Do you know how to cook bratwurst the right way? Or the best way to cook it? Do you know a certain way that will set you aside from any other amateurs who do not know how to cook a bratwurst? If you understand the right way of cooking bratwurst, you will become a pro in a very short period. There are different ways of cooking brats and we will look at these methods in this article.
This post includes cooking brats on different stovetops or appliances. We will also highlight a detailed list of ingredients and a recipe that you will enjoy making. By the end of this article, you will understand how to cook bratwurst on the stove, in the oven, and on the grill. Stay tuned for an amazing learning experience!
Understanding Bratwurst
Essentially, this is a certain type of sausage from Germany. The name translates to meat sausage that is chopped finely. It has a very old history. You can then imagine that the methods of cooking have been developing since then, which is why there are many ways in which you can cook these sausages.
You will note that different German regions have different bratwurst types. Each of the unique types is cooked in different manners, all of which produce a tasty variety. You will enjoy around 40 types of bratwurst. Amazing, right? Even with all these differences, you will note certain aspects that are common in all of them and different from regular sausages.
The first thing you will realize is that they are made with high-quality veal, beef, or pork. Before you refer to it as bratwurst, you should make sure that the quality of the meat is top-notch. Additionally, it has to be chopped finely.
Another aspect is the addition of different spices. The most common spices are ginger, caraway, as well as coriander. However, you will find certain types that have other popular herbs to give them a different, unique, yet amazing flavor.
All in all, brats are an amazing meal that will drive your taste glands crazy. You will never forget the taste of properly cooked bratwurst.
Buying and Storing Brats Properly
You can find a grocery that has some type of sausage labeled as bratwurst. If you know what you are looking for, it is hard to be ripped off. When you can tell the quality and type of brats, then you will have an advantage. The common types are Frankische, Wurzburger, as well as Rote Wurst brats.
We do not recommend that you get brats in a grocery store. However, if you do, then you should check the expiration date. Additionally, avoid choosing the cheaper versions if you can avoid them. The price will always reflect the quality when we are talking about sausages.
So, where should you purchase bratwurst? If you want the best quality, you should consider the market or butcher. there, you can question the process of making them, or the varieties there are. Consider the cleanliness of the place and how the brats are wrapped.
When it comes to storage, the raw bratwurst can be stored inside a refrigerator for a maximum of four days. If you want to go with a freezer, then you can store it for up to three months.
Cooking Brats
Now, let’s get to cooking.
On a Stove
We will learn how to cook bratwurst on a stove. It is one of the easiest and quickest methods of cooking bratwurst. If you are cooking a smaller batch, then this might be the best way to go. The process requires that you simmer the sausages first so that they are cooked partially, after which you can complete the process by using a frying pan or a cast-iron skillet to fry them.
Certain recipes would direct you to simmer them inside a liquid, after which you grill them on a barbecue. The barbecue finishes the browning. However, before you can brown them on a grill, you can cook them in a pan. That way, the bratwurst will not split when you are grilling.
For the simmering step, you would have to add brats in a Dutch oven or a deep skillet. You should then add the beer, sliced onion, and half a butter stick that is cut into small cubes. The beer should cover the meat and not fill the Dutch oven. After you have all the ingredients, you should bring the beer to a boil then reduce the heat so that it is medium-low. Simmer the ingredients for around ten minutes.
The final step will require you to remove the brats from the Dutch oven or skillet. Add some oil to the frying pan then fry them for around three minutes for each of the sides. The best temperature should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until each side is brown before turning it.
In an oven
You might be wondering; can you bake brats? We will learn how to cook brats in the oven. Most recipes will teach you how to bake brats in the oven. It is a great idea for cooking a meal properly. It is also good if you have to cook a larger batch., maybe for family and friends.
The first step is to preheat the oven. You should preheat the oven to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember: The oven rack should be at the center of the oven.
After you preheat the oven, lay the raw brats on a baking sheet. You should ensure that they are spread out in a way that there is more space between each of them.
Each side should bake for around ten minutes. After the time is up, you should flip the sausages using tongs or a spatula, then continue the process for around 7 more minutes. You might wonder what temp to cook brats in the oven. The internal temperature of the cooked brats should be around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
On a grill
Do you know how to cook brats on a grill? Grilling bratwurst is not only the best way to cook bratwurst, but it is also quite fun, especially during the summer.
You should grill them for around 18 minutes, making sure that they are not exposed to direct heat. You should ensure that they are not fully cooked, but they are almost there.
When in this state, you should then place them on direct heat for an additional 2 minutes so that the outside browns. The internal temperature should be at a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should serve them with buns with some hot dog toppings. That is the American style. The German style would involve sauerkraut and some mustard.
In case you are not yet ready to serve them but they are cooked, simmer them in some beer on low heat. That will maintain their temperature for however long you want.
Do you have to boil brats before grilling? As you might have noted earlier, we discussed a method of cooking brats that requires you to boil and then grill.
Using a Pressure Cooker
Using a pressure cooker will make the process quick. After the bratwurst browns on both sides, you should add beer and cook the brats. When you learn how to cook brats in a pressure cooker, you might make it your most favorite method.
You should brown the brats with around two tablespoons of butter. This will require around three minutes for each side. The size and type of pressure cooker you are using will determine how many you cook at a go. you should then place the rack at the bottom and place the brats at the top.
Pour a cup of beer or any other liquid into the bottom. After that, cook them for at least six minutes.
Finally, remove the steam.
Also, read: How To Cook Sausage In Microwave
In a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker will give you great results. What’s more, you can enjoy the amazing scents when the slow cooker works.
If you want to know how to boil brats, then this is the best way.
You should place a large skillet on a stove and turn the heat to medium-high. You should then sear the sausages for around three minutes.
You should then add an onion coupled with 2 sauerkraut cups. Finally add a single beer can, coupled with one and a half cups of chicken broth.
Add the sausages to the top and press them down, after which you should add some butter evenly.
Conclusion
How do you bake bratwurst in the oven? We have explained all the amazing methods of cooking brats including baking in an oven. You should check each of the methods and determine the best one for you based on the equipment you have in your kitchen. You should also consider the one that will give you the results you want most.
Also Read:
- How To Cook Andouille Sausage In Air Fryer
- How To Freeze Cooked Ham
- Difference Between Longaniza Vs Chorizo
Feel free to share your observations with me in the comments section!
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