Are you craving a delicious bratwurst but don’t want to wait for the perfect grilling weather? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to cook brats on the stove using beer and onions. It’s a simple and hearty recipe that will satisfy your cravings in no time.
What is a Bratwurst?
Bratwurst is THE German sausage. It comes in different types, depending on the region in Germany. The two most common types are the fine and the coarse. Both are delicious, but the choice is a matter of personal preference. When cooking brats on the stovetop, the coarser variety tends to work best.
Bratwurst is a versatile sausage that you can find at any public event or party. Traditionally slow-cooked on a charcoal grill, it becomes a mouthwatering delight when served in a bun with mustard or ketchup, or even smothered in curry sauce. Despite its widespread availability, bratwurst remains a beloved staple in many households. And now we’ll share our favorite way of cooking it inside.
What do you need?
For this recipe, you only need three main ingredients: bratwurst, onions, and beer. Additionally, you’ll need a little oil, salt, and pepper. The quality of the bratwurst is crucial, so opt for good-quality, preferably coarse brats. They have more spices, flavor, and less fat.
One medium sliced onion and about a cup of beer are all you need to enhance the taste of your brats. However, if you prefer not to cook with beer, you can substitute it with chicken or beef broth, or even apple juice for a sweeter twist.
How long to cook bratwurst on the stove?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking brats on the stove:
- Quarter the onion and slice the quarters.
- Heat a large thick-bottomed pan with a little oil. A cast iron skillet works best.
- Sear the brats on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes on each side. This step adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip it.
- Add the onion slices between the sausages and cook for about 2 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally.
- Flip the brats again, add beer, cover the pan, lower the temperature, and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 71 degrees Celsius/160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut one sausage in the middle to check if it’s cooked through.
- Remove the bratwurst from the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the sauce for about 2 minutes, then return the brats to the pan, coating them in the sauce.
- Serve the sausages and the caramelized onions immediately.
Tips for a Perfect Result
While the beer does not create a lot of sauce, it plays a crucial role in keeping the brats moist and preventing them from drying out or sticking to the pan. It also imparts a delightful flavor. If you prefer, you can experiment with apple cider or other liquids instead of beer.
Why cook brats in beer?
Cooking bratwurst in beer ensures that the sausages are cooked all the way through. By browning them first and then simmering them with onions and beer, you avoid the risk of burning the onions before the brats are fully cooked. The beer also adds an extra layer of flavor. If beer isn’t your preference, you can use apple juice, cider, or various stocks as alternatives. Non-alcoholic beer works as well.
Which beer is best for cooking brats?
A lager or pilsner beer is recommended due to its pleasant and non-overpowering flavor. These types of beer are easily available worldwide and are less likely to boil over during cooking.
How to serve bratwurst?
Bratwurst is best served with mustard, enhancing its tangy and savory flavors. You can enjoy brats with bread, stuffed in a bread roll or hot dog bun, or alongside fries, ketchup, or mayonnaise. They also pair well with German Potato Salad, Noodle Salad, oven-baked potato wedges, and many other potato side dishes. For an authentic German experience, try serving brats with sauerkraut or Bavarian sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
Check out this web story for the recipe of how to cook brats on the stove.
More mouthwatering sausages
If you’re a fan of sausages, be sure to explore our collection of delicious sausage recipes. From traditional favorites to creative twists, we have something for everyone’s taste buds.
Remember to enjoy your brats with Ekilove, your go-to source for delectable recipes and culinary inspiration.
