Grilling dogs and brats are a learned skill. Most rookie grillers throw a dozen or so tube steaks onto the grill and cook them on a high heat. Usually, they end up with a burnt outside and a raw interior. If the brats and dogs are not used immediately, they sit on the grill and continue to dry out. They do the same with burgers, which become overdone hockey pucks. All the condiments in the kitchen cannot salvage burnt offerings. What a waste.
Here’s a great way to make hot dogs and Brats that will get eaten, enjoyed, and give you grillin bragging rights.
Using any grill, preheat until 225 degrees or so. You just want to get things started. Begin this process about 45 minutes before feasting.
2 lbs. of Brats or hot dogs/ enough for 10 sandwiches.
Use a cast iron fry pan or high sided crock. Add ¼ cup of butter, 2 thinly sliced onions, 3 cloves chopped garlic.
Brown the onions to get things started \, then add 4 bottles of beer. You can also add 2 tbsp of Fennel seed if you enjoy the flavor. You want the pot hot but not boiling. Low and slow will add more flavor and fun.
Place a drained can or jar of sauerkraut and 2 cups of sliced apples into the bath. Now add your brats and allow them to soak for 25-30 minutes under the same heat. The brats will gain flavor and cook without drying out and burning.
I leave the brats in the crock until needed, then finish them on a regular grill to get a sear, and grill marks look. Just a few minutes will do.
Buns make brats even more Bunderful! Butter and grill the buns a bit before serving. Place some of the sauerkraut, apple, and onions on the bun, then add the brat or dog.
Use whatever condiments you prefer to top the sandwich off.
The great thing about a bath is that the brats/dogs are ready when you are. They will not shrivel and wrinkle.
Some people enjoy boiling the brats in water before doing anything with them. This will certainly kill any bacteria or issues from wild game/ pigs. Make this recipe your own and fix it as you want.
A bath of brats is a great meal for hunting/ fishing/ or outdoor campout. Have a side of baked beans, cole slaw, and something tasty for dessert and all the campers will be fat and happy.
At home, you can also use a crock pot/slow cooker to make Brats better.
Other add ons could include salsa, BBQ sauce, and any special sauce that you enjoy.
Make a Better Brat worth bragging about!
Montana Grant
