Are you craving juicy, flavorful brats but unsure how to cook them perfectly in a pan? Cooking brats with water might sound unusual, but it’s actually a simple trick that ensures your sausages stay tender on the inside while getting a beautiful brown crust on the outside.
If you’ve ever struggled with burnt casings or undercooked centers, this method is about to become your new favorite way to cook brats at home. Keep reading, and you’ll learn an easy two-step process that guarantees delicious results every time—no grill required!
Two-step Pan Method
Start by placing the brats in a hot pan. Cook them until the outsides are golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and gives a nice texture.
Pour enough water into the pan to cover the brats halfway. Lower the heat and let them simmer gently. This cooks the inside fully and keeps the meat juicy.
Once the water is almost gone, raise the heat again. Sear the brats quickly to get a crisp, brown finish. This adds a tasty crust and makes them look delicious.
Parboiling Before Searing
Place the brats in a pan and cover with cold water. Heat the pan over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer. Let the brats cook in the simmering water for about 8-10 minutes. This step helps the brats cook evenly inside and stay juicy.
Once the water is almost gone, carefully drain it from the pan. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Sear the brats on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a nice crust. This creates a delicious flavor and crispy outside.
Choosing The Right Pan
Cast iron pans are great for cooking brats because they hold heat well. They give a nice, even browning to the sausages. Cast iron also keeps heat steady, so brats cook evenly without hot spots. The pan gets very hot, which helps create a crisp skin on the brats.
Nonstick skillets make cooking easier with less oil. They prevent the brats from sticking and make cleaning simple. These pans heat up quickly but may not keep heat as evenly as cast iron. Nonstick skillets are lighter and easier to handle.
Cooking Time And Temperature
Start by heating the pan over medium heat. Add some water to the pan to gently simmer the brats. This helps cook them inside without burning the outside. Simmer the brats for about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the heat at medium so the water stays hot but does not boil too fast.
After simmering, remove the water from the pan. Turn the heat to high to brown the brats. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step adds a crispy, golden-brown crust. Watch closely to avoid burning. The total cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Tips For Juicy Brats
Turn the brats frequently to cook them evenly and keep juices inside. Use tongs to flip them every few minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Give each brat enough space to brown well. Crowded pans trap moisture and cause uneven cooking.
Cover the pan with a lid to trap steam. The steam helps cook the brats inside without drying them out. Add a small amount of water to create steam and prevent burning. Check water level often and add more if needed.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Cooking brats at too high heat can burn the outside quickly. The inside may remain raw. Keep the heat medium or low to cook evenly.
Skipping the water step means the brats won’t steam properly. Water helps cook the inside without burning the outside. It makes the brats juicy and tender.
Not browning the brats properly misses out on flavor and texture. Brown the brats on each side before adding water. This step adds a nice color and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Classic toppings for brats include mustard, sauerkraut, and grilled onions. Cheese and pickles also add great flavor. These toppings bring out the best taste in the bratwurst.
Great side dishes to serve with brats are potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Soft pretzel buns or crusty rolls make perfect bread choices. Roasted vegetables or corn on the cob work well too.
| Toppings | Side Dishes |
|---|---|
| Mustard | Potato Salad |
| Sauerkraut | Coleslaw |
| Grilled Onions | Baked Beans |
| Pickles | Roasted Vegetables |
| Cheese | Corn on the Cob |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Put Water In The Pan When Cooking Brats?
Yes, add water after browning brats in the pan. Simmer with water to cook thoroughly and prevent burning.
How Long To Cook Sausage In Pan With Water?
Place sausages in a pan, add water halfway up, and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Then, brown them in the pan for 3-5 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
Can I Cook Brats In A Frying Pan?
Yes, you can cook brats in a frying pan. Brown them first, then add water to simmer until fully cooked. This method keeps the brats juicy and prevents burning.
How Do Germans Cook Bratwurst?
Germans cook bratwurst by simmering them in beer or water, then grilling or pan-frying until browned and fully cooked.
Conclusion
Cooking brats in a pan with water keeps them juicy and tender. Start by browning the brats on medium heat to get a nice color. Then add water and cover the pan to steam and cook through. This method prevents burning and ensures even cooking inside.
Once done, remove the lid and let the water evaporate. Finish by searing the brats a little to add a crispy outside. Simple steps, great results. Enjoy your delicious brats anytime with this easy pan method!
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