Sausage comes from many cultures, each with its own unique taste and flavor pairings. Linguica sausage is a smoked sausage from Portugal which is flavored with garlic, oregano and paprika. Similar in flavor to chorizo, linguica sausage is found pre-cooked which helps you to handle the pork product safely. In working with pre-cooked sausage, the key is to not overcook the sausage, thus removing all flavor.
Cut or slice the linguica based on your recipe, If using the sausage for main dishes, stews or rice-based dishes, slice the linguica into bite size pieces approximately 1/2-inch thick. Leave the casing on the sausage to help preserve the moistness of the sausage.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the linguica and saute for five minutes until both sides are browned. You may slice the linguica into longer lengths if heating for a sandwich or you may cut into thin rounds to add to other dishes.
Remove one piece of the linguica from the pan. Place on a plate and cut open to see if the linguica has been heated through. Do not overcook the sausage as it is pre-cooked and overcooking will drain both moisture and flavor from the meat.
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Tip
Use linguica sausage in place of other smoked sausages such as kielbasa and chorizo to change the flavor of a dish.
Warning
Avoid using raw linguica unless you are used to working with raw pork and can ensure thorough cooking to prevent illness due to undercooked pork.