Sunday, March 28, 2010

Beer Braised Brats




These are so easy... so tasty.  Once you try this method, you will never go back to just tossing them in a no stick frying pan...




First thing I did was to make some buns.  Of course I used the Moomie Bun recipe.  I have blogged of this often, most  recently on today's  A KANSAS FOODIE in the VIRGIN ISLANDS post... "Garlic/Onion/Chipotle Moomie Buns... I did it My Way!"!  This time I made split top sausage rolls.




I had found a good sale price on some Johnsonville Brats (they're everywhere).  No grill ; (   ... so I decided to beer braise them.  Just cut some onion slices and separate into rings.  This will make a bed for the brats to rest on while the beer steams and seeps into the sausages.


For the beer, my preference is always Killian's.  Sadly, i have not been able to find Killian's on the island.  I have been trying a few local beers.  Here is a Tropical MANGO Pale Ale.  Not very good for drinking, but perfect for cooking with.


BUT...


Prep the brats first... Meaning, take a couple of toothpicks and puncture the casing of the sausage in a dozen spots on each of the 4 sides of the brats.  this allows the grease inside the sausages to escape without a buildup and then a splits.  It also allows the beer to seep in just a little (it is only a tiny series of holes), and flavor the brats.




Add enough beer to the onions to fill just 1/4 inch above the level of the onions...


Get the beer to simmer...


Rest the brats on the beer...


Turn after 5 minutes...




Keep adding beer as needed to have just a bit of beer above the bed of onions.


And after all 4 sides are done... So are the brats.  Filled with flavor, and not dried out from over cooking.





Just a simple meal after a lazy day on the beach...

12 comments:

  1. Why don't you braise them first and then finish them on your grill? Oh wait...that was mean ;)

    These look good, Dave!

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  2. Great idea to put them on top of the onions.

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  3. Those buns look so good! I am going to have to try this Moomie recipe. If only so that I can walk around saying Moomie all day.

    Thanks for the toothpick tip! Those brats look great. I have some guinness sitting here...that would probably make an awesome braise!

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  4. Those look fantastic Dave! And you make your own buns too? When do you have the time? I love brats braised rather than grilled. I don't like the fat burned flavor...

    Love your blog!

    Rainey~

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  5. People may laugh, but Johnsonville makes a darn good brat!

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  6. I like cooking them on a bed of onions. These sound absolutely delicious. I'm guessing you can't barbecue at the condo. That really is a shame.

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  7. Wonderful! Before the top image in this post had even fully downloaded an audible gasp had escaped me. Thanks!

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  8. You always seem to be cooking my hubby's favorite foods! He loves brats and eats them at least once a week! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  9. The buns look unbelievable! I'm bookmarking them right now! I'm late to the party on this recipe. I love brats made this way!

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  10. i really shouldn't be reading this at 10pm because i want one now, so bad!

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  11. Yay Killians! Love a good beer braised brat. Delicious.

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  12. The brats look delicious - Michael introduced me to the concept of cooking them in beer. So much more tasty! I am most intrigued by that yummy looking bread rolls!

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