Don’t we all have a long-standing fondness for sausages and hot dogs, whether at a backyard BBQ, a sport, or a late-night snack run? That smoky, flavorful taste is definitely soothing, whether it’s stuffed into a bun or served with mashed potatoes. From bratwursts to spicy links, these grill favorites are more than just meat.

Nothing is more disheartening than putting a couple of sausages on the grill only to have them dry, chewy, and split open before you can flip them. But what if we told you there’s a dead-simple secret that ensures juicy, flavor-packed sausages every time—and it only takes 10 more minutes? This is for barbecue aficionados.

According to Jules Clancy, the founder of the popular cooking site The Stone Soup, the true secret of next-level sausages is not in the grill marks but in poaching them first.

“I was convinced last year by my Irishman that the best way to cook sausages if you’re serving them whole is to gently poach them to cook them through before browning them in a pan or on the BBQ,” she said. “Well worth the effort for tender, juicy bangers and mash.”

Could you please explain what poaching is and why it is beneficial?
Poaching sausages is as simple as it sounds: simply simmer them in a small amount of water before grilling or pan-frying. This delicate cooking method completely heats the insides without drying out or burning the skins.

There will be no more splitting casings. There will be no more raw centers. The sausage is simply delicious, juicy, and retains every bit of flavor.

Bonus tip: For an added flavor boost, cook them in broth instead of water and sprinkle in additions like onions, garlic, or herbs.

How to Poach Sausages Like a Pro:
1.Place raw sausages in a saucepan.
2.Add enough cold water (or broth) to just cover them.
3.Optional: Add aromatics like sliced onion, garlic cloves, or fresh herbs.
4.Gently bring the water to a simmer—but don’t boil! Simmer for about 10 minutes.
5.Finish the sausages on the grill or pan to get that perfect golden-brown sear.
That’s it.

So next time you fire up the BBQ, give this underrated method a shot. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend cookout or whipping up a late-night sausage sandwich, a 10-minute poach might just change your grilling game forever.

And don’t forget to share this tip with all your sausage-loving friends — life’s too short to eat bad sausage.