Andouille sausage is a popular smoked sausage that is often used in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.
However, if you’re unable to find andouille sausage or don’t want to spend the money on it, there are a number of substitutes you can use.
In this article, we’ll discuss a variety of substitutes for andouille sausage and explain the differences and similarities between them.
We’ll also give examples of how we’ve used the substitutes in our own cooking.
Let’s get started!
Substitutes for Andouille Sausage
- Tofu
- Dukes Hatch Green Chile Smoked Shorty Sausages
- Longganisa Cooked Sausage
- Sai Ua
- Butifarra Pork Sausages
- Italian Sausages
- German Bratwurst
- Kielbasa
- Mexican Chorizo
Tofu
Tofu can be a great substitute for andouille sausage in a number of recipes.
It has a similar texture to sausage, so it works well in dishes where you want the sausage to hold its shape, like in a gumbo or jambalaya.
Tofu is also much lower in fat than sausage, so it’s a healthier option if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
However, tofu doesn’t have as much flavor as sausage, so you may want to add some extra spices to your recipe if you’re using it as a substitute.
Additionally, tofu doesn’t absorb flavors as well as sausage, so it’s best to cook it with strongly-flavored ingredients.
Dukes Hatch Green Chile Smoked Shorty Sausages
Dukes Hatch Green Chile Smoked Shorty Sausages are made with pork and hatch green chiles and they have a smoky flavor that pairs well with other Cajun ingredients.
In addition, the sausages are pre-cooked, which saves time when preparing a dish.
Longganisa Cooked Sausage
Longganisa is a type of Filipino sausage that can be used as a substitute for andouille sausage.
While the flavor of longganisa is not identical to that of andouille, it is still fairly similar, making it a suitable replacement in many cases.
Additionally, longganisa is typically lower in fat than andouille, making it a healthier option.
It is also less spicy than andouille, so it may be a more suitable choice for those who are sensitive to heat.
When substituting longganisa for andouille, it is important to keep in mind that the sausage will add more sweetness to the dish.
As such, you may want to adjust the other seasonings accordingly.
Sai Ua
Sai Ua can be a good option for those who do not eat pork or want a milder flavor.
This grilled chicken sausage from Thailand is made with lemongrass, galangal, cilantro, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, and chiles.
It is often used in Thai curries and soups. While it is not as spicy as andouille sausage, it still has a lot of flavors.
It is also lower in fat and calories. In addition, it is easy to find in most grocery stores.
Butifarra Pork Sausages
Butifarra pork sausages are a suitable substitute for andouille sausage in many cases.
They are both highly seasoned, smoked sausages that are traditionally made with pork.
However, butifarra sausages tend to be milder than andouille, making them a good choice for those who do not like spicy food.
In addition, butifarra sausages are often cheaper than andouille, making them a budget-friendly option.
Butifarra sausages can be used in any recipe that calls for andouille sausages, such as gumbo or jambalaya.
They can also be grilled or roasted and served as an entree or appetizer.
When substituting butifarra for andouille, it is important to keep in mind that the flavor will be milder.
As a result, you may want to add additional spices to the dish to give it more flavor.
Italian Sausages
Italian sausage is a good substitute for Andouille sausage, as it has a similar flavor profile.
Italian sausage is made with pork, and is typically seasoned with fennel and garlic.
It can be found pre-cooked or raw, and can be easily substituted into any dish that calls for Andouille sausage.
When substituting Italian sausage for Andouille sausage, it is important to keep in mind that the Italian sausage will impart a more pronounced flavor to the dish.
As such, it is important to use Italian sausage sparingly, and to adjust the other seasonings accordingly.
German Bratwurst
German Bratwurst is a great substitute for andouille sausage. It has a similar flavor and texture, making it perfect for recipes that call for andouille sausage.
Additionally, German Bratwurst is lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier option.
When substituting German Bratwurst for andouille sausage, there may be some slight changes in flavor, but overall the taste will be similar.
German Bratwurst can be used in any recipe that calls for andouille sausage, including stews, soups, or jambalaya.
When substituting German Bratwurst for andouille sausage, it is important to keep in mind that German Bratwurst is already cooked, so it does not need to be cooked as long as andouille sausage.
Kielbasa
Kielbasa is a great substitute for andouille sausage.
It’s perfect for dishes like gumbo or jambalaya where you want a little bit of spice without the overwhelming heat of some other sausages.
Kielbasa is also a great option if you’re looking for a leaner sausage – it’s lower in fat than andouille, and still has that great smoky flavor.
If you’re concerned about authenticity, don’t be – kielbasa is a traditional Polish sausage, and Poles have been known to put their own spin on Cajun cuisine.
Mexican Chorizo
Mexican chorizo makes an excellent substitute for andouille sausage. This spicy sausage is widely available and brings its own unique flavor to the dish.
In addition, Mexican chorizo is less fatty than andouille sausage, making it a healthier option.
It is also less expensive, making it a good choice for budget-minded cooks.
When substituting Mexican chorizo for andouille sausage, it is important to cook the chorizo before using it in the dish.
This will help to control the spice level and prevent the sausage from overwhelming the other flavors in the dish.
Conclusion
Andouille sausage is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.
However, there are times when you may need or want to substitute another sausage.
When substituting sausage, it is important to keep in mind the flavor and texture of the andouille sausage.
This will help you choose a substitution that best suits your needs.