How Long to Boil Bratwurst
on Apr 24, 2022
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Bratwurst is a favorite sausage to enjoy year round. From summer barbeques to Oktoberfest, they’re a tasty addition to any get-together! In this post we’re sharing some tips on how long to boil bratwurst for tender and juicy results. You’ll also find a recipe for boiling brats at the end of the post.
Boiling bratwurst before frying or grilling is a great way to infuse them with flavor and ensure they’re fully cooked.
Why Should You Boil Bratwurst Before Grilling?
Boiling bratwurst is an opportunity to add flavor and also helps them cook more evenly. After bratwurst has been partially boiled, they’re finished on the grill and are tender and juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside.
Boiling Brats in Beer
Bratwurst and beer go hand-in-hand. Parboiling bratwurst in beer adds a wonderful subtle taste that perfectly complements the salty flavor of the sausage.
How Long to Boil Bratwurst Before Grilling?
To parboil the brats before grilling, place them in a pan with beer, butter, and onion, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove them from the pan and place on the grill until the skin is nice and crisp, or about 10 minutes. Brats are safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
How Long To Grill Brats After Boiling?
Partially boiled brats won’t need a lot of time on the grill. After boiling for about 10 minutes, transfer them to the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning to ensure the sausage browns evenly.
How To Boil Brats Without Beer
Instead of using beer, brats can be boiled in chicken or vegetable stock, apple juice, apple cider, or water infused with sliced onions.
What Internal Temperature Should Bratwurst Be Cooked To?
According to the USDA, the internal temperature of sausages made with ground pork is 160°F. At this temperature the sausage is safe to eat. The best way to check the internal temperature of sausage is to use an instant-read meat thermometer.
How to Tell When Brats Are Done Boiling
Bratwurst takes about 15-20 minutes to fully cook. An instant-read thermometer should reach 160°F before eating the sausage.
Do Brats Float When Done?
Yes, brats will float in boiling water when they’re cooked. In addition to an instant-read thermometer, this is a good indication that the sausages are done.
Boiling Brats Without Grilling
Bratwurst can be fully cooked in boiling water instead of finishing them on the grill. Place the sausages in a pan and add your liquid of choice. Beer, chicken or vegetable stock, apple juice, apple cider, or water infused with sliced onions are great options. Add enough liquid to come halfway up the sides of the sausage and bring to a boil. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature of the bratwurst reaches 160°F.
Tips for Boiling Bratwurst
- Never prick bratwurst before cooking. The sausage will lose both moisture and flavor.
- Use beer, chicken or vegetable stock, apple juice, apple cider, or water infused with sliced onions to add flavor to the sausages.
- Grill or pan fry the sausages after partially boiling the bratwurst.
Can You Boil Frozen Brats?
Brats can be boiled straight from the freezer when they’re still frozen. Just add some additional cooking time. You’ll want to boil the sausages for about 5 minutes longer, so instead of boiling the bratwurst for 10-15 minutes, boil them for 15-20 minutes instead. Be sure to use an instead-read thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature has reached 160°F before eating.
Tip: For the best results, thaw the brats in the refrigerator or in a bowl of ice cold water before removing them from their sealed packaging.
Can You Boil Brats The Day Before?
Yes, bratwurst can be boiled a day in advance and then refrigerated. If you want to store brats for a longer period of time, place them in a vacuum-sealed package. They can then be stored in the fridge, unopened for up to two weeks.
How Long Do You Boil Johnsonville Brats?
First, bring the water to a slow boil. Add the brats and reduce the heat from medium to low. Boil for about 10 minutes until the internal temperature of the brats reaches 160°F. If you prefer well-done sausages, allow them to cook until they reach an internal temperature of 180°F.
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How to Boil Brats (Step-By-Step Instructions)
Ingredients
- 1 lb of bratwurst
- 3 bottles of beer
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1 large onion, sliced
Instructions
- In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, add the raw bratwurst, 1 sliced onion, enough beer to cover the sausage, and ¼ cup of butter cut into cubes.
- Bring the water to a slow boil, add the brats, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the brats for 10 minutes and then transfer them to a grill or a skillet.
- Continue to cook the brats on a preheated grill or in a skillet for 10-14 minutes until browned on all sides and the internal temperature has reached 160°F. Serve with desired toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
