Grilling is one of the best ways to cook brats. But how long should you cook them?
Whether you’re a beginner or a master griller, this blog post will help you determine the perfect cooking time for your bratwursts.
Gather Supplies
Gathering the supplies for grilling brats is an important step in the process. You’ll need a grill, preferably one with a lid, that can heat to between 300 and 350°F.
A thermometer is also necessary to ensure that the brats reach their desired temperature of 150°. If you’re searing or need high heat, it’s best to cook with the grill lid open.
Lastly, you’ll also need foil pans or some other type of heat-safe dish to catch any fat that may drip from the brats during cooking.
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Now that you have your supplies ready, you can move on to preheat your grill.
Preheat Grill
Before you start grilling your brats, be sure to preheat the grill to medium heat to medium-high heat (350˚F – 400˚F).
It’s best to use a two-zone method of grilling, where you have a direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone.
This will help ensure that your brats cook evenly and completely. Once you’ve preheated the grill, you’re ready to start cooking.
Grill Over Direct Heat
Once the grill is preheated, place the bratwursts on the direct side of the grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side. This will give the brats a nice caramelization and create beautiful grill marks.
Once you have achieved this, move the brats to the indirect side of the grill and turn them every couple of minutes to prevent burning.
Cook for about 15-20 minutes over medium-low heat (350˚F-300˚F). During this time, make sure to check for grill marks and internal temperature.
The brat’s internal temperature should be 160˚F when done. Once you have achieved this, remove it from your grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving and enjoying!
Move to Indirect Heat
Once your grill is preheated, move the brats to the indirect heat side and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes.
The brats should be turned every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
If the brats start to get too close to the hot coals, use tongs to move them further away.
During this time, you can also monitor the internal temperature of the brats with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached 160°F when done.
Flip and Monitor the Temperature
Once the brats are placed on the preheated grill, it’s time to flip and monitor the temperature. Depending on the size of the brats, they should take around 20 minutes to cook, flipping every 5 minutes or so.
To ensure the brats are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to measure their internal temperature.
The bratwurst should reach an internal temperature of 160°F before being removed from the grill.
If grilling over indirect heat, monitor the temperature and adjust as needed with additional charcoal or gas. Grill marks and a dark crust will also indicate that the brats are done.
Check for Grill Marks and Internal Temperature
Once the brats have been cooking over direct heat for around 15 minutes, it’s time to check for grill marks and the internal temperature.
Grill marks will appear on the surface of the brats after they’ve been cooked, and they indicate that the sausages are ready to move to indirect heat.
To make sure the brats are fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the sausage. The internal temperature should read 150°F.
If it’s lower than that, continue grilling until it reaches 150°F. Once the sausages have reached this temperature, they can be browned for 1-2 minutes on the hotter side of the grill before being removed from the heat.
Remove from Grill
Once your brats have reached the desired grill marks and internal temperature, it’s time to remove them from the heat.
Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to carefully lift each brat off of the grill. Transfer them to a platter or plate and cover them loosely with foil.
Let them rest for a few minutes before serving so that all of the flavorful juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
This will ensure that your brats are extra juicy and delicious when you bite into them.
Let Rest
Once the brats have been cooked to an internal temperature of 150°, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
This will allow the brats to finish cooking, while also allowing the juices to settle back into the meat.
Resting is an important step in the grilling process and helps ensure that your brats are cooked evenly and to perfection.
Additionally, this gives you a great opportunity to grab a cold beverage and admire your handiwork.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your brats have reached the desired internal temperature, it’s time to serve and enjoy!
Before you do, let them rest for a few minutes so they can reabsorb some of their juices and flavor.
The caramelization and grill marks you achieved while grilling your brats will make them look as good as they taste!
Make sure to serve it with your favorite toppings, side dishes, or condiments. Enjoy your delicious grilled brats!
Can a Smokeless Grill be Used to Grill Brats?
The convenience of grilling with smokeless grills extends beyond traditional barbecuing. When it comes to grilling brats, you’ll be pleased to know that a smokeless grill can be used. The advanced technology of these grills allows for efficient heat distribution, ensuring your brats are cooked to perfection without any excess smoke.
Troubleshooting Tips
Troubleshooting can be a challenge when grilling brats, but with a few helpful tips, you can get it right every time.
If the brats are taking too long to cook, make sure the grill is preheated to the right temperature and that the sausages are placed over indirect heat.
If the brats are cooking too quickly, reduce the heat and move them over to the indirect heat side of the grill.
Finally, before removing them from the grill, check for grill marks and an internal temperature of 160°F.
With these simple tips, you will be able to enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked brats every time.
Can the Same Grilling Techniques be Used for Cooking Chicken Thighs and Brats?
Yes, the same grilling techniques can be used for cooking chicken thighs and brats. By adjusting the cooking time and temperature, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs and deliciously grilled brats on the same grill. Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to enhance the flavors of both meats.
Conclusion
Concluding, grilling bratwursts is a simple and easy way to cook up a delicious meal in no time.
With the right supplies, a preheated grill, and careful monitoring of the temperature and grill marks, you can have your bratwursts cooked to perfection.
If you encounter any problems along the way, troubleshooting tips can help you get your brats cooked just right.
When you’re finished grilling your bratwurst, let it rest before serving it up with all the fixings. Enjoy!