Bratwurst, or simply brats, are a delicious sausage beloved by many. While grilling is the classic way to enjoy them, sometimes you want to cook brats inside-whether due to weather, time, or convenience. Cooking brats indoors is easy, flavorful, and yields juicy, tasty results. Let’s explore the best ways to cook brats inside your kitchen, ensuring they come out perfectly every time.
Why Cook Brats Inside?
Grilling brats gives them that smoky, charred flavor, but indoor cooking methods can mimic that taste and texture without the hassle of lighting a grill. Plus, indoor cooking allows you to incorporate extra flavors like onions, peppers, and beer, creating a rich and savory meal. Whether you have raw or precooked brats, these methods will work well.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Brats Inside
1. Searing and Simmering in a Skillet
This is one of the most popular and flavorful ways to cook brats indoors.
– Prepare your ingredients: Chop a medium onion into rings or small pieces. You can also add green peppers or other vegetables if you like.
– Heat your skillet: Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt fully.
– Sauté the veggies: Add the onions (and peppers if using) and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Add the brats: Lay your bratwurst sausages in the skillet with the onions. Make sure they’re close but not touching.
– Brown the brats: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the brats for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
– Simmer with liquid: Pour in ½ cup of beer, water, or broth. Cover again and reduce heat to low. Let the brats simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes.
– Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160–165°F for raw brats. Precooked brats just need to be heated through.
– Serve: Once cooked, the brats will be juicy with a nice browned exterior and flavorful from the simmering liquid.
2. Parboiling and Pan-Searing
This method involves cooking the brats gently first, then finishing them with a crisp sear.
– Parboil: Place brats in a pot with equal parts water and beer. Add chopped onions and garlic for flavor. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches around 130°F.
– Drain: Remove the brats from the liquid and drain.
– Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brats for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 160°F.
– Enjoy: This method keeps the brats juicy while giving them a nice crust.
3. Baking Brats in the Oven
If you want a hands-off method that can cook multiple brats at once, baking is a great choice.
– Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (204°C).
– Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
– Arrange the brats: Place brats evenly spaced on the sheet. Optionally, add sliced onions and peppers around them.
– Bake: Cook for about 20 minutes, turning the brats halfway through to ensure even browning.
– Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the brats reach 160°F internally.
– Rest and serve: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Method
For a quick and convenient approach, the Instant Pot is a great indoor cooking tool.
– Sauté: Use the sauté function to brown the brats on all sides.
– Add liquid: Pour in beer or broth to cover the brats partially.
– Pressure cook: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes.
– Check temperature: Ensure the brats reach 160°F internally.
– Rest: Let them rest briefly before serving.
Tips for Cooking Brats Inside
– Don’t rush the cooking: Cooking brats slowly helps keep them juicy and prevents the casing from splitting.
– Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your brats are safely cooked without overcooking.
– Add flavor: Cooking brats with onions, garlic, peppers, and beer or broth adds depth to the flavor.
– Sear for texture: Browning the brats before simmering or baking gives them a delicious crust.
– Rest before serving: Letting the brats rest for a few minutes allows juices to redistribute.
Cooking brats inside is simple and delicious. Whether you prefer skillet cooking with onions and beer, baking, or using an Instant Pot, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful brats any time of year-no grill required.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked brats!