Fully cooked bratwursts are a popular type of sausage that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer grilling, boiling, baking or any other cooking method, there is always a way to enjoy this delicious meal.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different cooking methods for fully cooked bratwursts and provide step-by-step instructions to help you prepare your favorite meal.
Introduction
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork and sometimes beef. It’s seasoned with various spices like nutmeg or caraway seeds and has been popularized all over the world. This sausage comes in raw and fully cooked versions that need to be prepared differently before consumption. When served as a full-cooked variant, it means it has already been boiled in broth; hence the name ‘fully cooked.’ Bratwurst lovers continue looking for ways to cook their sausages right, which is why this guide will offer insights on how best to prepare fully cooked bratwursts.
Step 1: Choose a Cooking Method
Different techniques can be used when cooking fully cooked brats—the most common methods include grilling, boiling, baking, and microwaving. Each technique requires different preparations and offers unique advantages as provided below:
- Grilling: This method gives an excellent smoky flavor while retaining juiciness.
- Boiling: The boiling method ensures even cooking throughout the bratwurst sausage.
- Baking: This technique allows low-fat cooking because no added fats are used while distributing heat evenly across the sausages.
- Microwaving: Though not recommended due to lack of browning capability, microwaving thoroughly cooks less than five-minute microwave-only types.
Step 2: Prepare the Bratwurst
Before you start any cooking method, there are essential preparation steps you need to undertake first. Some of the things to do include:
- Slicing: This step applies to bratwursts that require slicing or dicing before serving.
- Pricking: Bratwursts should get pricked with a fork to let excess juices escape during cooking, effectively reducing sputtering and possible overcook when using the grilling technique.
- Leaving As-is: The easiest preparation form is leaving the brats alone and going straight into cooking.
Step 3: Grilling Fully Cooked Bratwursts
Grilling is probably the most popular way of preparing fully cooked bratwurst because it imparts that characteristic smoky flavor associated with outdoor cookouts. The key steps involved in this process include:
– Preheat Your Grill
Before heating the grill, ensure it’s clean by brushing off any debris from previous usage. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill on medium heat for 10 -15 minutes.
– Grill the Brats
Place the prepared sausages at an angle on the grill, about 45-degree below for a good three minutes on one side. Flip horizontally after that and grill for another two-three minutes until both sides turn golden brown in color.
Tips for Flipping
- Ensure tongs only get used for turning over instead of piercing through
- Track flip-side during grilling counter-clockwise
- Avoid direct flame as they will burn quicker
Avoiding Flare-ups
When applying fat-rich garnishes such as butter or bacon strips, keep flare-ups at bay by moving around them until calmed down.
– Serving Your Grilled Brats!
Once cooked entirely around (inside temperature should read 160°F), remove from grill onto serving plates accompanied by preferred toppings such as onions, mustard or coleslaw, and serve hot.
Step 4: Boiling Fully Cooked Bratwursts
Just because they’re fully cooked does not mean you can’t boil them. It’s a great way to ensure even cooking throughout the entire sausage. Here’s how:
– Boil Water
Start by boiling water in a pot large enough to accommodate up to six bratwurst sausages. Add two tablespoons of butter or oil while stirring.
– Add The Brats To The Water
Once the water comes to a boil, gently add your prepared fully cooked bratwurst into the water using tongs, taking care not to pierce any holes. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes while making sure that all sides come into contact with boiling water.
Adding Flavors
Flavor your broth by adding minced garlic, onions or unpeeled spring onion segments
### – Remove & Serve Your Boiled Brats! Once ready (inside temperature should read 160°F), remove the fully cooked bratwurst from the pot with tongs onto serving bowls with paper towels included for absorbing excess liquid. Preferred toppings like grilled onions and condiments can be added at this stage of service.
Step 5: Baking Fully Cooked Bratwursts
This baking technique provides an excellent method where low-fat baking is desired as it lets off no excess fat drippings while offering evenly cooked sausages:
### – Preparing Your Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F and then line a baking sheet with foil layered with cooking spray.
### – Bake The Brats In The Oven Place your prepared fully cooked sausages on the sheet pan in single layer avoiding overlapping. Bake for approximately ten minutes for small diameter sausages until internal upper-middle reads 160 degrees F or 20 minutes for larger diameter sausages. Avoid overcooking as it causes dryness.
### – Serving Your Baked Brats Remove the cooked fully baked bratwursts from the oven using tongs onto serving plates and enjoy with your favorite toppings like horseradish, ketchup or relish.
Alternative Cooking Method
– Microwaving
Microwaving your fully cooked bratwursts isn’t recommended because it does not give that crispy skin texture and grill marks that other cooking methods provide. When considering this method, here are a few things to remember:
- Place sausages on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of water in the plate without covering and ensuring even spacing between pieces of sausage.
- Microwave for approximately four minutes until internal temperature reads 160°F before consuming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bratwurst lovers should try out different preparation methods for fully cooked sausages with interesting and creative condiments for an excellent dining experience. Whether you prefer grilling or boiling, ensure perfect texture, color and flavor by following these guidelines every time you cook them. These simple techniques can inspire fantastic ways to serve fully cooked bratwursts differently in every mealtime.
Q&A
- Q: Can I microwave a fully cooked bratwurst? A: Yes, you can microwave a fully cooked bratwurst. Simply wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for one to two minutes until heated through.
- Q: What is the best way to cook a fully cooked bratwurst on the grill? A: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the bratwursts on the grates. Cook them for five to seven minutes per side, or until browned and heated through.
- Q: Can I boil fully cooked bratwursts? A: Absolutely! Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your fully cooked bratwursts. Cook them for five to seven minutes, or until heated through.
- Q: Is there anything I should avoid when cooking fully cooked bratwursts? A: Avoid overcooking your fully cooked brats (you don’t want them to dry out!) and be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
