Everybody loves a good barbecue but what do you do when you want to step away from the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs? Well, the more sophisticated bratwurst is a great alternative. This German sausage Trusted Source Bratwurst - Wikipedia Bratwurst (German: [ˈbʁaːtvʊɐ̯st]; plural Bratwürste) is a type of German sausage typically made from pork, and less commonly from beef or veal. The name is derived from the Old High German Brätwurst, from brät-, finely chopped meat, and Wurst, sausage, although in modern German it is often associated with the verb braten, to pan fry or roast. en.wikipedia.org is made with pork, although sometimes can be found with beef or veal. Also known as brats, you can pan fry or roast them, although more and more people are turning to the grill. If you’re wanting to really impress your guests, read our best recipes and techniques to grill brats.
One of the major differences when it comes to bratwurst compared to hot dogs is that brats are usually sold raw. Therefore, it is extremely important that you cook them properly. While there may be some leeway with hotdogs, raw bratwurst can lead to food poisoning.
When you place your bratwurst on a grill, you want to cook it one side at a time. Aim for around 10 minutes a side before flipping them. If you are worried about burning your bratwurst, turn the heat down and cook for longer.
Once you get the hang of grilling brats, you’ll be better able to tell when they are cooked. Until then, use the instruments around you. Take a meat thermometer and insert it into the middle of the brat. When it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the brat is cooked. You can also take a bratwurst and slice it in half. The meat should be fully cooked and there should be no sign of pink on the inside.
When it comes to brats, there are plenty of different ways to cook them.
Whether you have a camping grill or even a portable tabletop grill, turn it on and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or Medium heat. If you have a larger grill with two zones, make sure they are both on.
Place your bratwursts on the grill where there is indirect heat. This way flames won’t get too high and char your bratwurst before it is fully cooked. Cook one side for 8 to 10 minutes before flipping to the other side. Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes.
Finally, place the brats on the side of your grill with direct heat. Leave them on for 1 to 2 minutes, flipping half-way. This gives the outer casing a chance to really cook and become tender.
Add your buns to the indirect grill side and toast them for a minute. Finally, add your bratwurst to the buns. Top with your favorite condiments, including sauerkraut.
For a smokier flavor to your bratwurst, you can use a charcoal barbeque. Make sure you have enough quality charcoal, such as Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes. This product is dependable and give a subtle elevation to the flavor of your food. You can certainly use a premium charcoal grill, such as the Weber Original Kettle 441001. Or, if you are camping, a portable charcoal grill will do just fine.
To grill your brats with charcoal, start by spreading the charcoal across half of the grill. Oil the grates and then place your bratwurst on top. Cook each side for 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to check that the internal temperature has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Charcoal can produce a few hotspots. Check the bratwurst to make sure it is not burning. It can take a bit of time to evenly cook the meat so if your heat is too high, move the bratwurst further away from the coals. Just make sure to check the internal temperature as the further away from the coals, the longer the brats may need to cook.
Finally, keep the brats warm as you grill your buns. A brat sauce, which features apple cider vinegar, mustard, and spices, is a nice, authentic condiment to pair with sauerkraut.
Here’s a video for a quick grilling brats recipe that won’t leave you indifferent:
Grilling bratwurst is a great alternative to the humble hotdog. These German sausages are full of flavor and will quickly elevate any backyard barbecue you are having. Just make sure that they are fully cooked, with no evidence of pink meat in the middle. Whether you use a charcoal grill or a propane grill, once you understand how to grill brats, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing so your whole life.
