If you didn’t already know, today was National Bratwurst Day! A whole day dedicated to the German sausage that has become an American favorite. I don’t know why they picked August 16th. I think a Sunday in October in the heart of football season would be a much better choice, but I’m not on the food holiday committee. Maybe I’ll write them a disapproving letter.
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Brat Feast! |
So, for years I just bought any old bratwurst and threw it on the grill; I never really put much thought or effort into it. But now I’m that I’ve become a serious foodie that kind of half assed effort just ain’t going to cut it anymore. I need to take it to the next level and show off my culinary prowess, right??
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Beer & Brats |
To take it up a notch I bought some real fresh brats in natural casings from the butcher case. But thats only 1/2 the way there, I needed to improve upon the cooking process as well. I’ve heard the best way to cook brats was to simmer them in beer before grilling so I decided to give it a shot. I picked a up a six pack of premium beer bottled by a local micro-brewery, Marble Brewery Indian Pale Ale. I didn’t skimp on the bratwurst and I wasn’t going to skimp on the beer either.
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Brats in Beer. |
I filled up my handy dutch oven with 3 bottles of beer and dropped the brats in to simmer for a good 10 minutes. After the simmer I pulled them out and grilled them for another 10 minutes or so. I rolled the brats every few minutes to get that delicious browning all the way around the sausage. The grilling also gave the brats a sweet kiss of smoke.
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Grilling Brats! |
To accompany our German sausage fest the Mrs. cooked up some amazing homemade German noodles. I’ll try to talk her into sharing the recipe, but I’m not making any promises. I know i sound like broken record when I say this was the best _____ I’v ever cooked, but it was true. The brats were absolutely fantastic, simmering them in beer added a really nice flavor kept them from drying out during the grilling. Then grilling over lump charcoal added light kiss of smoke flavor. Now that I’ve gone up a notch, I don’t think there is anyway I can good back down. I’m going to have to cook my brats like this from here on out.
I love brats! I like them like this but I also like them grilled straight over a raised grid on the Egg at about 300f.
Happy Brat Day!
I don't know why it's Aug 16th either. You should be on the committee.
Love the technique you used. A must try for us.