If you’ve ever wondered how to get juicy, flavorful brats with a perfectly browned exterior without firing up the grill, cooking them in a pan with water might be your new secret weapon. This simple method helps you avoid dry, overcooked sausages while locking in all the tasty juices.
By first simmering the brats in water, you ensure they cook evenly inside, then finishing them off in the pan gives you that irresistible golden-brown crust. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through each easy step so you can enjoy mouthwatering brats right from your stovetop—no fancy equipment needed.
Ready to master this foolproof technique? Let’s get started!
Two-step Pan Method
Start by heating a pan over medium heat. Place the brats in the pan without oil. Cook until the outside is lightly browned, turning occasionally. This step adds flavor and texture.
Next, pour in enough water to cover the brats halfway. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the brats simmer gently in the water for about 10-15 minutes. This cooks them through without burning.
Finally, remove the lid and increase the heat. Let the water evaporate while turning the brats. This gives a final sear for a crispy, golden crust. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Parboiling Alternative
Start by placing the brats in a pan with enough water to cover them. Heat the pan over medium heat and let the water gently simmer. This process is called parboiling and helps cook the brats evenly inside. Keep an eye on the water to avoid boiling too hard, which can break the sausages.
Once the brats are cooked through, drain the water carefully. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high to sear the brats. Turn them often for a few minutes until the skin is browned and crispy. This step adds great flavor and texture.
Water Amount And Heat
Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water for each batch of brats. The water should cover the bottom of the pan but not more. This helps create steam to cook the brats evenly.
Start with medium heat. This lets the water simmer gently without boiling too hard. Boiling can make the brats split.
After the water evaporates, raise the heat to medium-high to brown the brats. This step adds flavor and texture.
Keep an eye on the pan to avoid burning or drying out the brats. Adjust heat if needed.
Tips For Juicy Brats
Turn brats frequently to cook evenly on all sides. This helps keep the juices inside and prevents burning. Use tongs to flip them every few minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow enough space for each brat to brown well. Overcrowding traps steam and makes the brats soggy instead of crispy.
Use a lid to steam the brats after browning. Pour a little water into the pan and cover it. The steam will cook the inside gently and keep the brats juicy. Remove the lid near the end to let the skin crisp up again.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Overcooking the brats makes them dry and tough. Keep an eye on cooking time and use medium heat. Let the water simmer gently to cook the inside without drying the outside. Stop cooking as soon as the brats reach the right temperature.
Skipping the browning step results in less flavor and texture. Brown the brats first in a hot pan to get a nice color and crust. This step adds a delicious taste and keeps the sausages from sticking.
Using too much water causes the brats to boil rather than steam. Use just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, about a quarter inch. This keeps the brats juicy and prevents them from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Classic toppings for brats include mustard, sauerkraut, and chopped onions. These add great flavor and texture. Cheese and pickles are also popular choices to enhance taste.
For side dishes, try potato salad, coleslaw, or baked beans. Grilled vegetables and fresh green salads work well too. These sides balance the savory flavor of the brats.
Beverage pairings such as cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea complement the meal nicely. Choose drinks that refresh the palate and match the rich taste of brats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Put Water In The Pan When Cooking Brats?
Yes, add water after browning brats in the pan. Simmering with water cooks them evenly and prevents burning.
How Long To Cook Sausage In Pan With Water?
Place sausages in a pan with water covering halfway. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Brown in the pan if desired.
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 prevents burning and ensures juicy brats.
How Do Germans Cook Bratwurst?
Germans cook bratwurst by first browning them in a pan. Then, they add water to simmer until fully cooked, preventing burning. Finally, they sear the sausages again for a crispy exterior. This method ensures juicy, evenly cooked bratwurst with a flavorful crust.
Conclusion
Cooking brats in a pan with water keeps them juicy and tender. Start by browning the brats to add flavor. Then add water to cook them through gently. This method prevents burning while ensuring even cooking. Serve your brats hot with your favorite sides.
This simple technique works well every time. Enjoy delicious brats made easily on your stovetop.
