Tiffany Haney
Bratwurst is a German sausage made from beef or pork. It is typically grilled or cooked in beer or broth, but it can also be pan-fried. Pan-frying is a good option for those who don't have access to a grill or oven. There are several methods for pan-frying bratwurst, including pan-frying with butter or oil, parboiling and then pan-frying, and pan-frying in beer and onions. The desired level of browning and cooking temperature may vary, but the internal temperature of the bratwurst should reach 145–165°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan-frying method | Heat a tablespoon of butter in a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it turns light brown. Sear the bratwurst for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Cover the pan, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the bratwurst, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. |
| Pan-frying benefits | Pan-frying adds flavour and colour to the bratwurst through the searing process. It is also a convenient alternative to grilling, especially for those living in apartments or without access to a grill. |
| Cooking time | The total cooking time for pan-fried bratwurst is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning and doneness. |
| Internal temperature | The recommended internal temperature for cooked bratwurst is between 145°F and 165°F. Some sources recommend a temperature of 180°F, but this may be excessive. |
| Resting time | Let the bratwurst rest for 2 minutes after cooking before serving or consuming. |
| Serving suggestions | Serve bratwurst in a bun or roll with mustard, sauerkraut, onions, and potatoes. For a creative twist, boil the bratwurst in beer seasoned with pickling spices, garlic, onion, dried peppers, black pepper, and sauerkraut before grilling and serving in a "brat tub". |
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What You'll Learn
Pan-frying bratwurst without a grill
Bratwurst is a German sausage made of beef or pork. The name "bratwurst" comes from the Old High German word "brätwurst", with "brät" meaning finely chopped meat and "wurst" meaning sausage. Bratwurst is usually grilled or cooked in beer or broth, but it can also be pan-fried.
Preparing the bratwurst
If you want to add extra flavour to your bratwurst, you can parboil them in beer seasoned with pickling spice, garlic, onion, dried peppers, black pepper, or sauerkraut before frying. Alternatively, you can boil them in water for 2-3 minutes. However, this step is optional, and you can start by simply heating up a frying pan with a little oil or butter if you prefer.
Pan-frying the bratwurst
To pan-fry bratwurst, heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of butter and let it melt and turn light brown. The temperature should be about 325-350°F. Add the bratwurst and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until they are a deep golden brown colour. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for another 5 minutes. Flip the bratwurst, cover, and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Serving the bratwurst
Once the bratwurst is cooked, let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Bratwurst can be served in a bun with mustard, or with sauerkraut and potatoes. For an extra crispy finish, place the bratwurst in a hot skillet to brown them up before serving.
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How to get the right texture and colour
To get the right texture and colour, it is important to sear the bratwurst first over fairly high heat to get a nice colour and add flavour. You can use olive oil, vegetable or corn oil, but butter is preferred. The temperature should be about 325-350°F. Sear the bratwurst for about 3 minutes on each side until it achieves a deep golden brown colour. Once the sausage is well-browned and aromatic, cook it on lower heat until done. Covering the bratwurst after searing is important as the hot steam inside the pan will keep the bratwurst moist.
If you are looking for a more controlled method, you can parboil the bratwurst before frying. Put enough water in the pan to cover or mostly cover the sausages. Bring this to a slow boil on medium-high heat. Once the water is bubbling, put the bratwurst in the water. Put the lid on the skillet and turn the heat off. Let them sit in the hot water for seven minutes. Check the internal temperature by sticking a meat thermometer into the open end of the bratwurst. It should read between 145–160°F.
If you want to add some extra flavour, you can boil the bratwurst in beer seasoned with pickling spice, garlic, onion, dried peppers, black pepper, and sauerkraut. After boiling, place the bratwurst on the grill on low heat to get a nice browning. Once done, place them back in the juice to keep them warm.
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Parboiling bratwurst before frying
Parboiling is a great way to prepare your bratwurst before frying. This technique ensures the sausages cook evenly, locking in their juices and flavour. It also helps to prevent the skins from cracking.
To parboil your bratwurst, place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the sausages simmer for around 10 minutes. You can add flavour by simmering the bratwurst in beer instead of water, along with seasonings such as pickling spice, garlic, onion, dried peppers, black pepper, and sauerkraut.
Once the bratwurst are done parboiling, remove them from the liquid and pat them dry. You can now pan-fry them. Heat a cast-iron pan to medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of butter. Sear the bratwurst for about 3 minutes on each side until they are a deep golden brown colour. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for another 5 minutes. Finally, flip the bratwurst, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Parboiling your bratwurst before frying is an effective way to ensure they are cooked evenly and are juicy and flavourful.
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Using a meat thermometer
When using a meat thermometer, you are trying to find the coolest part of the bratwurst. Slowly retract the thermometer through the meat. As the tip enters the meat, the temperature reading will rise and then start to drop as you get closer to the center. Keep retracting the thermometer slowly, and eventually, you'll hit a low point—the point at which the numbers will start to rise again. This minimum point is the temperature reading you should go by.
If you are using a charcoal grill, cook your bratwurst in a pan on the cooler side, with the lid covered, for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, grill the bratwurst on the hot side for a minute or two to create grill marks and bring them to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are parboiling your bratwurst before frying, stick a meat thermometer into the open end of the bratwurst. It should read between 145–160 degrees Fahrenheit.
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What to serve with pan-fried bratwurst
Pan-fried bratwurst is a delicious dish, but what should you serve it with? Here are some ideas to elevate your bratwurst and create a hearty meal:
On a Bun
A classic way to serve bratwurst is on a bun or roll. In Germany, bratwurst is often served on a "brötchen," a hard roll, with mustard. You can also add your favourite toppings, such as sauerkraut, to add a tangy crunch to your sandwich.
With Potatoes
For a heartier meal, serve your pan-fried bratwurst with potatoes. You can roast or mash them, or even make a potato salad for a refreshing side dish. The combination of bratwurst and potatoes is a classic pairing that will leave you satisfied.
Caramelised Onions
Onions are a great companion to bratwurst. Try thinly slicing an onion and cooking it in butter until tender and caramelised. You can also add beer to the onions for extra flavour. Top your bratwurst with these onions, or serve them as a side dish.
Beer
Beer is not just for drinking; it can also be used in cooking. Try simmering your bratwurst in beer seasoned with pickling spices, garlic, onion, dried peppers, black pepper, or sauerkraut. This will infuse your bratwurst with flavour and create a juicy, tender sausage. You can also reduce the beer and use it as a dipping sauce for your bratwurst.
Mustard
A smear of mustard can elevate your bratwurst experience. Try a sharp mustard like Dusseldorf mustard, or experiment with different varieties to find your favourite.
Other Sides
There are also several other side dishes that can accompany your bratwurst. Try serving it with a refreshing salad, grilled vegetables, or a hearty grain dish.
So, the next time you're pan-frying bratwurst, consider these delicious sides to create a memorable meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and combinations!
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