How to Cook Pre Cooked Brats on the Stove?
To cook pre-cooked brats on the stove, start by spraying a skillet with cooking spray and adding the bratwursts.
Cook them over medium-high heat until browned, turning them often.
Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and add ½ cup of water to the skillet.
Cover the skillet and simmer the brats for 12 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 160°F.
This method ensures plump and juicy sausages with a char texture similar to grilling.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Did you know that bratwursts, also known as “brats,” are believed to have originated in Germany as early as the 14th century? They were traditionally made from pork, beef, or veal, and were seasoned with various herbs and spices.
2. Contrary to popular belief, cooking pre-cooked brats on the stove is actually a time-saving method. It allows you to quickly heat up the brats while adding additional flavor through the caramelization of the casing.
3. When cooking pre-cooked brats on the stove, using a cast iron skillet is highly recommended. Cast iron retains heat evenly, ensuring that your brats cook evenly and maintain their delicious juiciness.
4. To enhance the flavor of pre-cooked brats, consider adding a splash of beer to the skillet while they’re cooking on the stove. The alcohol will evaporate during the cooking process, leaving behind a subtle, delightful taste.
5. Pre-cooked brats can be enjoyed in a variety of ways once cooked on the stove. From placing them in warm, soft buns and topping them with sauerkraut and mustard, to slicing them up and adding them to flavorful pasta or a hearty vegetable stir-fry – the options are endless!
Choosing The Right Cooking Equipment
When cooking pre-cooked brats on the stove, selecting the right cooking equipment is crucial. A cast iron skillet is an excellent choice as it helps achieve a texture similar to grilling. The cast iron retains heat effectively, resulting in a nice char on the bratwursts.
The Simple Recipe For Cooking Pre-Cooked Brats On The Stove
Now that you have your cooking equipment sorted, let’s move on to the simple recipe for cooking pre-cooked brats on the stove. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bratwursts: Choose your favorite brand of pre-cooked bratwursts.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the brats and preventing them from sticking to the skillet.
- Chicken broth: This will add flavor and moisture to the brats.
- Salt and pepper: Season the brats to taste.
To start, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a drizzle of vegetable oil to prevent the brats from sticking. Place the bratwursts in the skillet and fry them on both sides until they are browned.
Next, add chicken broth to the skillet. The broth will add flavor and help keep the brats moist. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the brats simmer for 10-12 minutes. It’s important to cook the brats until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are fully cooked.
*Season the brats with salt and pepper before serving. This simple recipe will result in delicious, juicy bratwursts that are perfect for any occasion.
Seasoning And Cooking Methods For Brats On The Stove
When it comes to seasoning and cooking methods for brats on the stove, there are a few options to consider.
-
To enhance the flavor of the brats, you can simmer them in broth for 10 to 15 minutes. This will infuse them with additional flavor and moisture.
-
Another popular method is to cook the bratwursts in beer. This adds a unique flavor to the brats and is often referred to as a beer brats recipe. However, if you don’t have beer on hand, you can also use broth or even water as the cooking liquid for the brats.
Tips And Tricks For Cooking Brats On The Stove
Now that you know the basic recipe and seasoning options for cooking brats on the stove, it’s time to dive into some tips and tricks to ensure the best results.
First and foremost, using an instant-read meat thermometer is highly recommended. This will help you to accurately gauge the internal temperature of the brats and ensure they reach a safe temperature before eating.
If you’re looking for a charred exterior similar to grilling, consider browning the brats in the skillet before adding the cooking liquid. This will give them a nice crust and added flavor.
Additionally, if you’re reheating cooked brats, there are a few options. You can microwave them for 55 seconds, heat them in the oven for 4 minutes, or grill them for 6 minutes until they are warm to the touch.
Serving And Side Dish Ideas For Bratwurst
When it comes to serving bratwurst, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. One classic choice is to serve them topped with sauerkraut in a hot dog bun. This simple and tasty combination highlights the flavors of the brats.
Alternatively, you can add some sautéed peppers and onions to the brats and serve them with rice. This creates a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to please.
For side dishes, consider serving the bratwurst with:
- Peppers and onions
- Potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Refreshing salad
These options will complement the flavors of the brats and provide a well-rounded meal.
“When it comes to serving bratwurst, there are plenty of delicious options to consider.”
Additional Cooking Methods And Reheating Options For Brats
While cooking brats on the stove is convenient and allows for a char texture similar to grilling, there are also other cooking methods you can try.
If you prefer grilling, preheat the grill to medium-low heat and grill the brats for 10-12 minutes until they are heated through, turning them often for even cooking.
To cook fully cooked sausage on the stove, bring 1/2 cup of water to a simmer in a skillet, add the sausage, cover, and let it simmer for 6 to 12 minutes, turning frequently.
If you need to reheat cooked brats, you can bring a pan of water or beer to a boil, remove it from heat, add the sausages, cover the pan, and let them stand for 10-15 minutes.
It’s important to note that boiling brats is not recommended as it can leach flavor from the meat. However, steaming them with simmering beer and onion slices in an aluminum pan is a great way to keep them warm and juicy.
Remember, when it comes to cooking brats, always ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.
- Grilling method:
- Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
- Grill the brats for 10-12 minutes, turning often for even cooking.
- Stove method for fully cooked sausage:
- Bring 1/2 cup of water to a simmer in a skillet.
- Add the sausage, cover, and let it simmer for 6 to 12 minutes, turning frequently.
- Reheating cooked brats:
- Bring a pan of water or beer to a boil.
- Remove from heat, add the sausages, cover the pan, and let them stand for 10-15 minutes.
In conclusion, cooking pre-cooked brats on the stove is a quick and convenient way to enjoy plump and juicy sausages. Whether you choose to simmer them in broth, cook them in beer, or simply brown them in a skillet, the possibilities are endless. So grab your cast iron skillet, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of perfectly cooked bratwursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you boil pre cooked brats?
Yes, pre-cooked brats can be boiled, but it is not necessary. Pre-cooked brats are already fully cooked, so they simply need to be reheated. Simmering the pre-cooked brats for about 8-10 minutes will ensure they are heated through and ready to be enjoyed. Boiling them for a longer duration might risk overcooking and could result in a less desirable texture.
Can you cook brats in a frying pan?
Yes, you can easily cook bratwurst sausages in a frying pan! In fact, frying brats in a pan with beer and onions is a delicious and straightforward method to prepare them. This approach infuses the sausages with flavor while achieving a crisp outer layer and juicy interior. The combination of the beer and onions adds a depth of taste that enhances the overall experience, resulting in a satisfying and hearty dinner option.
How long should you cook brats on the stove?
To achieve perfectly cooked brats on the stove, it is recommended to cook them for approximately 10-12 minutes. It is important to let the brats rest for 5 minutes afterwards, allowing the meat to reabsorb juices that may have been lost during the cooking process. This resting period ensures that the brats remain juicy and flavorful when sliced.
Is it OK to boil brats in water?
Yes, boiling brats in water is a perfectly acceptable method of cooking them. To do so, fill a pot no more than three-quarters of the way full, add the brats, and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the brats to cook for approximately 10 minutes. This can be done indoors on a stovetop or outdoors on a grill, both yielding delicious results. So go ahead and enjoy your brats by boiling them to perfection!