Andouille sausages are unique gourmet sausages with a kick and unique texture.
It is relatively different from the traditional sausages most people are used to. Its flavor is primarily spicy and smoky.
Manufacturers make andouille sausages using chopped pork portions. This makes them different from other sausages made of ground meat. Consequently, their texture is unique.
There are different varieties of andouille sausages available. However, they all have a similar flavor.
Andouille sausages are not easy to come by since most retailers don’t stock them. Therefore, if you want andouille sausages but can’t get any, you’ll need a substitute that has a similar flavor.
Luckily, there are several meat-based and vegetarian alternatives to choose from.
The ideal meat-based substitutes for Andouille sausages are;
- Mexican ChorizoGerman Bratwurst
- Kielbasa
- Sai Ua
- Italian Sausages
- Chouricos De Goa,
- Butifarra pork sausages
- Dukes Chile sausages
- Longaniza sausages
- Chourico
If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can use vegetable andouille sausages or tofu sausages.
This article discusses the various substitutes and their flavors. Additionally, we will discuss the origin of andouille sausages.
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Andouille Sausages Origin
Andouille sausages reportedly originated from France. However, they have links in the United States.
Andouille sausages have always been famous in Cajun cooking, a U.S-famous culinary style.
In the US, people make them by stuffing pig intestine with pork meat and other ingredients like garlic, onion, and chili. The seasoning gives andouille sausages a spicy flavor.
French andouille sausages have a distinct aroma. If you find it too overwhelming, try the Creole andouille sausage, which is pink in color and double-smoked.
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Suitable Substitutes
As mentioned above, andouille sausages have a unique, sharp flavor that is distinct. Compared to traditional sausages, their taste is coarse and smoky.
Therefore, you need a substitute that mimics the fantastic flavor. You can always add seasoning to other sausages to make their flavor similar to andouille sausages.
Here are some meat-based substitutes you can choose from.
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Mexican Chorizo
Mexican chorizo is arguably the best substitute for andouille sausage. It is spicy with a smoky flavor similar to andouille sausage. The spiciness comes from hot smoked red peppers used during the manufacturing process.
I recommend using this substitute when making jambalaya or gumbo. Chorizo’s spicy flavor will pull the dish together.
Note that andouille sausages and chorizos differ in appearance. While andouille sausages have a light color when cooked, chorizos are dark red. Keep this in mind when substituting andouille sausage with Mexican chorizo.
The significant difference between andouille and Mexican chorizo is the texture. Chorizo has a more delicate texture in comparison. However, it makes for a good alternative.
If you can’t find Mexican chorizo, try using the European version. It works well in most recipes, especially those that call for slices.
Substitute andouille sausage with chorizo in the ratio of 1:1.
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German Bratwurst
Manufacturers use minced beef and pork to make bratwursts. Other common ingredients they add are garlic, ginger, nutmeg, caraway, and salt.
Most people heavily smoke bratwursts before cooking them. This makes their flavor pretty similar to andouille sausages.
If you want to use this substitute, buy the non-flavored variety that isn’t beer-battered or infused with cheddar.
Before cooking it, season with black pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic flakes, cayenne, sage, allspice, thyme, and sea salt. This way, it will mimic the flavor of andouille sausages.
I recommend this substitute because it generally has a mild flavor. Therefore, it won’t overpower the taste of your dish.
Kielbasa
Kielbasa is a smoked sausage from Poland. Like andouille, it has a unique smoky flavor that you are after.
The most common ingredients manufacturers use to make andouille sausages are pork, pepper, cardamom, and garlic. However, some use different kinds of meat.
The smoky flavor in kielbasa isn’t too pronounced because of the cardamom. The cardamom flavor tends to be rather pronounced.
Try adding black pepper and Cajun if you don’t want to taste the cardamom. These two spices will neutralize cardamom’s taste and make the sausages’ flavor richer and sharper.
Kielbasa and andouille sausages have a similar texture, so you can use them the same way you use andouille sausages in your recipes.
I highly recommend using kielbasa in sausage rolls and pasta dishes. No one would be able to tell the difference.
You can substitute andouille sausages with kielbasa in equal portions because they are very similar.
Sai Ua
Sai Ua is a Thai sausage made of minced pork. It has a rich flavor that goes well with various dishes. You can also eat them on their own.
The downside with these sausages is that they are not as spicy as andouille sausages. They also lack a smoky flavor since they are grilled instead of smoked.
Italian Sausages
Italian sausages are ideal substitutes for andouille sausage. They are made of pork meat and have a spicy flavor.
Some spices manufacturers use in the manufacturing process are red pepper flakes, garlic, and sea salt.
Although Italian sausages are not as spicy as andouille sausages, you can use them interchangeably.
Chouricos De Goa
These Goan sausages are also ideal andouille sausage substitutes. Manufacturers make them using pork meat, spices, and a little vinegar. Sometimes they would also use pig intestine.
Depending on your preference, you can fry or boil these sausages or fry them. I like frying mine with onions and potatoes.
Butifarra pork sausages
These sausages come in different varieties. Unlike most sausages, the pork used to make it is chopped and not ground. It also features spices like pepper and garlic.
If you choose to use these sausages as alternatives, buy the smoked variety. They will give you better results.
You don’t need to spice these sausages up before cooking. They are tasty as they are.
Dukes Chile sausages
These sausages have a rich flavor. Manufacturers use the best ingredients to make them.
Like andouille sausages, they have a spicy and smoky flavor. Therefore, they make for great alternatives.
Longaniza sausages
These sausages are very similar to chorizos. Their spiciness levels vary depending on where they are from. For instance, the Mexican variety is spicier than the Spain variety.
I suggest pairing these sausages with fried eggs or garlic fried rice for the best experience.
Chourico
These pork sausages are highly spicy due to the amount of red wine and paprika used in the manufacturing process.
If you like spicy sausages, you can use them to replace andouille sausages.
Vegetarian Substitutes
Here are some plant-based alternatives suitable for vegans and vegetarians;
Vegan Andouille Sausages
Vegan andouille sausages are pretty easy to make at home. All you need to do is mix pinto beans with garlic, paprika, soy sauce, and pepper, knead the ingredients to form a dough, and then shape the dough like sausages.
They are flavorful and make for great alternatives.
Tofu Sausages
Tofu sausages are another ideal vegetarian or vegan alternative. These sausages are pretty flavorful and rich in protein.
You can try looking for andouille tofu sausages for the best results. The blend of spices and other plant-based ingredients makes them achieve a very similar flavor to that of andouille sausages.
Alternatively, you can use smoked tofu sausages. They have a rich, intense flavor, making them a suitable option. If you choose to use smoked tofu, you don’t need to add any seasoning.
The only downside with tofu sausages is their overall texture is quite different from andouille sausages. However, you may not notice the difference if you add them to a dish.
Substitute andouille sausages with equal amounts of tofu sausages in your recipes.
Conclusion
Andouille sausages are not too tricky to substitute. If you want a substitute with a rich flavor, Mexican chorizo is your best bet, but if you are keener on the smoky flavor, use kielbasa.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, andouille sausages and tofu sausages are your best options.
I hope this article answered your question on the best substitutes for andouille sausages.