How Long to Grill Brats after Boiling?

In a nutshell: Grill each side for about 8 minutes until they’re nice and crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside. But each kind of bratwursts requires a slightly different timing. Discover more below.

Grilling bratwurst is a common cooking method for this delicious German sausage. However, boiling the brats prior to grilling them can enhance their flavor and prevent them from drying out. Whether you have fresh or frozen bratwurst, boiling them can unlock their juicy goodness. This article will discuss the optimal grilling time for brats that have been boiled, so you can savor their flavor every time.

In short, boiling brats before grilling them is a great way to amplify their flavor and prevent them from being dry. By adhering to the right timing for boiling and grilling, you can savor the taste of these mouthwatering sausages every time you cook them.

What is a Bratwurst?

Exact timing to grill brats after boiling
Exact timing to grill brats after boiling

Bratwurst, a sausage originating from Germany, is a beloved food item that is often served at events like Oktoberfest or backyard barbecues. Made from ground pork, beef, or veal, this sausage is seasoned with a blend of spices including nutmeg, coriander, ginger, and pepper. Typically, bratwurst is served on a bun with toppings like sauerkraut, onions, and mustard. To add even more flavor, it’s often grilled over charcoal fire.

While bratwurst is a popular food item, many people don’t know that it’s important to boil the sausage before grilling it. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect texture and taste that bratwurst is known for. Boiling the sausage before grilling it allows the meat to cook evenly and ensures that it stays juicy and tender.

In addition to boiling before grilling, there are a few other tips for preparing the perfect bratwurst. For instance, it’s important to not overcook the sausage as this can cause it to become dry and tough. Additionally, you can try experimenting with different toppings and condiments to find your perfect bratwurst combination. Whether you’re a fan of classic mustard and onions or prefer to get creative with your toppings, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delicious

Why Boil Before Grilling?

Boiling bratwurst before grilling is a recommended technique that can help you achieve the perfect result. This method of cooking helps to tenderize the meat, which allows the flavors of your seasonings and marinades to better penetrate the sausage. Additionally, boiling brats before grilling them can prevent them from becoming dry and overcooked on the grill.

The boiling process also helps to create a more evenly cooked sausage. When you boil bratwurst before grilling them, they absorb some of the water, which helps keep them juicy and tender. This also helps to reduce the chance of them burning or becoming too dry when they hit the grill. Additionally, boiling brats helps to lock in flavor and ensures that each bite has the same amount of seasoning. This can help create a more consistent result and ensure that your brats have the perfect flavor and texture.

Preparation

Uncooked bratwurst sausages
Uncooked bratwurst sausages

Preparing brats can be easy and straightforward with a few simple steps. Firstly, it’s essential to have the right type of sausage, and Johnsonville brats are known to be one of the best options available. After acquiring your brats, you can enhance the flavor by soaking them in a beer bath for an hour before cooking.

To boil the brats, use a pot that is large enough to cover all the sausages with water. Heat the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, and then reduce it to medium-low heat to simmer the brats for approximately 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the brats, which should reach 165°F. (But it is the general way of boiling the brats. Read on for the special one).

Once they are fully cooked, you can remove the brats from the heat and let them cool in an airtight container. This step will help improve the texture of the sausages and make them easier to grill, fry or broil. Now, all that’s left is to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious bratwursts with a side of potato salad for a delightful meal that is sure to please.

In summary, preparing brats requires some attention to detail, from the type of sausage used to the cooking method. With Johnsonville brats and a beer bath, you can add extra flavor to your brats, and boiling them before grilling or broiling is an essential step to ensure they’re fully cooked. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make perfect brats every time and impress your family and friends with your grilling skills.

Preparing the Beer Mixture for Boiling

Boiling brats in beer is a great way to add extra flavor to your grilled sausages. To prepare the perfect mixture, you’ll need a large pot and your favorite type of beer. Start by pouring enough beer into the pot to submerge all of the uncooked brats. Then, turn the heat up to medium and let it come to a gentle boil.

After about 10 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the bratwurst simmer for another 15 minutes or so. The low heat will help ensure that your brats don’t become overcooked and dry out during the boiling process.

Once they are finished cooking, take them out of the pot and place them on an aluminum pan. For best results, use a meat thermometer to make sure that each sausage is cooked through before removing it from the pan. Enjoy!

Preheating the Grill

Preheating the grill is an important step in the grilling process, and it’s especially important when you’re cooking brats. To preheat your gas or charcoal grill, turn it to medium-high heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that the grill is hot enough for cooking without burning the outside of your brats before they are cooked through.

Preparing a hot grill ensures that you’ll get great results from your bratwurst and will make sure that each one is perfectly cooked. If you have an electric or infrared grill, you may need to adjust the settings according to manufacturer instructions.

Once your grill is preheated and ready to go, lightly brush it with some olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make sure that your brats don’t end up charred and burnt on the outside while still being undercooked on the inside.

Finally, take your boiled bratwursts out of their beer bath or airtight container and place them onto the hot grill. Make sure not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly! Now all that’s left to do is wait patiently while they finish cooking.

Method 1: Boiling the Brats

Boiling the brats before grilling
Boiling the brats before grilling

Boiling brats is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your grilled sausages. It’s an easy cooking process that takes just a few minutes of preparation before you can start simmering the bratwurst in a flavorful beer bath.

Start by pouring enough of your favorite type of beer into a large pot to submerge all of the uncooked brats. Then, turn the heat up to medium and let it come to a gentle boil. After about 10 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the bratwurst simmer for another 15 minutes or so.

Once the beer begins to simmer, it’s time to add the raw bratwurst. Place them in one layer at the bottom of the pot, making sure that each sausage is fully submerged in the liquid. Turn up the heat to medium-high and let the bratwurst cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick together. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let them continue simmering for another 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature between 160°F – 165°F (71°C – 74°C). Doing this will give you perfectly cooked brats every time! Serve them with your favorite condiments or sides for a delicious summer meal that everyone will love.

TIP: To ensure that each sausage is cooked through before removing it from the pan, use a meat thermometer and make sure it reads an ideal temperature between 160°F – 165°F (71°C – 74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer on hand, then take out one of the brats after 10 minutes and cut into it – if it’s fully cooked through then you’re good!

Using medium-high heat to bring a pot of bratwurst to a slow boil is the best way to ensure delicious results.

Cooking Time for Boiling Brats

The key to achieving perfect brats every time is to cook them in a slow, low boil. Start by heating up a large pot on medium-high heat and adding enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Then add your uncooked brats and let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick together.

After that, pour in enough beer to just cover the sausages and turn up the heat until it reaches a slow simmer. Let this mixture continue cooking for 10 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature between 160°F – 165°F (71°C – 74°C).

Method 2: Flavoring Before Grilling

Flavoring Before Grilling
Flavoring Before Grilling

Adding extra flavor to your brats before you throw them on the grill is a great way to get the best results. If you’re using fresh brats, you can start by boiling them in an aluminum pan with beer for about 10 minutes. This process adds some delicious flavor and helps to soften up the meat.

For those who prefer Johnsonville brats, consider giving them a beer bath first. Simply fill an airtight container with your favorite beer, add the sausages, and let them marinate for at least an hour before throwing them on the hot grill.

Different types of brats may require different cooking times and temperatures, but once they reach an ideal temperature of 165°F (74°C) they’re ready to enjoy! Serve these flavorful brats alongside some potato salad or other sides for a delicious summer meal.

Grill up your brats with extra flavor and you’ll be sure to impress your guests all summer long! But don’t forget to add some extra flavor with onion slices and olive oil – that’s the secret to an unforgettable meal.

Adding Extra Flavor with Onion Slices and Olive Oil

Adding extra flavor to your brats is a great way to make sure your guests enjoy their meal. One easy way to do this is by adding some onion slices and olive oil. This simple combination adds an amazing depth of flavor, elevating the taste of your brats from good to great.

Start by slicing up some red onions into thin strips and tossing them in a bowl with some olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings of your choice. Then, preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lay the brats on the grates.

When they’ve cooked for about 10 minutes, place the onion slices on top of them and let them cook for another 5 minutes until they’re nicely browned. Serve these delicious brats with some potato salad or other sides for a scrumptious summer meal that’s sure to please!

Tips for Flavoring Your Brats Before Grilling

Grilling brats is a great way to enjoy the summertime. But it’s important to flavor your brats before you start grilling them so that they turn out juicy and delicious. Here are some easy tips for flavoring your brats before grilling that will give you the best results:

First, make sure to pick the right type of sausage. Different types of brats will have different flavors and textures, so be sure to choose the one that suits you best.

Next, if you’re boiling your brats first, consider adding a beer bath or other flavorful liquids like chicken broth or apple cider vinegar. The liquid will add extra flavor and keep your brats moist while cooking.

Once you’ve boiled your brats, place them in an airtight container with some olive oil, onion slices and seasonings of your choice overnight for added flavor. This will give them time to soak up all the flavors before grilling.

Finally, when it comes time to grill, use a hot grill over medium-high heat for the best results. Grill each side for about 8 minutes until they’re nice and crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside. Serve these flavorful brats with sides like potato salad for a delicious summer meal!

Method 3: Grilling After Boiling the Brats

Grilling your brats after boiling them is an easy and delicious way to enjoy summertime flavors. Boiling the brats first will give them extra flavor, plus it helps ensure that they’ll be juicy and succulent on the inside.

To get started, place fresh or uncooked brats in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Add some beer or other flavorful liquids like chicken broth or apple cider vinegar for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature of the sausages reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature if needed.

Once finished boiling, drain off any excess liquid and transfer the brats to an aluminum pan or baking sheet before transferring them to your gas grill. Grill each side for about 8 minutes until they’re nice and crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside. Serve these flavorful brats with sides like potato salad for a delicious summer meal! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have perfect bratwurst that are sure to make everyone happy!

With just a few easy steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked and flavorful brats that are sure to make everyone happy! Now, learn how to take the next step of removing the brats from their beer mixture and patting them dry before grilling at medium heat for the perfect finish. Plus, find out how to ensure the internal temperature is reached with a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer.

Removing the Brats from Beer Mixture and Patting Dry

Once you’ve finished boiling your brats, it’s time to move on to the next step of removing them from the beer mixture and patting them dry before grilling. Start by draining off any excess liquid and transferring the brats to an aluminum pan or baking sheet. Pat each brat down with a paper towel until they are completely dry, as this will help create a better crust when grilling.

Next, preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush each side of the brats with some olive oil. Grill each side for 8 minutes until they’re nice and crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside. Use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165°F for optimal results and food safety.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have perfect bratwurst that are sure to make everyone happy! Enjoy these delicious grilled brats with sides like potato salad for an unforgettable summer meal!

Types of Bratwurst Suitable for Grilling After Boiling

Grilling bratwurst after boiling is a great way to make delicious and juicy sausages. But what type of brats should you use for this process? There are a few options, including fresh or raw bratwurst, frozen pre-cooked or cooked in beer, and even different types of brats that are available at your local grocery store.

If you want the best results and the most flavor, it’s best to use fresh or raw bratwurst. Once they’ve been boiled in a large pot with some light seasoning, pat them down with paper towels and brush each side lightly with olive oil before grilling over medium-high heat. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the sausage but generally 8 minutes per side should be enough.

Frozen pre-cooked or cooked in beer can also be used for grilling after boiling but they may not have as much flavor as fresh ones since they’ve already been cooked once before. If using these types of precooked brats, always check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to make sure it’s reached 165°F for food safety reasons.

For storage purposes, any leftover uncooked brats can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before cooking them again. Grilling your boiled bratwurst is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy this delicious meal!

Bottom Line

Whether you’re using fresh bratwurst or frozen pre-cooked, grilling after boiling is a great way to make delicious brats. Boiling your sausages first helps to ensure that they’re cooked evenly throughout and it also helps to add extra flavor by using a beer bath or other seasonings. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer while they’re on the grill and once they reach 165°F, they should be ready to enjoy with some potato salad or other sides! With these simple steps, you’ll be able to create perfect brats each and every time.

Exact timing to grill brats after boiling

Grilled Bratwursts with Beer Bath

This recipe will teach you the best way to cook bratwursts after boiling them to give them an extra flavor using a beer bath.
No ratings yet
1 hour
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, German
Servings 4
Calories 483 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 8 fresh bratwursts
  • 2 bottles of pale lager beer
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: potato salad additional onions for serving

Instructions
 

  • Boil the bratwursts in a large pot of water over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
  • Remove the bratwursts from the pot and set them aside.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or about 400°F).
  • In a cast-iron skillet, sauté the sliced onions in olive oil until they are soft and caramelized.
  • Add the beer and apple cider vinegar to the skillet and bring the mixture to a slow boil.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the bratwursts to the skillet, letting them simmer in the beer mixture for about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the bratwursts from the skillet and transfer them to the preheated grill, placing them on the side of the grill with indirect heat.
  • Grill the bratwursts for 5-10 minutes or until they have a nice sear and an internal temperature of 160°F.
  • Serve the bratwursts with the caramelized onions and any additional toppings of your choice, such as potato salad or extra onions.

Notes

Boiling the bratwursts before grilling them ensures that they are cooked through and reduces the amount of time needed on the grill.
Using a beer bath gives the bratwursts a delicious flavor and helps to keep them juicy.
Make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the bratwursts using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
If you prefer a different type of bratwurst, feel free to use it in this recipe.
Leftover bratwursts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

YOUR OWN NOTE

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 18gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 1118mgPotassium: 502mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Beer Bath, Bratwursts, Caramelized Onions
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Shara

Shara @The Bird BBQ

Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.