I know, I know—adding water to something you’re about to grill feels wrong. It feels like asking a cat to take a bath. But trust me on this one. Simmering those brats in beer (or just water with a bay leaf if you’re out of fancy liquids) for 10 to 15 minutes before grilling is a game changer. This pre-cooks the inside so you don’t have to murder the outside.
Think of it as a spa treatment for the sausage. It relaxes the meat, plumps it up, and makes it ready for a hot date with the grill grates. Without this step, you’re basically gambling with your dinner. And last I checked, gamblers lose, but bratwurst lovers should always win.
Now, the actual grill time.
After your brats have had a nice, leisurely bath, pat them dry like you’re tucking them into a towel. Then, throw them on a medium grill—about 350°F, or “heat level where you can hold your hand over it for four seconds without screaming.” Grill them for 6 to 8 minutes, turning them every two minutes so they get a nice, even tan.
You are looking for an internal temperature of 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just poke one with a fork. If the juice that runs out is clear (not pink), you’re in the clear. If it’s still pink, you have the patience of a toddler and need to wait two more minutes.
How Long To Cook A Bratwurst On The Grill
