Brats are a popular and loved sausage, but not everyone knows how to cook brats properly. So in this article, I will instruct you how to cook brats in 4 different ways, so you can find the one that suits you best and can enjoy all its juicy, flavorful glory.
1. How To Cook Brats on Stove
Ingredients
- 4 – 5 bratwursts
- 1 bottle of beer
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions
In a pot, combine 1 sliced onion, 1 bottle of beer, and brats. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until and the beer is evaporated
Remove your brats from the pot and place them on a plate lined with paper towels
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil smokes lightly add the brats to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally
Serve the brats on a bun with mustard, ketchup, or your favorite toppings.
2. How To Cook Brats in Oven
Ingredients
- 6 bratwursts
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a medium bowl, mix together the sliced onion, bell pepper, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
Transfer mixture vegetables on the baking sheet then place brats onto
Bake brats in the preheated oven for 25 – 30 minutes, or until the brats are cooked through. If you don’t use vegetables, bake them for 15 minutes. Because when using vegetables, your brats will need more time to turn brown due to the increased moisture.
Serve warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
3. How To Cook Brats in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 5 bratwurst sausages
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the brats in the air fryer basket. Next, brush the olive oil over the brats then sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper ontop
Air fry brats for 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
Remove the brats from the air fryer and serve. Enjoy!
4. How To Cook Brats on Grill
Ingredients
- 6 bratwursts
- 6 buns
- Mustard, ketchup, or other condiments (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the brats and onion slices on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping the brats occasionally to ensure even cooking.
When the brats are cooked through and lightly charred, remove them from the grill.
Place the brats in buns and top with optional condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise. Enjoy your grilled brats!
5. FAQs When Cooking Brats
5.1. What is Brats?
Brats, also known as bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from ground pork, beef, or veal, and sometimes a combination of the three. It is often flavored with garlic, ginger, marjoram, and caraway.
The name “bratwurst” comes from the German words “braten” (to roast) and “wurst” (sausage). The brats were traditionally grilled over a charcoal fire, but today they are usually cooked in a skillet, in the oven, on a grill, or in the air fryer.
5.2. What is the Best Way To Cook Brats?
The best way to cook brats is by simmering them in beer and onion, then pan-fry them until they are browned. This method will give you juicy and flavorful brats with a crispy exterior
5.3. How To Know When Brats Are Done?
If you’re new to cooking brats, or if you just want to make sure your brats turn out perfectly, here are some tips to help you know when brats are done.
To start, you’ll want to make sure your brats are cooked to the proper internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for cooked brats. To check the temperature of your brats, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the brat and wait for a few seconds. If the temperature reads 160 or higher, your brats are done.
Another way to tell if your brats are done is to look for a golden-brown color on the outside of the brat. If the brats have a light golden-brown color, they should be done. If the color is darker, they need to cook a bit longer.
You can also give your brats a squeeze to test their doneness. If they feel firm to the touch, they should be done. If they feel soft or squishy, they need to cook a bit longer.
Finally, you can do a visual check to make sure your brats are done. Cut into one of the brats and check to see if the center is cooked through. If it looks pink or red, the brat needs more time on the grill or in the oven. If the center is white, your brats are done.
5.4. What To Serve With Brats?
Brats is a versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be grilled and served as a sandwich, bake in the oven and serve with mashed potatoes, cooked in a skillet and served over noodles, or even served in a soup.
5.5. Can I Cook Brats From Frozen?
Yes, you can but if you are using frozen brats, below here are some things to keep in mind:
Thawing: You will need to thaw frozen brats before cooking if you want grilling or cook in the oven. This can be done in the refrigerator overnight or by placing the frozen brats in a bowl of warm water.
Cooking time & Temperature: Frozen brats may take a little longer to cook than fresh brats. Besides, If you want to achieve a crispy, browned exterior on your brats, you may need to cook them at a higher temperature. Keep a close eye on the brats as they cook, to avoid burning them.
In conclusion, there are many different ways to cook brats, including on the stove, grilling, baking, and pan-frying. Each way offers its own unique flavor and texture, and you can choose the one that best suits your taste. Whether you are hosting a barbecue, looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or want to try something new, there is a cooking method for you.
Hi, I’m a food blogger! and I’m passionate about all things culinary and love to share new recipes. From delicious desserts to mouth-watering main dishes, I always have something to share with everyone. Follow me for weekly recipes, cooking inspiration, and more! Check Ella Hopkins on Linkedin
