Seafood may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word “sausage,” but seafood sausage is a delightful twist on the traditional meat sausage. This dish is a perfect choice for those looking to explore new flavors and best of all; it’s a healthier alternative to its meaty counterpart. Let’s dive into what seafood sausage is, how to prepare it, and its benefits.

Equipment To Prepare Seafood Sausage 

You will need the following equipment:

1. Skillet: Used for sautéing shallots in butter until they’re soft.
2. Food Processor: Needed to blend the fish meat with breadcrumbs, egg whites, and seasonings into a smooth mixture.
3. Mixing Bowl: After blending the ingredients in the food processor, you’ll transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl for chilling.
4. Plastic Wrap: Used to shape and wrap the seafood sausage mixture into logs.
5. Aluminum Foil: To wrap around the plastic-wrapped sausage logs before poaching.
6. Large Pot: For simmering water to poach the seafood sausages.
7. Plate: To submerge the sausages in the pot of simmering water.
8. Instant-read Thermometer: To ensure the sausages are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
9. Saucepan or Small Pot: For making the lemon-butter sauce that will accompany the sausages.
10. Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Helpful for removing the sausages from the simmering water and hot pan.
11. Paper Towels: For drying off the sausages after they are peeled from the foil and plastic wrap.
12. Sharp Knife: To trim any unsightly pieces from the sausages after cooking.

With this equipment on hand, you’ll be all set to create your own delicious seafood sausages at home. Enjoy the cooking process!

Ingredients For Different Serving Sizes (1x, 2x, 3x)

Here, we unveil the ingredients for seafood sausage:

For the Sausages (1x):

– 2 tablespoons butter, divided for use in sautéing and later in browning the sausages

– 2 tablespoons minced shallot to add a mild, sweet flavor

– 8 ounces boneless, skinless sole, chilled and cubed, as the base fish

– 4 ounces skinless salmon fillet, chilled and cubed, to provide richness

– 4 ounces shrimp, chilled, peeled, deveined, and chopped for texture and sweetness

– 2 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs as a binding agent

– 4 large egg whites to help emulsify and bind the ingredients

– 1 large egg, also for binding

– 2 teaspoons kosher salt for seasoning (adjust if using table salt)

– 2 pinches cayenne pepper, or to taste, for a touch of heat

– 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley for freshness and color

For the Sauce (1x):

– 2 tablespoons water to help thin the sauce and provide a base

– 1 lemon, juiced, for brightness and acidity

– 2 tablespoons cold butter to emulsify into the sauce for richness

– 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley for added flavor and garnish

– Salt, to taste, for seasoning

For the Sausages (2x):

– 4 tablespoons butter, divided

– 4 tablespoons minced shallot

– 16 ounces boneless, skinless sole, chilled and cubed

– 8 ounces skinless salmon fillet, chilled and cubed

– 8 ounces shrimp, chilled, peeled, deveined, and chopped

– 4 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs

– 8 large egg whites

– 2 large eggs

– 4 teaspoons kosher salt

– 4 pinches cayenne pepper, or to taste

– 4 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

For the Sauce (2x):

– 4 tablespoons water

– 2 lemons, juiced

– 4 tablespoons cold butter

– 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

– Salt, to taste

For the Sausages (3x):

– 6 tablespoons butter, divided

– 6 tablespoons minced shallot

– 24 ounces boneless, skinless sole, chilled and cubed

– 12 ounces skinless salmon fillet, chilled and cubed

– 12 ounces shrimp, chilled, peeled, deveined, and chopped

– 6 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs

– 12 large egg whites

– 3 large eggs

– 6 teaspoons kosher salt

– 6 pinches cayenne pepper, or to taste

– 6 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

For the Sauce (3x):

– 6 tablespoons water

– 3 lemons, juiced

– 6 tablespoons cold butter

– 3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

– Salt, to taste

We all have different tastes, some people like smoked sausage for seafood boil, but for sure, these amounts are designed to serve different quantities, so you can adjust the recipe based on how many people you’re planning to serve or if you’d like to have leftovers. The 1x amounts serve as the base for an intimate meal, while the 2x and 3x are perfect for larger gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

Instructions

Preparing seafood sausage is an exercise in culinary creativity. Here’s a straightforward recipe that even beginners can follow:

1. Sauté the Shallots: Start by cooking shallots in butter until they’re soft. This will be part of your seasoning base.
2. Blend the Seafood: In a food processor, combine chilled, cubed fish with breadcrumbs, egg whites, and whole egg. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Fish sausage recipe may vary so choose seafood that you liked.
3. Chill the Mixture: Once blended to a smooth paste, transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This firms up the sausage mix, making it easier to handle.
4. Shape and Cook: Shape the mixture into logs using plastic wrap, then roll in foil. Poach in simmering water, then cool in a bath of cold water before refrigerating.
5. Brown and Serve: When you’re ready to eat, brown the sausages in butter, then simmer until fully cooked. Serve with a simple lemon butter sauce for added zing.

Looking for perfect pairing for seafood sausage? We got that too!

Notes & Tips

When preparing seafood sausage, ensure that the fish is well-chilled to facilitate better grinding and binding of the sausage mix. For those who prefer a coarser texture, feel free to mix in chunks of additional seafood, like chopped shrimp or scallops, after processing the main ingredients. With these tips in hand, anyone can whip up a batch of seafood sausages that are sure to impress both for their flavor and their health benefits.

Nutrition Health Profile of Seafood Sausage

Seafood sausages are healthy with approximately 12.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, it is as protein rich as traditional protein sources, and it offers a variety of preparation options. For those wanting a chunkier texture, you can fold chunks of shrimp or scallops into the prepared sausage mixture before cooking.

However, seafood sausage is leaner than traditional meat sausages, with one variety containing just 50 calories per stick, along with 3 grams of protein. It’s also low in calories and fat when compared to many animal protein sources. Moreover, by using a blend of fish, you get a good mix of lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

What Is Seafood Sausage Made Of?

Seafood sausage is a creative and delectable twist on the traditional sausage, made predominantly from a variety of fish and shellfish. These sausages often contain a base of white fish, such as boneless, skinless sole, due to its mild flavor and fine texture. Sole is frequently combined with richer fish, like skinless salmon fillet, which adds a depth of flavor and healthy fats to the mixture. To enhance the variety in texture and taste, shellfish like shrimp are also included, adding a sweet note and a bite to the overall composition.

To bind these main ingredients together, breadcrumbs are mixed in, along with egg whites and sometimes a whole egg, creating a firm yet moist texture once cooked. Seasoning is key in seafood sausage, with kosher salt and a hint of cayenne pepper typically added to heighten the flavors. Fresh herbs like Italian parsley not only impart a fresh, herby taste but also add a pop of color to the mix.

Once all ingredients are well blended and shaped into the classic sausage form, the sausage is typically wrapped snugly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain its shape during the cooking process. These sausages are then gently poached in simmering water to cook through, creating a unique alternative to meat-based sausages that are lighter in texture and packed with the flavors of the sea.

Are Fish Sausages Healthy?

Not only do fish sausages provide a novel taste experience, but they’re also an excellent option for health-conscious eaters. Boasting a lower calorie count and reduced fat content compared to their meat-based counterparts, seafood sausages are a nutritious addition to any diet. They offer lean protein, healthy fats, essential vitamins, and minerals, all while keeping the calorie content around 30-50% lower than traditional sausages. 

Do Fish Sausages Exist?

You might not find them in every grocery store, but fish sausages are indeed a real delicacy, blending the finesse of seafood with the convenience of traditional sausages. These unique offerings are made by carefully combining the likes of cubed soles, salmon, and shrimp with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning to create a palatable mixture. The ingredients are then shaped into sausages, poached, and often browned to achieve that familiar sausage texture with a seafood twist. The versatility of the recipe means you can incorporate a variety of fish, from whitefish-like soles to richer, fatty types like salmon, depending on your preference and availability.

What Does Korean Fish Sausage Taste Like?

Korean fish sausage, for example, offers a chewy texture and a clean, savory taste. It’s not overpoweringly fishy and is perfect for those looking for something different. It’s even available in snack form, with some varieties being ready to eat without additional cooking, making convenience a major plus.

Conclusion

To conclude, seafood sausage is a wonderful way to add variety to your meals. It’s not just nutritious and low in calories but also packed with flavor. This dish represents a blend of tradition and innovation, and it’s waiting to be discovered by home cooks looking for something new and exciting to serve at the table. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthier sausage option, seafood sausage is certainly worth a try.