It is officially grilling season! The weather is nice and warm and there is no rain in sight. The grocery store had lots of sales on meat today but I decided to go with a simple pack of bratwurst.
This is a simple yet classic meal: beer soaked brats. I decided to make a crazy double beer brat sub with grilled onions and mustard on a grilled bun.
What a fantastic cookout idea!
Ingredients Needed for Beer Brats
- Beer Bratwurst (original or plain; not beer flavored)
- 2 cans of cheap beer
- Onion
- Garlic
- Rolls
How to Make Beer Brats
Slice 1 whole onion into chunks and smash a couple of cloves of garlic. The amounts are really not important as this step is only for flavoring the beer.
Pour the beer into a sauce pan and then toss the onion and garlic in there as well. Add the brats and simmer on low heat.
A pack of 5 or 6 brats will fit just fine with 2 beers. Scale up accordingly.
Once the beer is simmering (a very low heat) you will notice that the brats will turn gray. This is normal.
The beer, onion, and garlic flavors are permeating into the brats. While the brats are simmering, light a charcoal chimney for medium heat (about half full). You really don’t want too much heat here. Medium low will work just fine.
Once the coals are ready, spread them out thin and toss your brats over direct heat.
Today I had some corn on the cob also over direct heat. Take note of that aluminum foil pan. I poured some beer into an aluminum tin and tossed the sauerkraut and a few slivers of onion in as well.
The corn, the brats and the sauerkraut were all placed over direct medium heat.
The medium heat allows you to close the lid and sit back and relax. It is really hard to burn things over medium heat.
How to Make the Beer Brats Even Better
After everything is cooked, toss the brats on a bun and top it with sauerkraut. Fantastic!!!!!
Update: I’ve been making these beer brats for many years now.
My favorite sandwich that I’ve made has been the grilled onion double beer brat sub. Grilling onions is easy, just slice some onions and put them over direct medium heat. Flip them after a few minutes. They get tender, soft and so flavorful.
Put them on a toasted bun with two brats and some mustard and you’ll have a cookout that will have people talking for years!
Oh man look at that view from the upper deck of the grill!
The double beer brat sub, as I mentioned, will turn heads from far away!!!
I call this an easy, relaxing, no stress grilling meal. The best part is that it is so tasty. Beer brats on the grill are the best!
FAQs for Making Beer Brats
What kind of beer should I use?
This is really a matter of personal preference, but there are some guidelines you can follow. If you like the taste of your beer, it’s probably a good choice for beer brats. In general, darker beers work well as they tend to be more flavorful.
Some people also prefer ales over lagers. As long as the beer isn’t too bitter, it should work well in this recipe. If you’re not sure what you like, try a few different options and see which one you prefer.
How long do I need to simmer the brats?
This depends on how hot your grill or pan is and how well-done you like your brats. For best results, you should simmer them for at least 20 minutes. However, if you like your brats more well-done, you can let them simmer for up to 45 minutes. The meat will gradually become more tender and flavorful the longer it cooks.
What seasonings should I use?
This is another matter of personal preference, but there are some basic guidelines you can follow. In general, you should use spices and herbs that compliment the flavor of your beer.
For example, if you’re using a hoppy beer, you might want to include savory seasonings such as garlic or onion powder. If you’re using a fruity beer, you might prefer to use more sweet or spicy seasonings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or chili powder. Experiment with different combinations until you find one that you like.
Do I need to parboil the brats?
If you’re going to be grilling your brats, you should definitely parboil them first. This will ensure that they are cooked all the way through and make them much easier to grill. You can either boil the brats on their own or add your favorite seasonings. If you’re baking or pan-frying your brats, you don’t have to parboil them first.
Are beer brats made with beer?
Yes, beer brats are made with beer. The best part is that you get to choose what kind of beer you use in the recipe.
How to Store Beer Brats
Once you have cooked your beer brats, there are a few ways that you can store them for later. The easiest option is to simply put them in the refrigerator and enjoy them within a couple of days. However, if you prefer longer-lasting storage options, you may want to freeze or can your brats instead.
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