Grilling season is officially here, which means it's time to break out the grill! Whether you prefer traditional grilling or using a Nina Foodi Grill, there's nothing like the taste of grilled brats. These sausage links are perfect for summer parties and are always a crowd-pleaser!
Do you like grilled brats? I sure do.
There is something about grilled meat that makes it so much more delicious. And when that meat is a brat, well, even better!
Whether you are a fan of cooking outdoors or like to stay cool inside, this beer brats recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Making Grilled Brats
- Beer: I recommend using a lager beer.
- Caraway Seeds: Caraway, sausage, and sauerkraut are a match made in heaven. Its taste is sweet with a nutty sharpness.
- Mustard Seeds: White mustard is the mildest of seeds, with the heat increasing as the seeds get darker. Use what you like!
- Onions: White or yellow onions work best.
- Garlic: Use fresh cloves of garlic
- Bratwurst: You can use your favorite type of brat. While brats are typically made of pork, veal and beef brats are good too.
- Oil: Use a high-heat oil. I like avocado, but you can use your preferred oil.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t forget: a perfectly grilled beer brat needs a perfectly butter toasted bun! You can make your buns your use buns intended for hot dogs.
- Be sure to start with high-quality bratwurst. You can use whatever type of meat you like (beef or pork), but make sure that they don’t look dry.
- Make sure you preheat your grill before cooking. This will help to prevent the brats from sticking and ensure that they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your grilled brats on a bun with your favorite condiments and toppings. Mustard, onions, peppers, and sauerkraut are traditional toppings. Some people like to add cheese or bacon - feel free to get creative.
My favorite sauce is this delicious Brat Sauce which comes together easily and is a fabulous way to take flavors to the next level.Want a side dish? This Instant Pot Red Potato Salad is perfect! Corn is also a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are some schools of thought about grilling brats. Boiling the brats before grilling them is the best way to ensure that they are cooked all the way through.
Boiling in beer also imparts flavor to the brats. Once grilled, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance.
Some people believe that grilling them without boiling is just as effective and results in a juicier sausage. It is a matter of personal preference.
If you choose to boil your brats before grilling them, it’s important to use a beer that compliments the flavor of the sausage.
A light lager or wheat beer is a good choice. Guinness is also a popular option.
I recommend to simmer the brats rather than bring to a boil. You want to simmer for about seven minutes.
If you choose not to boil your brats before grilling them, simply grill them over medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
There is a risk that the casing will burst, and you miss some of the flavors from boiling but this method works.
If the casing burst, it can create a bit of a mess. Additionally, the brat may be a bit over-dry.
Tools Needed to Make Beer Brats
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- Grill, Cast Iron Grill Pan, or Ninja Foodi Grill
- Large Pot
Storage
Cooked brats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet, grill, or Ninja Foodi Grill over medium high heat.
How to Make Grilled Brats
First, start by marinating the brats.
To do this, pour the beer into a stockpot. Add the caraway seeds, mustard seeds, onion, and garlic. (You can add salt and pepper to taste.)
Marinate for an hour.
Next, bring the pot to a simmer over high heat. Cook at a simmer for 7 minutes, reducing the temperature to medium-low heat as necessary to barely maintain a simmer.
Remove from heat and let sit for another 30 minutes.
Remove the brats from the liquid and brush them with olive oil.
Ninja Foodi Grill Brats
Preheat your Foodi Grill to Grill/High, and set the timer to 10 minutes.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the outsides are lightly charred and heated through.
Grilled Brats on an Outdoor Grills
Heat the grill to high heat and brush the grates with oil.
Grill bratwurst for 8 to 12 minutes, until the casings are golden brown and the brats are heated through.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F.
More Grilling Recipes to Try
- Grilled Quesadillas are a delicious family favorite that is so easy to customize!
- Halloumi Kebabs are a fun way to mix things up! They are a great vegetarian main course and a side that will be loved by everyone.
- Looking for an easy chicken recipe that is anything but boring? Grilled Chipotle Chicken is simple perfection.
- Grilled Filet Mignon never fails to impress!
- For a simple summer meal, it doesn’t get better than this Grilled Steak with Slaw.
Grilled Brats (Ninja Foodi Grill or Outdoors)
Ingredients
- 36 ounces beer
- ½ tablespoon caraway seeds
- ½ tablespoon mustard seeds
- 2 large onions roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 pounds bratwurst pricked with a fork
- Avocado oil for brushing
- For serving: Buns and Brat Sauce
Instructions
- Place the beer, caraway seeds, mustard seeds, onion, garlic, and bratwurst in a stockpot and allow to marinate for 1 hour.
- Bring the pot to a simmer over high heat and cook for 7 minutes, reducing heat as necessary to just maintain the simmer.
- Remove from the heat, and let sit for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the brats from the liquid.
- Brush with avocado oil.
- Ninja Foodi Grill
- Preheat your Ninja Foodi Grill on the Grill setting to high heat and set the timer for 10 minutes. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until lightly charred and heated through.
- Serve warm.
- Outdoor grill
- Heat your grill to high heat.
- Cook the Brats for 8 to 12 minutes, until the casing are golden brown.
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