Introduction
If you’re a fan of sausage, then you’ve likely encountered the bratwurst, a delicious German sausage filled with savory spices and juicy meat. Cooking brats can be a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of guidance, you can cook brats perfectly every time.
The Simple Guide to Cooking Brats Perfectly Every Time
Understanding the basics of bratwurst
Bratwurst is a German sausage made of ground pork, veal or beef. It’s usually seasoned with a blend of savory spices such as marjoram, nutmeg, and caraway. Brats are generally sold fresh or pre-cooked, and they can be cooked by boiling, grilling, frying and baking.
Choosing the right type of brats
Selecting a high-quality brat is as important as cooking it appropriately. Choose uncooked, fresh brats from your local butcher or grocery store and avoid pre-cooked varieties. You can try different flavors like cheese-filled brats, spicy brats, or apple-cinnamon brats.
Preparing the brats
Before cooking your brats, it’s important to prepare them. Start by removing them from their casing and soaking them in cold water for about 15 minutes to eliminate excess salt. Preparing your brats with a fork will allow them to absorb additional marinade, making them juicier and more flavorful when cooked.
Cooking the brats
There are several ways to cook brats, including grilling, simmering, frying and baking. A few things to keep in mind when cooking brats include using indirect heat, flipping them only once, and avoiding puncturing the sausages with a fork, so they don’t lose their juices.
Tips for serving the brats
Once the brats are cooked, you’re ready to serve them. The ideal method for serving your brats is with grilled buns, mustard, and relish. However, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and sauces. Now, let’s dive into 4 delicious brat cooking recipes.
4 Delicious Recipes to Cook Brats That Will Delight Your Taste Buds
Classic Beer Brats
This recipe is perfect for summertime backyard barbecues and football parties. It’s easy to make, and only requires a few ingredients, including brats, beer, onions, and mustard. Simply sauté the onions in a skillet, add the brats and beer, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, then grill them to completion.
Bacon-Wrapped Brats
This recipe adds a savory twist to the classic bratwurst. Start by wrapping each brat with a bacon strip and securing it with a toothpick. Place your bacon-wrapped brats on the grill for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sausage is fully cooked.
Brats with Apples and Onions
This recipe adds a bit of sweetness to the savory bratwurst. Start by sautéing sliced apples and onions in butter. Add your brats to the pan and cook them until they’re golden brown. Serve with a heaping spoonful of mustard or relish for added taste.
Brats with Sauerkraut and Mustard
This recipe is a classic combination because it perfectly balances the tangy taste of sauerkraut with the smoky taste of brats. Start by browning the brats in a skillet until golden brown. Add some sauerkraut and mustard with a bit of beer, then let the mixture simmer. Serve the brats on a toasted bun and top them with extra sauerkraut or mustard, depending on your preference.
The Best Grilling Techniques for Brats: Tips and Tricks to Master the Perfect Cook
Preparing the grill
Before you start grilling your brats, you need to make sure your grill is clean and properly heated to a medium-high temperature of 350-375°F. Preheat your grill for about 10-15 minutes before grilling.
Direct vs. indirect heat
Direct heat involves grilling your brats directly above the heat source. Indirect heat, on the other hand, involves grilling them above no direct heat. It’s recommended to use indirect heat for cooking your brats and searing them for about 2-3 minutes on each side using direct heat.
Flipping and rotating the brats
Flipping the brats only once is the key to grilling them to perfection. When you grill your brats, it’s essential to rotate them regularly to guarantee even cooking and avoid burning any areas.
Achieving the desired internal temperature
The ideal temperature for cooking brats is 160°F, which is safe to eat. A foolproof method for checking if your brats are fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Check the sausages’ internal temperature to ensure it has reached 160°F.
One-Pot Bratwursts and Sauerkraut: An Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 brats
- 1 can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Using a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, for about 5-7 minutes. Add the drained sauerkraut, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and add the brats to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
Cooking
Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the brats are fully cooked.
Serving
Serve the one-pot bratwursts and sauerkraut with a side of your choice, such as mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even coleslaw.
5 Different Ways to Serve Brats: From Classic Buns to Gourmet Toppings
Traditional buns with mustard and relish
The traditional way of serving brats is with a bun, spicy mustard, and a dollop of relish. It’s essential to use a quality bun so it won’t fall apart, and it should be grilled or toasted.
Pretzel buns with sauerkraut and spicy mustard
Pretzel buns add an extra level of flavor to the bratwurst sandwich. These buns can be found in many bakeries and grocery stores. For this recipe, sauté some sauerkraut in butter and garlic to add zest to your bratwurst sandwich.
Brats with grilled onions and peppers
This recipe adds a bit of seared flavor to your bratwurst. Cut up some onions and bell peppers and grill them on your outdoor grill or stovetop until they’re charred. Serve your brat slice and top with peppers and onions for the perfect flavor combination.
Brats with avocado and salsa
If you’re looking for a non-traditional spin on bratwurst, try avocados and salsa. These toppings add fresh flavors to the smoky meat. Simply mash up some fresh avocados and add a few scoops of your favorite salsa.
Brats with chili and cheese
This recipe recreates the classic chili dog and substitutes the hot dog for a brat. It’s easy to prepare, add a spoonful of prepared chili and top it with a generous helping of melted cheddar cheese.
Beyond the Grill: How to Cook Brats in the Oven, on the Stove, and More
Oven-baked brats
Cooking brats in the oven is a convenient alternative to grilling. Place the brats on a baking tray and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping them once after 15 minutes. You’ll get the same smoky flavor without the need for a barbecue in this recipe.
Pan-fried brats
If you don’t have an outside grill, then using a pan is another useful way to add a little crisp to your bratwurst. To pan-fry brats, heat a bit of cooking oil in a frying pan and add the brats. Cook the brats in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
Simmered brats
This cooking method requires boiling the brats in a mixture of beer and water. Add some beer to your boiling water and drop in the brats before letting them simmer for about 15 minutes. This idea will recreate the sugary, smoky taste you’ll love.
Grilled and then baked brats
If you’re craving both textured food and a slightly charred look, then this recipe is for you. Grill the brats on direct heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping them in between before placing them in a 375°F oven. Cook the brats on the middle rack of the oven for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
Conclusion
Recap of key points
Cooking brats has never been easier with the help of the simple guide. Start with preparing high-quality brats, choosing one of the cooking methods, seasoning brats with flavorful spices. Finally, use different toppings and flavors to create exciting and innovative bratwurst dishes.
Encouragement to try out different techniques
Don’t be afraid to experiment with brat recipes and cooking techniques to find your personal favorite. Try different marinades, try different ways of cooking, and don’t worry about testing out something new.
Ending with a delicious bratwurst meal suggestion
Cooked correctly, Bratwurst and sauerkraut are an amazing combination. If you try one of our recipe suggestions or make up your perfect toppings and mixes, make sure to pair it with a light German beer or a refreshing lager to take the perfect bite.
