Turkey and pork sausage are grocery staples. Turkey is often seen as a healthier alternative to pork, but pork remains popular and is the go-to sausage for many cooks. Both taste great and are available in a number of varieties, such as kielbasa and breakfast sausage. However, depending on how they were produced, youll have to expect turkey and pork sausages to taste at least a little bit different. You can also make your own sausage with either meat, and play around with the seasonings to see if you can reproduce the flavor of one meat while using the other. Advertisement
The two are also similar in a lot of ways — and their differences arent always what youd expect. Theyre generally interchangeable in recipes, with one notable exception. Take a look at how turkey and pork sausage are alike and how they differ, and that may help you decide on which one to use the next time you cook with sausage.
Turkey sausage has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork sausage over the last few decades. With its lower fat and calorie content, turkey sausage is often promoted as a healthier choice. But what does it actually taste like in comparison to pork sausage? Here’s an in-depth look at the origins, ingredients, and flavor profile of turkey sausage.
A Brief History of Turkey Sausage
While pork sausage has been around for centuries, turkey sausage is a relatively new product that emerged in the 1980s. As the low-fat dieting craze took hold, the National Turkey Federation pushed for turkey to replace higher-fat meats. Ground turkey became widely available, and soon turkey sausage hit the market.
The goal was to create a lower-calorie, leaner alternative to pork sausage that still delivered on flavor Turkey meat itself is very mild, so spices, herbs and other ingredients are added to make it more exciting Over the years, turkey sausage has carved out a niche for itself as a versatile and tasty option.
The Health Benefits of Turkey Sausage
Turkey sausage has some clear nutritional advantages over pork sausage. A 4-ounce serving of turkey sausage contains around 170 calories, 11 grams fat, and 22 grams protein. Comparable pork sausage has about 290 calories, 23 grams fat and similar protein.
So turkey sausage cuts about 100 calories and half the fat, while providing the same satisfying protein content. The white meat turkey also provides more B-vitamins than pork. For those managing their cholesterol and weight, turkey can be the healthier way to enjoy the great taste of sausage.
What Gives Turkey Sausage its Flavor?
While pork fat provides much of the signature flavor in traditional sausage, turkey sausage relies on herbs, spices and other ingredients to make it tasty. Common seasonings include:
- Sage – Provides an earthy, savory taste often associated with breakfast sausage
- Thyme – Adds subtle lemony undertones
- Black Pepper – Brings mild heat and spice
- Garlic Powder – Provides rich, aromatic flavor
- Paprika – Adds a touch of natural sweetness
- Maple Syrup or Honey – Helps counterbalance the spices
The blend of these ingredients gives turkey sausage a balanced flavor profile. It offers savory, subtly sweet notes rounded out by aromatic spices and herbs.
Comparing the Texture and Mouthfeel
Since turkey meat is leaner than pork, the texture and mouthfeel of turkey sausage is a bit different. Turkey sausage has a firm, dense texture and a meaty bite. It can have a slightly rubbery chew if not properly cooked. The low fat content means turkey sausage tends to dry out faster.
In comparison, pork sausage has a looser, more crumbly texture with ample moistness from fat. It often maintains juiciness even with higher heat or longer cook times. So turkey sausage requires a bit more care during cooking to keep it from drying out.
Cooking Methods to Make Turkey Sausage Shine
Proper cooking is key to making sure turkey sausage reaches its full potential. Quick cooking over high heat helps keep turkey sausage tender and brings out flavor. Grilling, sautéing, or stir-frying are ideal methods.
Baking turkey sausage in the oven can work well, but special care should be taken to prevent drying. Brushing with oil, adding moisture from other ingredients, and preventing overcooking are recommended.
Slow-cooking methods like braising aren’t the best match for turkey sausage. The lean meat and lack of fat means turkey sausage can end up dry and bland without quick cooking.
Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Sausage
The milder flavor profile of turkey sausage makes it very versatile for recipes. Here are some tasty pairings:
- Breakfast sandwiches or burritos – Turkey sausage complements eggs nicely
- Pasta dishes – Turkey sausage crumbles add hearty flavor to tomato sauce
- Soups and stews – Adds a protein punch to bean or veggie-based soups
- Pizza – A smart swap for higher-fat meats on pizza
- Veggie sautés – Turkey sausage pairs well with bell peppers, onions, etc.
- Salads – Grilled slices or crumbles make flavorful salad toppers
With a little creativity, turkey sausage can be substituted in many recipes traditionally calling for pork sausage. Adjusting seasoning or adding fat/moisture may be needed in some cases.
The Takeaway on Turkey Sausage Flavor
While personal tastes will always vary, there are some broad conclusions to be made about turkey sausage:
- It has a mildly sweet, predominantly savory flavor profile compared to pork
- Herbs, spices and other ingredients provide most of the flavor since turkey itself is mild
- The texture is dense and firm due to the low fat content
- Cooking method impacts moisture level and flavor intensity
- Turkey sausage is versatile for recipes but may require seasoning adjustments
For those seeking a healthier alternative, turkey sausage provides a good solution. While it may lack the rich succulence of pork sausage, proper preparation and seasoning can make turkey sausage taste quite satisfying in its own right. Give it a try and see which type of sausage suits your preferences.
What is turkey sausage?
Turkey sausage is literally just sausage made with turkey meat. Its a leaner type of sausage that became popular in the 1980s when eating low-fat foods was all the rage. The saturated fat of pork sausage became an unwelcome guest in many homes, but turkey sausage was there to enable consumers to continue eating it with their favorite breakfast and dinner recipes. The lack of fat in many brands means cooking turkey sausage is somewhat different from cooking pork sausage, but turkey still cooks up quickly. Advertisement
Due to its low calorie count, turkey sausage is often promoted in weight loss diets. Its easy to unintentionally increase the calorie count of the sausage, though, so you have to be careful when choosing a brand to buy and careful about how you cook the sausage. Many recipes require adding oil or other fats when cooking, which increases the calories substantially.
Which one tastes better is a controversial topic
Put simply, neither pork nor turkey sausage tastes better or worse than the other. How they taste depends on the flavorings and fats used, the cooking method, and your personal taste. Maybe the way you cooked that turkey sausage made it taste better to you than the way you tried to cook the pork version, or maybe you just really prefer pork in general. Theres no objective determination of which is better. Advertisement
That said, people still treat the question of which tastes better as a somewhat controversial topic. Some regard the idea of pork tasting better as a given, such as this blog entry from Catheads BBQ calling a comparison between the two “A Choice Between Tasty and Lean Sausage,” implying that turkey isnt tasty. Fans of turkey products announce their love for the product on sites such as the Unpopular Opinion subreddit, which is a clue right there that they realize their opinion might not find many in agreement. It may seem as though theres a competition, but really, theres room for both types of sausage meat in this world.
Turkey Sausage / How to make turkey sausage taste like pork sausage!
FAQ
Are turkey sausages tasty?
It’s juicy, healthy, and flavorful and works well as a breakfast sausage.
Which is better, pork or turkey sausage?
Turkey sausage has fewer calories, less saturated fat and sodium and it is worth substituting for pork. Turkey sausage also contains more protein and a higher percentage for many vitamins than pork sausage.
Why do people eat turkey sausage?
Turkey sausage is a sausage like any other, but made with turkey meat, a very low-fat, lean meat. This is why many nutritionists recommend eating turkey in their weight control diets.
Does turkey taste like pork?
But while munching away at the succulent, meat, you wouldn’t be alone if you find yourself wondering why the hefty treat tastes suspiciously like pork. There certainly are similarities. A smoked turkey leg has a similar crumbly, brown skin like ham, the same pink flesh, and the same savory, sweetness as ham.
Does turkey sausage have a flavor?
Turkey sausage will definitely have a flavor, especially if it contains lots of herbs and spices, but it won’t be as robust as the flavor of pork sausage. The melting fat surrounding the meat as it cooks produces this tantalizing smell and taste that aren’t really present with turkey sausage because of the lower amounts of fat.
What is the difference between Turkey sausage and pork sausage?
The taste of turkey sausage and pork sausage is quite different. Turkey sausage has a milder flavor than pork sausage, and it is often described as being more “savory” or “herbaceous.” Pork sausage, on the other hand, has a richer, more robust flavor. Both turkey sausage and pork sausage can be used in a variety of dishes.
Is pork sausage healthier than Turkey?
Turkey and pork sausage are grocery staples. Turkey is often seen as a healthier alternative to pork, but pork remains popular and is the go-to sausage for many cooks. Both taste great and are available in a number of varieties, such as kielbasa and breakfast sausage.
What is turkey sausage?
Turkey sausage is literally just sausage made with turkey meat. It’s a leaner type of sausage that became popular in the 1980s when eating low-fat foods was all the rage.
What is the taste of sausages?
Sausages have a distinct umami taste that is salty and somewhat spicy. Each country offers its own variation, with most having a strong hint of one or two specific spices or herbs.
Is turkey sausage a good source of protein?
Turkey sausage is also a good source of protein, with a 3- ounce serving providing about 15 grams. Pork sausage is also a good source of protein, but it provides slightly less, with a 3-ounce serving providing about 12 grams. The taste of turkey sausage and pork sausage is quite different.