings turn brown and crispy. If the temperature is not up to 160 degrees, grill each side again for one minute until they are cooked through.

Step 6

Get the links off the grill and set them on plates lined with paper towels. Let them cool, and enjoy your Cajun sausages on buns or other meals. You can choose to enjoy your boudin with or without the casing.

Extra Tips to Cook Boudin on the Grill Correctly

It is best not to poke holes in the boudin before placing it on the grill. Poking holes will cause the natural juices inside the sausage casing to leak out. This would eventually lead to your boudin grilling too dry.

To determine whether a product has been pre-cooked, it is crucial to read the label. If it is not and contains raw pork, you must cook it to the ideal temperature of 160 degrees. It might be best to boil the boudin before placing it on the grill.

Alternative Methods of Cooking Boudin

As stated earlier, there are other methods of cooking boudin. Here, we explore those other ways, so you enjoy your boudin in different ways.

Boiling

Boiling boudin is the easiest way to prepare this sausage. There are a few easy steps to cooking your boudin sausage.

  1. Put some water in a pot or pan that can fit the boudin.
  2. Let the water boil, and reduce the heat, then place the boudin inside the simmering water.
  3. Let the boudin boil for 5 to 15 minutes and transfer it to the serving plate lined with a paper towel.
  4. Let the links cool, and enjoy your freshly boiled boudin.

After boiling boudin, it’s best to take off the casing before consuming, as the casing can be super tough to chew. It’s also unnecessary to add any seasoning during the cooking process, as the spices cannot penetrate the tough exterior of the boudin.

Also, ensure that you do not boil the links at a full boil. Doing this could cause the casing of your boudin sausage to burst.

Oven Baking

  1. Preheat the oven to 370 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, you may coat the pan with olive oil.
  2. Place the links on top of the parchment paper, ensuring to space them evenly so that none touches another.
  3. Bake the boudin links for about twenty to thirty minutes, turning them over every ten minutes.
  4. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the boudin. A temperature of 145 degrees is the minimum safe temperature to consume pork, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Conclusion

Cooking boudin on the grill is a great way to enjoy the smoky, flavorful Cajun cuisine. When it comes to making boudin, everyone has their preferred method. If you prefer grilled boudin without crisp, try grilling with the boudin wrapped in aluminum foil.

All in all, boudin makes a fantastic side dish and is great as a standalone meal. Just grill to your preferred taste and ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Pair it with your favorite dish and enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of this Cajun delicacy.

Written By

Herbie

Hi there, I'm Greg (also known as Herbie) and like most Aussies enjoy a good BBQ. I want to share with you some tips and recipes, along with gear that I like, to help you with your backyard barbecue and grilling hobbie.Anyway, have a look around and let me know what you think and happy BBQing. Cheers Herbie.

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