Marianne Martinez
Bratwurst, or brats, are a German sausage. They are commonly made with ground pork, and sometimes veal, beef, or a combination of these meats. They are seasoned with marjoram, ginger, sage, cumin, nutmeg, coriander, and caraway.
There are several ways to cook brats, including grilling, boiling, roasting, and air-frying. However, one of the most popular methods is to cook them in a pan on the stove. This can be done by heating a pan with a little oil and then frying the brats, or by parboiling the brats in water or beer before finishing them off in the pan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether to add oil to the pan before heating | Depends on the type of pan being used. For non-stick pans, add oil first. For regular pans, heat the pan first. |
| Why add oil to non-stick pans first | To extend the life of the non-stick coating |
| Why heat regular pans first | To prevent the oil from burning and to decrease the amount of oil needed |
What You'll Learn
Bratwurst is a German sausage
The first documented evidence of bratwurst in Germany dates back to 1313 in the Franconian city of Nuremberg, which is still known for its grilling sausages. Bratwurst is typically grilled or pan-fried and served on a roll with mustard, sauerkraut, or potato salad.
When cooking bratwurst, it is recommended to heat a skillet with a little oil before adding the sausages. This helps to brown the sausages and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Prepare the bratwurst by poking a few holes on each side to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
- Place the bratwurst in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add 1/2 cup of water, beer, or stock to the skillet and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the bratwurst reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the bratwurst from the skillet and increase the heat to reduce the liquid, creating a sauce.
- Serve the bratwurst with the sauce and your choice of sides, such as German potato salad, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
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Brats are made with ground pork, veal, beef or a combination
Brats, or bratwurst, are a type of German sausage. They are made with ground pork, veal, beef, or a combination of these meats. The name comes from the Old High German Brätwurst, from brät- , meaning finely chopped meat, and Wurst, meaning sausage.
When cooking brats, you will need to heat a pan with a little oil to help brown the sausages and stop them from sticking. The oil should be added to the pan before heating it. This is especially important if you are using a non-stick pan, as heating the pan without oil can damage the non-stick coating.
Step 1: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. You will know the oil is hot enough when it starts to smoke slightly.
Step 2: While the skillet heats up, prepare the brats by poking a few holes on each side. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the sausages from bursting.
Step 3: Place the brats in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned.
Step 4: Once the brats are browned, carefully add 1/2 cup of water, beer, or stock to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 5: Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the brats reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 6: Remove the brats from the skillet and increase the heat to reduce the liquid and make a sauce. Taste the sauce and season as needed.
Step 7: Serve the brats topped with the sauce and onions. You can also serve them in a bun with German mustard and a side of German potato salad, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
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Brats can be grilled, boiled, roasted or air-fried
Brats are a versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to grill, boil, roast, or air-fry them.
Grilling Brats
Grilling is a popular way to cook brats, especially during the summer months. To grill brats, you can skip the boiling step and start by cooking them over medium-low heat on a gas grill. Turn the brats a few times while cooking to ensure even cooking. Once the internal temperature of the brats reaches 145°F, transfer them to the high-heat side of the grill and sear both sides. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
Boiling Brats
Boiling brats is a quick and easy option that results in juicy and tender sausages. To boil brats, start by filling a large pot with enough water to completely submerge the brats. You can also add seasonings such as onions, garlic, bay leaves, or your favorite herbs and spices to the water for added flavor. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the brats for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. For an extra burst of flavor, you can finish the brats on the grill or in a skillet for a couple of minutes to give them a crispy exterior.
Roasting Brats
Roasting brats in the oven is a convenient option if you don't have access to a grill or if the weather is bad. To roast brats, preheat your oven to 400°F and place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to help the brats sear. Place the brats on the baking sheet, making sure they are touching the surface of the pan to promote browning. Roast the brats for 10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the brats have reached an internal temperature of about 160°F.
Air-Frying Brats
Air-frying is a quick and easy way to cook brats without sacrificing flavor. To air-fry brats, simply place them in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350°F. Cook the brats for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Let the brats rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Brats are cooked in oil in a pan
Cooking Brats in a Pan with Oil
Preparing the Brats
Before placing the brats in the pan, it is important to prepare them. Some recipes suggest poking a few holes on each side of the bratwurst to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting. However, others advise against this, as it may cause the juices and flavour to seep out, resulting in dry and overcooked sausages. If your brats are pre-cooked, you can skip this step and go straight to cooking them in the pan.
Heating the Pan
When heating the pan, you can choose to add oil before or after heating it. Adding oil to a cold pan allows you to heat the oil and pan together, preventing the oil from burning. It also helps to coat the pan evenly. On the other hand, heating the pan first and then adding oil ensures that the oil doesn't sit too long and break down. This method is especially useful for non-stick pans to extend the life of the coating.
Cooking the Brats
Once your pan is heated, it's time to cook the brats! Place them in the pan and fry them on both sides for a nice sear. The cooking time will depend on the size of your brats, but typically it takes around 2-4 minutes per side to achieve a golden brown colour. You can also add onions and cook them alongside the brats for extra flavour. After searing, you can choose to add liquid such as water, beer, or broth to the pan and cover it to continue cooking the brats. This helps to cook the brats evenly and prevents them from drying out. The total cooking time, including searing and simmering, is usually around 13-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Serving the Brats
Finally, it's time to serve your delicious brats! You can serve them with onions, mustard, and a side of your choice, such as potatoes, vegetables, or salad. Brats also go well with sauerkraut and are often served in a bun. Enjoy your tasty, juicy, and perfectly cooked brats!
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Brats are cooked for 10-15 minutes
Step 1: Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the vegetable oil throughout the bottom of the cast-iron pan.
Step 2: Place the brats in the pan and fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned.
Step 3: Pour the broth into the pan, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer. Cooking times vary, but the brats should be cooked for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Check that the internal temperature of the brats has reached 160°F (71°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Step 5: Remove the brats from the pan and serve immediately.
Note: Before cooking, it is recommended to poke a few holes on each side of the brats to allow steam to escape so that they do not burst during cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
It's generally recommended to heat the pan first and then add oil, especially if you're using a non-stick pan. This is because heating the oil slowly can degrade it, and oil heats up faster than the pan.
You can use a variety of oils, such as canola oil, olive oil, butter, or vegetable oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point if you're grilling the brats.
No, it's not recommended to poke holes in the casing as this will cause the juices and flavor to escape, resulting in dry and overcooked bratwurst.
Sear the bratwurst on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes on each side to get a nice sear and color. Then, reduce the heat and cook further.
Yes, you can cook bratwurst directly in the pan without parboiling. However, you need to maintain a lower temperature (medium to medium-high) and cook them slowly to ensure even cooking and prevent bursting the casing.
