The Best Beer Brats: A Tasty Guide To Buying

Beer brats are a mouthwatering, handheld meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. They are crafted with a blend of traditional recipes and innovative techniques, resulting in a symphony of savory flavours. The process of making beer brats involves simmering bratwurst in beer with onions and spices before finishing them off on the grill. The cooking method has a significant impact on the texture of the bratwurst, while the beer adds a nuanced flavour. This guide will teach you how to buy beer brats, so you can elevate your barbecue game and impress your guests with an authentic bratwurst experience.

Characteristics of Beer Brats

Choosing the right beer

A popular choice for beer brats is a German Lager. This style of beer offers a balanced, malty sweetness that blends harmoniously with the bratwurst. Its moderate alcohol content also ensures the brats are cooked to a tender, succulent perfection, infused with a subtle yet enticing beer flavour.

However, don't be afraid to experiment with different beers to find the perfect match for your taste preferences. The world of beer is diverse, offering a spectrum of flavours to explore. For example, you could try a light, crisp ale or a dark, rich stout. Each beer style will impart a unique character to your brats, so feel free to get creative and adventurous.

If you're looking for a more cost-effective option, consider using cheaper lager beers. Many people recommend using inexpensive lager beers like PBR, Pabst, or Miller Lite for cooking brats. These beers can provide a great flavour base without breaking the bank, and you can save your more expensive, craft beers for drinking.

Additionally, the cooking process can affect the flavour of the beer. Boiling or simmering the brats in beer can intensify the bitterness of the brew, so keep that in mind when making your selection. You might also consider marinating the brats in beer for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavour even further.

Preparing the beer bath

To prepare the beer bath, you'll need to slice an onion and combine it with beer in a saucepan. The amount of beer you need will depend on the number of brats you're cooking. For a typical six-pack of brats, one can or bottle of beer is enough. However, you can use more beer if you're cooking a larger quantity of brats. As for the onion, half an onion is usually sufficient, but you can add more if desired.

Place the saucepan containing the beer and onion mixture over medium-high heat on your stove. Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a strong simmer.

Once the beer is simmering, carefully add your brats to the saucepan. Cover it again and bring it back to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, allowing the brats to simmer gently. The brats should be cooked gently for at least 10 minutes. After that, you can keep them on very low heat until you're ready to grill or pan-fry them.

While the brats are simmering, you can preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grilling grate. Alternatively, you can heat a skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat if you prefer to pan-fry the brats.

Simmering the brats

To begin, you will need to prepare your "beer bath". Slice one large onion and combine it with beer in a saucepan. The amount of beer you need will depend on the number of brats you are cooking. For a typical six-pack of brats, one 12-ounce can or bottle of beer is sufficient. However, you can use more beer if you prefer, and you can never really have too much onion. You can also add spices such as red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper to the beer bath for extra flavour.

Once you have your beer bath ready, place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Cover the saucepan and bring the beer to a strong simmer. This will help release the flavours from the onions and spices and infuse them into the beer.

After the beer reaches a strong simmer, it's time to add the brats. Carefully place the brats into the saucepan, ensuring they are fully submerged in the beer. Cover the saucepan again and bring it back to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, allowing the brats to simmer gently for at least 10 minutes. This gentle simmering process will cook the brats evenly and ensure they absorb the flavours from the beer, onions, and spices.

While the brats are simmering, you can prepare your grill or frying pan for the next step—browning the brats. However, if you are not ready to proceed immediately, you can keep the brats on very low heat until you are ready to move on to the next step.

Remember, simmering the brats is an essential step in the cooking process. It not only adds flavour but also tenderises the meat, ensuring your beer brats are juicy and delicious.

Browning the brats

If you prefer to use a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grilling grate. When the grill is ready, place the drained brats on the grate and grill for 5 to 10 minutes, turning them once.

Look for developed colour with deep brown grill marks on your brats. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the brat should read at least 160°F (70°C) when they are done.

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving beer brats, there are endless possibilities. Here are some serving suggestions:

Onions

Sautéed onions are a classic topping for brats. Slice an onion and cook it in a skillet with oil until it's golden brown and caramelized, adding a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is another classic topping for beer brats and is a traditional German side. This tangy and sour cabbage is the perfect complement to the rich and savory flavor of the bratwurst. You can cook the sauerkraut on the stove or buy it pre-made. Grilling the sauerkraut for a few minutes can add extra flavor.

Potato Salad

A German potato salad is a popular choice to serve with beer brats. It typically includes unpeeled red potatoes, vinegar, and bacon grease, and is served warm. A classic potato salad with creamy or vinegar-based dressing is also a great option.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic side dish that pairs well with the savory flavor of beer brats. They are smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy, and can be made in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.

Coleslaw

A fresh coleslaw is a great side dish for beer brats, especially during the summer. It is zesty and tangy, balancing out the rich and smoky flavors of the bratwurst. You can make it creamy by using a mayo-based dressing.

Pretzel Buns

Beer brats can be served in pretzel buns for a classic German pairing. The soft and salty pretzel buns complement the juicy bratwurst perfectly.

Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad is a refreshing and light side dish for beer brats. It typically includes sliced cucumbers, onions, and a tangy dressing, providing a juicy crunch to go with the bratwurst.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a delicious side dish for beer brats, offering a combination of sweet and savory, crunchy and tender textures. They can be baked in the oven alongside the bratwurst for an easy weeknight meal.

German Spaetzle

Spaetzle is a traditional German side dish similar to egg noodles or dumplings. It is made with flour, eggs, milk, and salt, and tossed in butter before serving. It is a simple and chewy option that pairs well with the flavors of beer brats.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a tasty side dish for beer brats, especially when grilled to perfection. It adds a juicy crunch to the meal, especially when slathered with butter.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish for beer brats. The soft and buttery potatoes pair well with the crispy and juicy bratwurst, making for a comforting meal.

Mustard

Spicy-sweet German mustards are a classic condiment for bratwurst and provide an authentic flavor. However, any type of mustard can be served alongside beer brats to add a tangy kick.

Frequently asked questions