There is a solid reason why bratwurst is so popular for grilling in the backyard. A juicy, delicious inside and a crisp, golden-brown, somewhat snappy exterior are the hallmarks of a well-cooked piece. But if you grill brats for too little time, they can become unsafe to eat; if you grill them for too long, they’ll get tough and dry. If you want flavorful, juicy, and tender meat every time, read below on how long to grill brats.
1. How Long to Grill Brats?
It usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes to cook brats on the grill. But how long to grill brats exactly will depend on whether the brats are raw, already cooked, or have been parboiled first.
A common way is to grill brats over medium heat, turning them regularly so they cook evenly without splitting. Checking the internal temperature is the most accurate way to tell if something is done.
When the brats reach 160°F (71°C) on the inside (or 165°F for poultry-based brats), they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Instead of just looking at the color of the sausage, use a meat thermometer to get accurate results and ensure the brats are fully cooked every time.
2. How to Grill Brats Step-by-Step
Bratwurst is easy to grill, but it takes skill to get a juicy interior and a crisp, golden brown outside. If you want evenly cooked brats that aren’t dry, use the sear-and-finish technique.
Step 1: Prepare the Brats and Grill
Remove the brats from the refrigerator about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. Meanwhile, clean the grill grates and preheat the grill to medium heat, ideally between 350°F and 400°F. If possible, set up a two-zone fire with one side providing direct heat and the other side offering indirect heat.
Step 2: Grill the Brats Evenly
If you want to know how to grill brats on gas grill perfectly, focus on this step. Place the brats directly over the hotter side of the grill and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Turn them occasionally until the casings develop an attractive brown color and light char. Use grilling tongs to avoid puncturing the casing and releasing flavorful juices.
Once the brats are nicely browned, transfer them to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and allow them to cook gently for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to determine whether brats are fully cooked. Insert the probe into the end of the sausage to minimize juice loss.
Remove the cooked brats from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Besides, some people like to simmer brats before grilling them to make them taste better. Place beer, sliced onions, and a small amount of butter in a disposable aluminum pan set on the indirect side of the grill.
After you add the raw brats, let them cook slowly for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, move the brats to direct heat and cook them for one to two minutes on each side until they are browned.
>>> Read more: How to Grill Corn on the Cob: Easy Steps for Smoky Sweet Corn
3. Common Brat Grilling Mistakes
After knowing how long to grill brats, here are some common mistakes that you should avoid:
- Cooking too long leaves the meat dry, tough, and less flavorful. Remember that brats will continue to cook slightly while resting; there’s no benefit to leaving them on the heat longer than necessary.
- Many people assume hotter is better, but bratwurst cooks best over moderate heat. When exposed to high temperatures or direct flames, the outside can burn before the center has fully cooked.
- Casings splitting usually happens when brats are cooked too quickly or exposed to excessive heat. When the skin cracks open, flavorful juices and rendered fat leak out, leaving the sausage drier.
- Some poke holes in bratwurst before or during grilling. In reality, every hole creates an escape route for moisture and flavor, resulting in a less juicy brat.
4. When Standard Grilling Times Don’t Apply
Generally, the time for how long to grill brats periods are good for fresh, raw bratwurst – but not every brat is the same.
Grilling Frozen Brats
Frozen brats can be grilled just like normal brats, but it takes a longer approach than with thawed sausages.
Cook frozen brats over low heat or on the indirect side of the grill for around 25 to 30 minutes. This gradual cooking process allows them to thaw and heat evenly. Then transfer to a hotter part of the grill.
Different Meat Blends Type Of Brats
Chicken and turkey brats contain less fat than traditional pork varieties, making them more prone to drying out. Traditional pork or beef brats tend to be more forgiving if you leave them on the grill a bit longer than you might want to.
Premium or heavily marbled sausages, such as those made with Wagyu beef, require extra care. Their fat can render quickly, so steady, moderate heat is preferred to preserve their rich texture and flavor.
Pre-Cooked or Smoked Brats
Pre-cooked and smoked bratwursts are already fully cooked before they reach the grill. In these cases, the goal is simply to warm them through and improve the texture of the casing.
Rather than following the longer cooking times used for raw brats, grill them over medium heat for only a few minutes until they are heated throughout and lightly browned.
Is it Better to Boil Brats before Grilling?
If you want your sausages to cook evenly and without split casings, parboil or simmer them before you grill them. However, because boiling might soften the casing, some grill fans prefer to avoid it. Grilling from raw often produces a firmer exterior and a more pronounced “snap” when you bite into the sausage.
>>> Read more: How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs: A Simple Timing Guide
5. FAQs
How many minutes per side for brats?
Grill fresh brats over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, turning them over every few minutes to make sure they brown evenly on all sides. Instead of sticking to strict times for each side, make sure to rotate them frequently until they get a light char and hit 160°F inside.
Do you poke holes in brats before grilling?
Some cooks make holes in the bratwurst while it’s marinating, but for a traditional grilled bratwurst, this isn’t necessary. When grilling brats, it’s best to leave the shell whole. By making holes in the sausage, you let the tasty juices and rendered fat escape. This makes the sausage drier and raises the risk of uneven splitting or grill flare-ups.
What happens if you overcook bratwurst?
When bratwurst is overcooked, it loses a lot of its taste and moisture. The meat can get tough, crumbly, grainy, or chewy, and the skin can wrinkle and lose its snap instead of being crisp. Flavor can also become overly salty as moisture evaporates.
6. Conclusion
If you prefer maximum juiciness, try the beer-bath method and finish them briefly on the grill for color. No matter which technique you choose, the key is avoiding high heat and pulling the brats from the grill once they are done. Enjoy your meal!
