Steaming Brats: A Hot Dog Steamer Alternative

Hot dogs are a versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, grilling, baking in the oven, or even microwaving. While the method chosen depends on the equipment available, where the cooking will take place, and personal taste preferences, steaming hot dogs is a simple and effective way to prepare them. But can you use the same method for cooking brats?

How to cook brats in the oven

Cooking brats in the oven is a great alternative to grilling them. It's also a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook brats in the oven:

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°Fahrenheit.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet or a casserole dish with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easy clean-up. You can also grease the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the brats on the prepared pan, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. This will allow all sides of the brats to cook evenly.

Cooking

• Bake the brats for 10 minutes, then turn them over and bake for another 6 minutes.
• For a more "grill-like" finish, you can turn on the oven broiler and let the brats sit under the hot heat for about another minute.
• Check the internal temperature of the brats with a meat thermometer. The brats are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°Fahrenheit.

Serving

• Brats are typically served on brat buns or hot dog buns.
• You can top them with onions, mustard, sauerkraut, or your favourite toppings.
• Consider serving them with sides such as German potato salad, Amish potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob.

Tips

• Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the brats. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.
• If you're cooking frozen brats, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time and flip them an additional time or two for even browning.
• You can also marinate the brats in beer overnight for a richer flavour before baking them.

How to steam hot dogs in a microwave

While there are many ways to cook a hot dog, steaming them in the microwave is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam hot dogs in a microwave:

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Place the desired number of hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate. If cooking multiple hot dogs, leave about one inch of space between each hot dog to ensure even cooking. For more than four hot dogs, cook in batches to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Step 2: Cover with Paper Towel

Cover the plate with a paper towel. This will help keep the hot dogs moist and juicy by capturing the moisture released during cooking. If cooking a single hot dog, wrap it in the paper towel instead. Tuck the ends of the paper towel under the plate to prevent it from falling off.

Step 3: Cook in the Microwave

Cook the hot dogs on high power for about 40 seconds for one hot dog. For each additional hot dog, add about 20 seconds to the cooking time. Microwaves vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed. Check the hot dogs halfway through to see if they are warm or hot.

Step 4: Remove from Microwave

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the paper towel as steam may be released. Use oven mitts to protect your hands from burns. If the hot dogs are not hot enough, continue cooking in 30-second intervals until they are heated through.

Step 5: Serve

Once the hot dogs are heated to your desired temperature, they are ready to serve. Hot dogs are typically served in a bun with your choice of condiments. Enjoy!

Tips:

• To warm the bun, place it open-face down on a paper towel and microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid microwaving the bun with the hot dog inside, as the steam will make the bun soggy.
• For a crispier bun, consider toasting it in a toaster or under a broiler.
• If cooking frozen hot dogs, thaw them first before microwaving to ensure even cooking.

How to steam hot dogs on a stovetop

Step 1: Prepare your equipment

Before you start steaming your hot dogs, you'll need to gather the right equipment. You'll need a pot with a lid, a burner, and a steaming basket or colander. If you don't have a steaming basket, don't worry—you can use a colander instead. Just make sure that whatever you use is wide enough to rest over the pot without falling into it.

Step 2: Fill the pot with water

Fill your pot with 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of water and place it on the burner. Turn the heat on high to bring the water to a boil. You can speed up the boiling process by covering the pot with a lid.

Step 3: Add the steaming basket and hot dogs

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the steaming basket or colander over the pot, making sure it's resting securely on the pot's edges. Then, add 2-3 hot dogs to the steaming basket, making sure they're evenly spaced out and not touching.

Step 4: Cover and steam the hot dogs

Cover the pot with a lid or a piece of aluminum foil to trap the steam inside. Let the hot dogs cook in the steam for about 2-3 minutes. If you want to check the temperature, use a meat thermometer to ensure the hot dogs have reached an internal temperature of 140–165 °F (60–74 °C).

Step 5: Remove the hot dogs

After the hot dogs have finished steaming, carefully remove the lid or foil, being mindful of the escaping steam. Then, use tongs to remove the hot dogs from the steaming basket and place them on a plate or directly into buns. If you're not eating the hot dogs right away, you can keep them warm at or above 140 °F to prevent bacterial growth.

Step 6: Enjoy your steamed hot dogs!

Your hot dogs are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them as-is or pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes if you prefer your hot dogs with a bit of char.

What to serve with brats

While brats are delicious on their own, serving them with a variety of sides can elevate your meal to the next level. Here are some mouth-watering options to consider:

Veggies

Roasted artichoke petals dipped in a creamy lemon aioli, grilled mushroom kabobs with a tangy balsamic vinegar glaze, or grilled Brussels sprouts seasoned with red pepper flakes are sure to impress. You could also try grilled veggies like peppers, squash, and zucchini with a zesty caper butter or roasted fennel and peppers for a tasty change of pace.

Salads

How about a cold green bean salad with cherry tomatoes and potatoes, a broccoli grape salad with the added delight of bacon, or a watermelon salad with a surprising mix of flavors? If you're feeling adventurous, try a jalapeno popper corn salad or a cucumber coleslaw that's perfect for rounding out a brunch or picnic.

Potatoes

Potluck German potato salad, instant pot baked beans, or loaded mashed potato bites with bacon, cheese, and onions are sure to be crowd-pleasers. For a unique twist, try potato wedges with a sweet and spicy sauce or homemade potato chips that will have you never going back to store-bought bags.

Pasta

Veggie mac and cheese, bacon mac 'n' cheese cornbread skillet, or a creamy macaroni salad with crisp veggies are sure to satisfy.

Other options

Don't forget about sweet potato fritters, fried okra, or cheese fries for a fun and flavorful addition to your meal.

How to store leftover brats

Storing leftover brats properly is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure they stay fresh and tasty. Here is a detailed guide on how to store leftover brats:

Storing Cooked Brats in the Fridge

Leftover cooked brats can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is crucial to act quickly. Place the brats in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for three to four days in the fridge. When storing raw meats in the refrigerator, follow a top-to-bottom order. Keep ready-to-eat foods like dairy products, cheese, and yogurt at the top, followed by leftovers and other packaged foods on the middle shelf. Raw meat, poultry, and fish should be placed in sealed containers on the bottom shelf, with lettuce, fruits, and vegetables in the vegetable drawers.

Storing Brats in the Freezer

If you want to store brats for an extended period, consider freezing them. Freezing is an excellent option if you're looking for a simple and economical way to have sausage on hand whenever you need it. The freezing process is the same for raw and pre-cooked brats. First, arrange the brats on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each sausage. Place the tray in the freezer for 1.5 to two hours to pre-freeze the brats individually before packaging them for extended storage. This step is optional but helps keep the portions from sticking together, making it easier to remove a single brat when needed.

After pre-freezing, label each bag or container with the contents, date packaged, and a note indicating whether the brats are cooked or raw. Additionally, you can include the use-by date from the original packaging or create your "Suggested Use-By" date by adding three months from the storage date. Place the brats in a vacuum-seal or zipper freezer bag, leaving at least two inches of headroom between the meat and the bag's sealing area. If using a non-vacuum seal bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Alternatively, wrap individual bratwurst in plastic wrap before storing them in non-vacuum seal bags or freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing Frozen Brats

There are three safe ways to thaw frozen brats: in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave. The refrigerator method is the most straightforward but requires planning. As a rule of thumb, allow 24 hours for every five pounds of weight. For smaller portions, a few hours should be enough. Keep in mind that some areas of your refrigerator may be colder than others, and the temperature setting will affect thawing time. After thawing, the brats should remain safe and of good quality for one to two days before cooking.

The cold water method is faster but requires more attention. Place the brats in a leak-proof bag or sealed water-tight container and submerge them in cold tap water. Change the water every half hour, and the brats should be ready to cook in an hour or less. Once thawed, cook the brats immediately.

The microwave method is the quickest but requires immediate cooking, as some areas of the food may begin to cook during the thawing process. Cook the brats thoroughly immediately after thawing to avoid entering the "Danger Zone," where bacteria can grow.

Signs of Spoilage

It is essential to check for signs of spoilage before consuming leftover brats. The best way to determine if brats have spoiled is to look for any discoloration, a grayish color, or a slimy coating. Additionally, use your sense of smell to detect any sour or rotten odours. You should also look for any hardened or dried-up meat. If you notice any of these signs, discard the brats to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Frequently asked questions