SaurabhSmoky and spicy sausages are on everyone’s list. However, there is one mysterious sausage that most have never eaten or never even heard of. It’s the Andouille sausage.
If you prefer sausages that have a little bit of kick and a different texture, then Andouille sausage is the best option for you. But, if you can’t find it, its substitutes are the next best thing.
This article will help you know all about Andouille sausages and their substitutes, so read on.
Best Andouille Sausage Substitutes
Andouille sausages have originated from France and have some links with the U.S. People mostly have used Andouille sausages in Cajun cooking, a culinary style that is famous in the US.
Most people often make it by using pig’s intestine, then stuff it with pork meat and other ingredients such as chili, onion, and garlic that give the sausage a spicy flavor.
You can choose between the French Andouille sausage with a distinct odor and the Creole Andouille sausage which is double smoked and pinkish in color.
There is no perfect substitute for Andouille sausages but there are certain sausages that you can use in place of Andouille sausages.
Before you cook a recipe that requires Andouille sausages, make sure you have these substitutes right beside you.
1. Mexican Chorizo
The first most preferred substitute for Andouille sausage is the Mexican Chorizo.
It is because this substitute is quite spicy and has the smoky flavor which it gets from the hot smoked red peppers.
Note that the texture differs from the Andouille sausage. It is finer and may not suit your preference. But if you are ready to ignore this then the Mexican Chorizo is the best replacement for Andouille sausages.
2. Kielbasa
Kielbasa is the term that people use for sausages in Poland. It means any kind of sausages. These are another alternative to Andouille sausages owing to their similar taste.
The Kielbasa Mysliwska, also known as Hunter’s sausage is famous for its smoky flavor. It is made using pork, garlic, and pepper. Additionally, it tastes best when you heat it up.
Note that the Kielbasa sausages include a little bit of cardamom so depending on the recipe the cardamom content can change the flavor of the dish. Hence, it may not yield the desired result.
3. German Bratwurst
The German Bratwurst consists of minced pork and beef. It also includes ingredients such as ginger, garlic, salt, nutmeg, and caraway.
Another factor that makes these sausages similar to the Andouille sausages is that most people heavily smoke them before they cook them. The best part is that the spices and flavor do not overwhelm the overall flavor of the dish.
4. Italian sausages
Italian sausages consist of pork. Moreover, they are seasoned with garlic, red pepper flakes, and other spices that give them a spicy flavor.
It can be incorporated into any recipe. Keep in mind that it is not spicy as compared to the Andouille sausages.
5. Butifarra pork sausages
Butifarra sausages have originated from Catalonia, Spain, and come in different varieties. The pork is chopped and not ground.
It includes spices such as garlic and pepper and is grilled and sometimes smoked. You can cook these sausages directly and without any need for additional preparation.
The best part is that the Butifarra Pork sausages can make any recipe tasty because of the spices used.
6. Sai Ua
The Sai Ua sausage is a Thai sausage made of minced pork. It has a rich flavor and works well with any meal or can also be eaten as a snack.
The difference between Sai Ua and Andouille sausage is that people grill them instead of smoking. Another point you need to note here is that they are less spicy compared to Andouille sausages.
7. Chouricos De Goa (choris)
Chouricos De Goa, commonly referred to as Choris, is a Goan sausage that was inspired by the Portuguese and Spanish Chorizos.
They slightly differ in flavor but can act as a good substitute for Andouille sausages. They consist of pork meat with a little touch of spice and include vinegar.
Sometimes they also consist of pig intestine. You can boil them or make the perfect chili fry with potatoes and onions.
8. Longaniza cooked sausage
Longaniza or longganisa sausages are similar to Chorizos.
The level of spiciness differs from region to region. For example, in Spain, people season with black pepper whereas in Mexico it is even spicier than chorizo.
The best way to enjoy them is by pairing them with garlic fried rice or fried eggs.
9. Dukes Hatch Green Chile Smoked Shorty sausages
The Dukes Chile sausage is quite short in length but not in flavor.
Made using the best ingredients, these sausages are famous for decades. The chilies are roasted and diced and later allowed to infuse into the oil giving them the spicy smoky flavor.
10. Chourico
Chourico is the most famous sausage in Portugal and is similar to the Spanish Chorizo. It consists of pork meat and is very spicy because of the use of paprika and sometimes red vine.
You can serve it with bean stew and acts as a good alternative to the Andouille sausages.
Vegetarian Substitute for Andouille Sausage
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, then you might want other types of substitutes so here’s a list of some plant-based substitutes for Andouille sausages.
11. Tofu
Tofu is one of the best vegetarian substitutes for Andouille sausages. You can smoke it yourself but note that it won’t be as smoked as the Andouille sausages.
Tofu takes on the taste of whatever flavor you add to the dish. Meaning, you can easily play with spices to come up with the desired taste.
12. Vegan Andouille sausage
You can also make vegan andouille sausage at home by mixing some paprika, pepper, soy sauce, garlic, and pinto beans. Proceed with punching and kneading the dough and shaping it into a sausage.
Related Questions
What is different about Andouille sausage?
Andouille sausages are some of the best sausages. However, what makes them different from the other sausages?
The key difference is that people make sausages using ground meat along with seasoning. Then, they pack them in a cylindrical casing.
In the case of Andouille sausages, these sausages consist of chopped pork meat i.e. using the intestinal system of the pig. Also, people smoke it heavily before consuming it.
Another difference that makes Andouille sausages stand out is their flavor and texture.
Once you take a bite of the Andouille sausage you will notice the difference in flavor and texture which is different from the other sausages.
Can I substitute Italian sausage for Andouille sausage?
Yes, Andouille sausages are spicy in flavor, so any other sausage that fulfills such a requirement can be substituted for Andouille sausage.
Can I substitute Chorizo for Andouille sausage?
Yes, chorizo is a close substitute for Andouille sausages. It is spicy and has a smoky flavor similar to that of the Andouille sausages.
What is a good substitute for Andouille sausage in red beans and rice?
The most preferred substitute for Andouille sausage in red beans and rice is Mexican chorizo. However, you can also substitute it with the other substitutes mentioned above.
