This beer-simmered bratwurst is packed with flavor! The sausages are cooked in German ale with warm spices and then grilled until golden and crispy. It’s a perfect recipe for a cookout or an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 cups German light ale
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 3 large onions, unpeeled, roughly chopped
- 2 whole cloves garlic, smashed
- One 3-inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and chopped
- 3 pounds precooked bratwurst, pricked with a fork
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
How To Make Beer-Simmered Bratwurst?
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to high heat for direct grilling.
- Simmer the bratwurst: In a large pot, combine the beer, caraway seeds, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, onions, garlic, and ginger. Add the bratwurst and place the pot on the grill. Let it come to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sausages are halfway done.
- Let the bratwurst rest: Remove the pot from the heat and let the brats sit in the liquid for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the onions and spices.
- Grill the bratwurst: Brush the sausages with canola oil and place them on the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side until the casings are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Keep the bratwurst warm until ready to serve. Pair with mustard, sauerkraut, or a soft pretzel for the best flavor!

Recipe Tips:
- Choose the Right Beer: Use a German light ale or a mild lager. Strong or dark beers can make the bratwurst taste too bitter.
- Prick the Sausages Lightly: Poke a few small holes in the bratwurst with a fork before simmering. This helps absorb the beer flavor without losing too much juice.
- Let the Brats Rest in the Beer: After simmering, let the bratwurst sit in the warm beer for 30 minutes. This step makes them juicier and more flavorful.
- Grill on High Heat for a Crispy Casing: Make sure your grill is very hot before adding the bratwurst. This creates a crispy, golden-brown casing with a nice snap.
- Don’t Overcook on the Grill: Since the bratwurst is already partially cooked, grilling too long can dry it out. Grill just until the outside is browned and crisp, about 4-6 minutes per side.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the bratwurst cool down first. Then, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: After cooling, wrap the bratwurst well and put them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for 2 months.
- Reheat: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a small amount of water or broth. Place the bratwurst in the pan and cover. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 12g
Try More Bobby Flay Recipes:

Beer-Simmered Bratwurst
Description
This beer-simmered bratwurst is packed with flavor! The sausages are cooked in German ale with warm spices and then grilled until golden and crispy. It’s a perfect recipe for a cookout or an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to high heat for direct grilling.
- Simmer the bratwurst: In a large pot, combine the beer, caraway seeds, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, onions, garlic, and ginger. Add the bratwurst and place the pot on the grill. Let it come to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sausages are halfway done.
- Let the bratwurst rest: Remove the pot from the heat and let the brats sit in the liquid for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the onions and spices.
- Grill the bratwurst: Brush the sausages with canola oil and place them on the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side until the casings are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Keep the bratwurst warm until ready to serve. Pair with mustard, sauerkraut, or a soft pretzel for the best flavor!
Notes
- Choose the Right Beer: Use a German light ale or a mild lager. Strong or dark beers can make the bratwurst taste too bitter.
- Prick the Sausages Lightly: Poke a few small holes in the bratwurst with a fork before simmering. This helps absorb the beer flavor without losing too much juice.
- Let the Brats Rest in the Beer: After simmering, let the bratwurst sit in the warm beer for 30 minutes. This step makes them juicier and more flavorful.
- Grill on High Heat for a Crispy Casing: Make sure your grill is very hot before adding the bratwurst. This creates a crispy, golden-brown casing with a nice snap.
- Don’t Overcook on the Grill: Since the bratwurst is already partially cooked, grilling too long can dry it out. Grill just until the outside is browned and crisp, about 4-6 minutes per side.
Beer-Simmered Bratwurst