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Beer-Simmered Bratwurst

This recipe guides you through preparing flavorful bratwurst by first simmering them in a rich beer and spice broth. After infusing, the bratwurst are grilled to achieve a crisp, golden-brown casing, resulting in tender, aromatic sausages perfect for a hearty meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine central europe
Servings 8 people
Calories 3493.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill
  • 1 Large Stockpot Suitable for grill grates
  • 1 Tongs For handling bratwurst
  • 1 Basting Brush
  • 1 Cutting Board Or platter for transferring brats

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 6 cups German light ale
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 3 large onions unpeeled, roughly chopped
  • 2 whole cloves garlic smashed
  • One 3-inch piece fresh ginger peeled and chopped
  • 3 pounds precooked bratwurst pricked with a fork
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the grill for direct grilling, high heat.
  • Combine the beer, caraway, coriander, mustard seeds, onions, garlic and ginger in a large stockpot. Then, add the bratwurst. Place the pot on the grates of the grill and bring to a simmer. Simmer the sausages until half-cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the grill and let the bratwurst sit in the liquid for 30 minutes. Transfer the brats to a platter or cutting board and strain the liquid into a bowl, discard the solids.
  • Brush the sausages with canola oil and grill until the casings are crisp and golden brown and the sausages are cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

For optimal flavor absorption, ensure the bratwurst are pricked well before simmering; this allows the rich beer and aromatic spices to infuse deeply into the meat. Do not boil vigorously during the simmering stage; a gentle simmer is sufficient to par-cook and tenderize the brats without bursting their casings. The 30-minute resting period in the liquid is crucial for maximum flavor penetration. When grilling, aim for a consistent high heat to achieve a beautiful, crisp golden-brown casing without overcooking the interior, as they are already partially cooked. Serve these delicious brats with classic accompaniments like sauerkraut, robust mustards, or grilled onions and peppers for a complete experience.