Cooking Bratwursts in Beer
The perfect first step before the BBQ
Step 1:
Since bratwurst is usually a fresh (raw meat) sausage, the perfect brat requires a two-step cooking process , to cook it on a stove top or microwave first and then heat and brown on the BBQ. Otherwise you will run the risk of burnt skin and a raw middle.
Step 2:
Pour a bottle of dark beer in a frying pan. Bring to a simmer and add about 4 to 6 bratwursts.
If you are cooking more brats, add more beer and use a larger pan.
My favorite beer to use is a Porter, but any beer gives the brat more flavor than water. Cook the Brats
until they are close to being done, about 140 degrees approximatelly 5 minutes. This way the brats are past the bacterial zone and safe to just plop on the grill and heat up like you do a hot dog. You can do this step ahead of time, even the day before.
Step 3:
Now your ready for the BBQ. You don't want to have a scorching heat that will burn the brat, but a nice hot grill that will make some nice dark lines on it and will safely bring it to "hot and juicy" while you can relax and talk to your guests ,or get some other things done for the lunch while they cook. You can then just eyeball them to see if they are done. Put your hand on a few inches over the grill and if you need to pull your hand by the count of 3, it should be ready.
Get some "better than white bread" dinner rolls and dress these German puppies with the works. Wash them down with plenty of the season's appropriate brew .
B-man
