The secret to getting a SNAPPY Sausage | Beyond the Recipe

[@tedchanin2013]

Technique is everything in sausage making. It's not very difficult, but you simply cannot rush the process. There are shortcuts to everything in life and sometimes the differences are minimal. Making high quality sausage in not one of them. Keeping the meat very cold at all stages, flushing the cases and letting them soak, letting a pellicle form overnight before smoking, etc. all take time. You did a great job (as always) conveying this. Great vid.

[@chrism.8105]

The thoroughness of your presentation is a total reflection to your passion for the art. You are a Culinary Educator par excellence. Thank you

[@ronalddore2872]

My brother and I have been making sausage for over 50 years and I'm still learning little tips on how to improve our game. Thanks for all you do! I keep hearing about these Texas Hot Links, definitely going to have to give them a go next time we make our smoked kobas.

[@canadianmale7610]

They are very legit.

[@markrobino6617]

What a brilliant video. No kidding. Sharp and polished...mastery of the medium. Especially appreciated the visual instruction during the stuffing process.

[@richardallcox9083]

Perfect instruction. For years I've been trying to get that snap and this works everytime.

[@uuzd4s]

Lived in SE Alaska for 15 yrs and the wife was working for a Salmon Fishing Charter & Smokehouse down on the Ore Coast when I met her. The Salmon fishing in AK is World Class and we always had fresh caught Salmon to enjoy. I guess where I'm going w/ this is while the best Smoked Salmon cures & smoke methods are the simplest, you really need to adhere to some particular steps and methods during the brining & smoking process to get a quality product. Anyways, I've never made my own sausage but after seeing your methods, tips & recipe's, it's gonna happen. Just want to say Well Done and Thanks for sharing your knowledge expertise on the subject, it gives me the confidence to try this out! 👍

[@johnmiller-kr4jy]

Good morning Eric Great video , very informative. I have used your casing soaking with baking soda after a through flush works fantastic, This makes a great video for newbies and seasoned home sausage makers, excellent content as usual from start to finish. Thanks again and have a great day

[@robinradenbaugh7074]

Thanks Eric! Great instructive video. I'll try baking soda to improve snap. 👍👍

[@elsos8711]

Ok, I made some close to phenomenal sausage last week, a little looser than I wanted, but I'm getting there. So I used vinegar to the casings for a couple of hours with the casings. Have you seen any difference instead of baking soda? Thank you again for all the time you put in these videos, it really shows!! ❤

[@johniskierka177]

You just taught an old dog, new tricks.. I need to try the baking soda trick but a good casings in more important.. You get what you pay for.. Thank You!!

[@shaunjayes8842]

Thank you for this, you have a real gift for explaining everything clearly and logically. I have been making boerewors (I'm South African) and sausage for about 10 years now, and I can't believe how much I have learned from your channel. It's now my new go-to binge watch, on KZbin. Please keep them coming.

[@2guysandacooler]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching😉

[@davidhalldurham]

Excellent video, Eric. Lots of great information.

[@imtired20]

Another great video Eric. This is the one I've been waiting for. I have a problem when I smoke sausages. The taste is great but the casing is like leather. I'll try the tips from this video to hopefully get that snappy bite. Thank you.

[@davecross8373]

Mine are like leather as well. Italian sausage, natural 32mm casings smoked at 225 to 165 deg. I.T. Sausage is juicy and tastes great but the casing is jerky.

[@oregonpatriot1570]

17:15 One of the BEST TIPS for any cased meat. No matter how careful you are, how much you do everything right, it's almost impossible to keep rendered fat from pooling between the casing and sausage. (especially smaller stuff like pepperoni and pepper sticks) It's easier if you hang your links, because the fat will pool at one end, but if not? Leaving places for the fat to drip out makes perfect sense. This is something I learned the hard way after several disappointing batches of pepper sticks. _Using collagen casings, I was about to give pepper sticks up all together because of the loose fat filled casings!_

[@rickescover1862]

@oregonpatriot1570: Fat renders at 175% f . Try this, place sausage in smoker start your smoker @ 120% f no smoke until casing dry to touch about one hour. Raise temp to140% f add smoke for two hours, Then set the temp to 170% f until you have reached the desired internal temperature. This process has always worked.

[@toddstropicals]

Excellent video as always, some great tips! If anyone follows your steps here like I do you will be amazed.

[@andrepatterson7058]

I don't know how i miss this video. But glad you made it. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@georgesevelle8778]

Yet another great video. Thank you for what you do it helps all of us be better at the craft.

[@elsos8711]

Woohoo! I needed this in depth tutorial, Mr. You're the best! 😊

[@lakeshavallejo7889]

Thank you for explaining how to do it correctly. I hope someday to be the best sausage maker in my area. Stay blessed!

[@MadPick]

Another fantastic video, Eric. Thank you!

[@luanawiley8554]

I'm so glad Michael Scott found his passion after leaving Dunder Mifflin. Haha, for real though I am learning so much through this channel. Thank you so much!

[@sbjohnson31]

Thanks for your video! Your tips have brought my sausage making skills to the next level. Your whole series is awesome.

[@alanwhite4839]

Best info Ive ever found on this subject. Easy to follow and plenty of details. Thanks

[@scottx348]

Another great informative video

[@ahmadelchami5431]

Excellent thank you

[@terrywhite5240]

Another great and very informative video Eric thanks. Question is seeing as how you have already smoked those incredibly yummy looking sausages is it really necessary to re-heat before trying? I personally sometimes enjoy eating them cold! Keep up the great videos amd thanks agian 😊

[@2guysandacooler]

You can eat them cold, no problem

[@fourlittletoaster]

Such a great video! I've been having the hardest time with my textures; sometimes they turn out, sometimes they don’t, and I couldn't figure out why until now! I believe this video answered all my questions!

[@pibble3962]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@elsos8711]

I've been getting too much condensation in the electric smoker, and having rubbery casings. Watched your video again and it just reminds me why im getting the results im having. Thank you again for your content 😊

[@gregmay9097]

Fantastic Eric, been waiting for this since your "are you wasting curing salts" video.

[@ziploah]

Thanks, great video, packed with quality knowledge! 😄

[@robertbreivogel1868]

Excellent video ! Couldn't wait to give it a thumbs up.

[@LeeG23]

I’ve seen some sites recommend adding vinegar - which seems the opposite of baking soda? What are your thoughts?

[@2guysandacooler]

Acids break down the lining of a natural casing. It can often break down the casing too much causing casing rupture and lots of blow outs. It is a method that works but if you're not careful can lead to different issues..

[@elsos8711]

I just asked this very question, should have looked first. Mr. Eric, I whole heartedly agree I used vinegar for about two hours last week and had trouble with blowouts and sliding on/off the horn!

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

I only use vinegar when using fiberous casings (e.g. salami, liver wurst, pepperoni). It prevents the protein in the meat from adhering to the casing (denatures the meat protein that is in contact with the casing. Makes for easier peeling.

[@user-zh2mb9xl6o]

Invaluable in depth information, thank you.

[@drrok4603]

Great video! Would love to see a video on how you handle cleaning your equipment. Especially interested in larger items like the grinder, stuffer and mixer.

[@carlucci3682]

Eric, another great tip on the casings, I like baking soda and water idea, going make this recipe this weekend. Thank you!!!

[@oregonpatriot1570]

Or? You can leaved the finished sausage in the hot sun for a day or two. 😂 Thanks for the video Eric! Good topic.

[@bobwhisenhunt7085]

Looks amazing brother. Going to make these.👍😎

[@ronymu67]

Wow!! Such a great video, very informative and easy to follow Thank you so very much 🙏🙏

[@richardchan0]

Great video. I've always wonder how much of the snap comes from the casing. Can it be as good if it was non natural casing?

[@haroldlross]

Nice job looks delicious

[@Lugnutz89]

Great info. My first batch was snappy but tough. Almost to the point they weren't fun to eat. I see from the video several places I could have done things differently with prepping the casings. Thank you!

[@alwayspositive999]

Great vid and nice tips - thanks- I guess if you don't hv a grinder - you could buy store bought minced meat / add the spices etc and stuff it - would there be a particular type of grind needed ( eg extra fine or a bit coarse) ?

[@scottbrasuell325]

I started making sausage using store bought ground meat. Made some fantastic sausages. Problem is no control over percentage of fat to meat. Sometimes, without noticing it has to much fat. I have a great grinder and control the quality of meat as well as the fat %. Dont let not having a grinder slow you down. Peace!

[@buddyknoles2553]

Wow, you make the best how-to videos, great teacher thank you.

[@2guysandacooler]

Wow, thank you!

[@TheCrunchbird]

Wow!!! Did I learn a lot from this video or what??? This is a fantastic video that is packed full of facts and tips. Your videos keep upping my game.

[@davidens8204]

as always you are a wealth of information and delivered in an easy to understand way .. great stuff

[@williammink2109]

Thanks for the tips. What’s the best way to cut/separate uncooked links? With smoked sausage I have had no problem snipping the links, but when separating uncooked ones, I’ve found that the casings sometimes tear easily.

[@2guysandacooler]

let the sausage rest in the refrigerator overnight. the following day the link spots should be firm. just snip them.

[@williammink2109]

@@2guysandacooler thanks!

[@TheTroya65]

After resting in the fridge overnight, I use my (Cutco) poultry shears. Works great everytime.

[@alteredLori]

I have made a bit of sausage in my years and you had a few good tips that I will use when I make more. Unfortunately I have to wait till late October cause it's just to dam hot in Vegas right now to run a cold smoke. The heat is to great outside the smoker. thanks for the great vid!

[@CarloSeregni]

Great Video, thanks for sharing..

[@internaman]

Excellent video!!! I love listening to you,,, Thanks so much for sharing these very instructive videos,,, 👏😉

[@michaelcarufel7496]

I always feel that even seasoned old-timers can watch this type of video. Even if only one improvement is found then the time watching was worth it!!!

[@buddyknoles2553]

Thanks! Love your videos, you're a awesome teacher

[@2guysandacooler]

Glad you like them!

[@danhunik7949]

I have recently discovered your channel and are wondering where is the other guy and the cooler?

[@2guysandacooler]

He makes an appearance from time to time

[@saozzie]

Fantastic, thanks mate.

[@2guysandacooler]

What does your sausage snap game look like?

[@microatleewardcc3834]

Struggling. But people like you help a lot. Thanks!

[@brewhan3108]

I totally have a question about casings. I have bought from our closest outdoor store as well as from LEM, semi local butchers, etc. How long do salted unwashed in the bag casings last? These don't smell bad and I bought them about this time last year. I did purchase the ones in question from a good processor. Not sure exactly from where they originated. You're the best! Thank you!!

[@2guysandacooler]

They don't really have an expiration date. Mine are at least 3 years old and still great

[@hdwoodshop]

Love your channel. I’m learning to start making sausages and fermented meats. I’m also a recent subscriber. I do wonder how you stay fit with all the sausage you’re eating! Please give us your tips. 😂

[@wemcal]

Great video and great information

[@ronalddore2872]

Just wondering, any difference between smoked vs fresh to obtain the same snap?

[@fedevar1]

Eric I can see in the video there is not chuck in the meat mix only pork shoulder and pork fat, and in the recipe described a percentage of chuck as a mix of pork and beef, what do you recommend most.

[@2guysandacooler]

The meat mixture you use is irrelevant. The techniques when it comes to processing the sausage are what's most important

[@stevieg4201]

This is such a helpful video, thanks for making this Eric, soaking the casings in water and baking soda is an awesome tip, I always seem to have an issue with my casings sticking to the horn, I find when they slide smoothly, I have way better results in every way. Question: what if I’m making something like Italian sausage, where it’s not going into the smoker, will cooking them slower help with a good snap? I usually cook them under the broiler, so I would imagine I’d have to turn them more, correct? I really love what you do, you are definitely the master at this stuff. Thanks again Eric. 🇮🇹😎🇮🇹

[@2guysandacooler]

Thanks. The answer is yes. If you cook your sausage slower and at a lower temp the end result will always be better. The casing will firm up and the fat won't render as much..

[@angeliasmith597]

Can you use a Pit barrel cooker/smoker to cook the sausage?

[@kwangdid]

I am from India and a fan of you work. While I cook my homemade sausages the casing shrinks or may be the meat expands. What may be the reason. And by the way I get the snaps while biting on it. What may be the reason and how do I fix it.

[@hermandemello2200]

Ty sir for supper explaining A2Z speaking to n understanding sausage recipe excellent ending supper results I'm pleased n happy watching ur post from TANGA Tanzania WOW.

[@pctoollaptop9212]

Τέλειος Άριστα και στην καθαριότητα και στην παρασκευή και στον τρόπο διδασκαλίας απίστευτος Τώρα μετά από αυτό θα μπορώ να γευτώ τα αρμένικα κεμπάπ σε λουκάνικο Λαχταράω πραγματικά να δω πως θα είναι

[@leahtiferetrabinovitz6518]

nice! great as always. one question here. is it possible to get a good snap with a collagen casing?

[@2guysandacooler]

it is but it's a bit trickier. What I would do (if smoked or put on a pit), is brush the casing with a little olive oil when cooking. This will crisp it up..

[@leahtiferetrabinovitz6518]

@@2guysandacooler Thank you! i'll give this a go next time.

[@oregonpatriot1570]

@@2guysandacooler Good tip Eric!

[@KingGeneral21]

You mentioned adding egg as a binder. How would I know how many eggs to add?

[@2guysandacooler]

you can add 1 egg (white) per 5 pounds

[@KingGeneral21]

@@2guysandacooler perfect. Thanks as always, much appreciated!

[@troygayler2984]

I would like to make sausage to take on vacation. My question, at what point could I vac seal and freeze?

[@joesmith7427]

hickory and pecan are the same wood!! 😊

[@2guysandacooler]

Yep. Pecan is a type of hickory. Funny enough I actually find pecan wood to be a bit milder than the hickory wood I her for chips. Both good!!

[@KevinBell-th3ol]

This is a great video, I've been buying pre-tubed casings from the sausage maker. Should I stop and start buying the casings loose?

[@2guysandacooler]

I don't particularly like the pre tubed casings. I find that they can be a bit chewy. I would stick with the loose casings.

[@carlmatthews5862]

What is the process if you are doing a fresh uncooked sausage that will be frozen right after stuffing and cooked on the grill from raw?

[@JohnnyCheifinjays]

At what temp do I smoke for and about how long?

[@buttcheeks985]

Eric, regarding the liquid amount. When you say 5%, is that by weight or fluid oz? Thanks!!

[@Farmboyjason]

Possibly a dumb question I apologize. But can a person use lard, or bacon fat to bring up the fat content in leaner cuts of meat?

[@Janus5691]

Hello. I recently purchased some Publix hot Italian sausage. They looked fine but after cooking them the casings were so chewy and rubbery they were almost inedible. Is there a way this can be avoided short of removing the casing?

[@cheftuan]

Hell yeah!

[@bigjoemann]

Do you and your family eat all of the sausage you make? Do you sell it? Give it away to your community?

[@johannesels5067]

I want to make Russian sausages.The recipe suggested that I dip the Russians into 70deg C DIRECTLY AFTER SMOKE PROCESS.

[@ehab269]

Thank you man, is it possible to make sausage from lamb meat, without pork?

[@2guysandacooler]

sure. The Merguez sausage is a lamb sausage

[@godrejrustumji8149]

Absolutely loved your Video. Was looking for something very much on these lines. Thank you. One question though. What percentage should the binder be???

[@2guysandacooler]

2-3%

[@godrejrustumji8149]

@@2guysandacooler thank you

[@michaelpolicastro4113]

At what point / temperature is this finished?

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Thank goodness this isn't another sildenafil citrate plug. ☝🏿👨🏿👍🏿

[@2guysandacooler]

🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

@@2guysandacooler ✌🏼🤡👍🏽

[@marialuciafarinha3549]

Bom dis🌻🇧🇷 Essa receita é muito parecida com a receita da linguiça portuguesa chamada, farinheira, deliciosa! Você é um grande mestre! Por favor, fale mais devagar, assim posso perceber melhor todos os detalhes. Eu gostaria de compartilhar um maravilhoso pão, frito por minha mãe, para você consumir com as maravilhas que você faz... Se você estivesse no Brasil enviaria.

[@joesmith7427]

an average weight is 4 links to 1 pound!! i like a fatter link and a longer one, 3 to a pound!!

[@Rosk03]

What was the length of 1/5 th of that whole sausage casing? Just curious so i can measure it out for portions next time. Always wondered how long a whole casing was... 😂 Never ending basically

[@daviddennison7045]

so, are you saying the more binder you use, the more water you should use. so a 4% binder would be a 10% water??

[@daviddiviney5599]

Do you recommend stainless horns over plastic?

[@2guysandacooler]

i recommend stainless.

[@deegrodriguez9040]

I am about to make my 1st cased sausage but bought collagen casings. Will this ruin my chances for the SNAP?

[@2guysandacooler]

Collagen are a little tricky. It depends on the type of collagen. I personally prefer natural casings but either way it should work if you follow all the steps in this video. When you cook the sausage, you could always brush the outside with a little oil towards the end of the cook to help crisp it up (not totally necessary but often helps)

[@outdoordummy3589]

Hey Sir!! Really enjoy your videos. I recently made 25lbs of venison smoked sausage. I followed the steps in this video as far as preparation to a T. The cook was the only thing different. I use a 250 gallon vertical smoker I built to hang and smoke the sausage in my. Everything was perfect except the casing was real tough like leather tough. Very unpleasant to chew. I smoked them at 150 degrees till an internal temperature of 155. I don’t want this to happen again. You can still eat the sausage if you peel the casings off which sucks by the way😂 any tips on what to do for better casings. Thanks

[@2guysandacooler]

where did you buy the casings and how long did you soak them?

[@outdoordummy3589]

From a local butcher. Same casings he uses for his sausage. I let them soak overnight as you did in this video.

[@outdoordummy3589]

I’ve never used cure or smoked sausage at this temperature. As this was first time inspired by your videos

[@2guysandacooler]

How long did they cook for?

[@outdoordummy3589]

Almost 5 hrs until they hit 155 internal temp.

[@thomasklasko9064]

With a 32 grinder, why do you cut the meat so small before grinding?

[@garretgraham248]

We have the same grinder as my backup. It's terribly slow if you don't dice it. Maybe the worst grinder ever. The auger is designed incorrectly.

[@pursuitfarms]

Need to dry it if it’s not a smoked sausage and it’s a fresh sausage ?

[@2guysandacooler]

I would try to dry for at least 30-45 minutes if you can.

[@SeanMartinez-kf8pz]

How long did you cook smoke the 30 pounds for and st what temperature?

[@2guysandacooler]

I normally smoke for a few hours between 125f and 150f

[@SeanMartinez-kf8pz]

@@2guysandacooler thank you

[@bobwhisenhunt7085]

Hey Eric. I have a Bella Cold smoker and a Smokin it smoker 3d. I don’t want to over smoke my sausage. How high are you setting you smoker blower ? I have over smoked a few times and sausage came out bitter. Your recipe says smoke six hours. I’m thinking 1 hour. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@2guysandacooler]

i turn my smoke generator very low and just add a nice constant stream of light smoke. If you tend to go heavier, I would only smoke for 1 - 1.30 hours.

[@bobwhisenhunt7085]

Thanks Brother. That’s exactly what I was going to do. Do you recommend one way or the other?

[@lescommercantesdindochine1954]

Good day, Eric. I have a pressing question procedures which call for "salt AND cure". Given that nitrate and nitrites are already mixed into a vast majority of salt within the Prague cures... why would one then mix the cure (already majoritarily salt) with more salt ?? (to be clear, I understand the used and compositions of Prague#1 & #2)... CLARIFICATION REGARDING PROCEDURES CALLING FOR SALT AND A CURE WOULD BE HUGELY APPRECIATED !

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

What I do is put 1 tsp cure per 5# meat in container first then add remainder salt (on scale) to hit 1.5%. Convert to grams for increased accuracy.

[@nickhalden9220]

I do the same thing when I'm playing with my sausage

[@dennismorton4688]

how do you separate into single links so they dont leak out anything when you cook them

[@tomgabison3271]

Not sure if this video is still being monitored but I have been posching the sausages after cold smoking in my Kamado using an Amzn tube and getting good results but losing smoke flavor. I have been cold smoking for 4 hours. Should I make it 6? If I put it in the oven to finish should I put a water pan to increase the humidity?

[@2guysandacooler]

increase the cold smoke to 8 hrs

[@tomgabison3271]

@@2guysandacooler Thank you! At the moment it's more of a warm smoke. Temp is 115 in the grill. Going to pull at 130 and poach the rest of the way. It will probably end up being 6.5 hours.

[@bellanails3838]

if you do not use a cure accelerator you have to let it rest for 24 hours? or not?

[@2guysandacooler]

yes, that's if you are making a cured sausage

[@renvikalmeida6051]

I'm using beef casing, how to make them tender

[@2guysandacooler]

You can't. They are generally too thick

[@tjgraham4]

How long do you let the sausages bloom after you take them out of the ice bath?

[@2guysandacooler]

3-4 hours

[@tjgraham4]

@@2guysandacooler thank you so much! Is that at room temp?

[@2guysandacooler]

@@tjgraham4 yes