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Juicy Summer Brats Recipe Easy Perfect Grilled Bratwurst with Fresh Greens

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A quick and easy grilled bratwurst recipe soaked in beer and served with a fresh greens salad, perfect for summer gatherings and backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 links of quality pork bratwurst
  • 2 cups light lager or pilsner beer (or non-alcoholic beer)
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced thinly
  • 4 cups fresh greens mix (peppery arugula, crisp romaine, baby spinach)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and/or chives (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mustard or favorite condiments for serving

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice one large yellow onion and set aside.
  2. In a large pot or deep pan, combine 2 cups of light lager or pilsner and the sliced onions. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Place 6 bratwurst links into the simmering beer bath. Reduce heat to low and poach gently for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  5. Remove brats from beer bath with tongs and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Grill brats for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. While brats cook, toss 4 cups mixed fresh greens with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
  8. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil and juice of 1 lemon over greens. Add chopped parsley or chives if desired. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently.
  9. Serve grilled brats alongside fresh greens salad with mustard or condiments. Optionally serve with crusty bread or soft buns.

Notes

Simmering brats in beer before grilling keeps them juicy and prevents bursting. Use medium heat on the grill and turn frequently to avoid uneven cooking and split casings. Let brats rest a few minutes after grilling to redistribute juices. For extra flavor, grill some onion slices alongside the brats. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet and finish in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled bratwurst, summer brats, beer soaked brats, fresh greens salad, easy grilling recipe, backyard cookout, bratwurst recipe