Bratwurst in Beer and Onions (Beer Brats)

Bratwurst browning in a cast iron skillet for beer brats.

Bratwurst in Beer and Onions (Beer Brats)

These bratwurst in beer and onions are browned first, then gently simmered with slow-cooked onions, malty lager and caraway seeds. Serve them in rolls with mustard or plate them with your favorite German sides.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword bratwurst

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings links

Calories 372kcal

Author Darcey Olson

Cost $10

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
6-8 links bratwurst
1 tbsp butter
3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
½ tsp caraway seeds, lightly crushed *Note 1
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
12 oz German beer *Note 2 & 3
1 cup beef stock

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst and brown for 1–2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. The bratwurst will not be fully cooked at this point.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the onions, caraway seeds, salt and pepper. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and beginning to turn golden. Reduce the heat if they start browning too quickly.
Pour in the beer and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the beef stock and stir to combine.
Return the bratwurst to the skillet and nestle them into the onions and liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, turning the bratwurst occasionally, until the liquid has reduced into a light sauce and the bratwurst reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). (*Note 4)
Serve the bratwurst with the beer-braised onions, German mustard and crusty rolls, pretzels, sauerkraut or German potato salad.

Notes

Note 1 - Use 1 teaspoon for a noticeable flavor, or reduce it to 1/2 teaspoon if you only want a hint.

Note 2 - Märzen, Oktoberfest lager, dunkel, Vienna lager, Helles, bock or a malt-forward amber ale all work well.

Note 3 - Non-alcoholic beer: Substitute a malt-forward non-alcoholic lager 1:1 for the regular beer.

Note 4 - If serving in a bun, reduce the beer and onions further so the mixture isn't too wet. For a plated dinner, leave a little extra cooking liquid in the skillet for spooning over the bratwurst and sides.

Grill option: Grill the bratwurst at about 350°F for roughly 2 minutes per side to brown, then finish them in the beer and onions on the stove.

Nutrition