Par Boil Brats!

[Smokin Don]

Par boiling brats in beer before grilling is a matter of preference and I still like them that way.
http://www.epicurious.com/archive/blogs/editor/2007/08/to-beer-or-not-.html
Smokin Don

[Savannahsmoker]

Par boiling brats in beer before grilling is a matter of preference and I still like them that way.

I agree Don.
 In Wisconsin where I grew up par boiling in beer, onions and garlic before grilling was the normal way.

[Pappymn]

In my family they always par boiled the brats. But I honestly think this was done out of fear. The same way my mom turned pork chops and turkey into jerky. Indirect cooking had not been invented yet.

[ACW3]

Par boiling in beer and onions was the way I was brought up.  Then onto the grill for some serious grill marks, then back into the par boiling pot to soak in more flavor.  I don't recall adding garlic, however.  As much as I like garlic, I don't know why I didn't add it to the pot.

Art

[smokeasaurus]

Pilsner beer and white onions for me....

[Kona]

I just did Brats for the first time in my life about a week ago, I'm shocked I waited so long to try them. I simmered mine in Murphy's Irish Stout for about 15 minutes then charred them on my Pit Barrel. Topped with spicy brown mustard and onions and I was in heaven!

[hikerman]

In my family they always par boiled the brats. But I honestly think this was done out of fear. The same way my mom turned pork chops and turkey into jerky. Indirect cooking had not been invented yet.

Pappy I couldn't agree more with you!  All of our pork got boiled before whatever finishing method. The fear was trichinosis (sic). So sausages including bratwurst got boiled before grilling. So much of this was tradition. Some traditions are good, some are not, it's all a personal choice as to what trips your trigger! I used to boil brats...because everybody else did. Until I happened into the meat market that makes the best bratwurst I have ever had.( Miesfeld's in Sheboygan, WI) One of the butchers told me not to pre- boil but to grill without breaking the skin. Before grilling tho, a twenty minute swim in cold water firms up the casing.
If they won't be eaten right away, a holding solution of beer, butter, and onions is used.
It's all personal choice to choose your favorite methods, but the most important factor is to ENJOY! 

[muebe]

I simmer mine in hot beer. Kind of Sous Vide. No boiling. Love mine that way!

[tomcrete1]

Par boiling brats in beer before grilling is a matter of preference and I still like them that way.

I agree Don.
 In Wisconsin where I grew up par boiling in beer, onions and garlic before grilling was the normal way.

I agree par boiling first  was the way I learned also,, however the last three time I have browned first and then put into the slow cooker with beer and onions. Turned out awesome and it frees the cook to socialize and enjoy the final product 

[tailfeathers]

I also used to par boil my brats in beer and onions.  When I started making them myself I found that I prefer to just grill them from raw. I don't want to seem like I'm bragging but I only used to buy Johnsonville brats, I like the ones I make better.


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[TMB]

That's how I learned to cook brats.    Boil them in beer the grill

[Smokin Don]

I also used to par boil my brats in beer and onions.  When I started making them myself I found that I prefer to just grill them from raw. I don't want to seem like I'm bragging but I only used to buy Johnsonville brats, I like the ones I make better.

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I only eat brats from my butcher; no additives and he makes 12 different style brats. Don