Can You Cook Brats In The Microwave: 6 Easy Steps

Can You Cook Brats in the Microwave? It is possible to cook brats in the microwave, although it might not be the traditional method of cooking these German-style sausages. 

These flavorful links are often grilled or pan-fried, but a microwave can come to the rescue in a pinch. 

The key lies in maintaining the juiciness and flavor while ensuring the brats are cooked thoroughly. The process can be incredibly time-saving, taking approximately five to seven minutes. 

However, there are a few tricks and precautions to keep in mind to avoid rubbery or unevenly cooked brats. 

The following sections will guide you on successfully cooking brats in a microwave, ensuring they’re as delicious as they would be when cooked with traditional methods.

Key Points

• Preparation: Pierce brats gently with a fork to prevent bursting.
• Microwave Setting: Use medium power for even and thorough cooking.
• Cooking Time: Typically, five to seven minutes should suffice.
• Turn Brats: Halfway through, turn brats for uniform heat distribution.
• Rest Period: Allow brats to rest post-microwaving for juice redistribution.

Can You Cook Brats In The Microwave

Sure, cooking brats in the microwave is doable. Here’s how. First, prick the brats lightly with a fork. You don’t want them to burst. Place them on a microwave-safe plate.

Next, cover the brats. Use microwave-safe cling wrap. This traps steam and keeps the sausages juicy.

Set the microwave to medium heat. Cook the brats for about three minutes. Then, take them out. This is important.

Why? You need to flip the brats. This ensures even cooking. Return them to the microwave. Cook for another three minutes.

Got a meat thermometer? Use it. Brats need to reach 160°F internally. If not, give them more time.

Finished cooking? Let them rest. Wait two minutes before you dive in.

So, can you cook brats in the microwave? Yes, you can. It’s quick. It’s easy. But remember, be careful not to overcook them. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking brats in the microwave.

Step 1: Choosing The Right Brats

When it comes to choosing the right brats for microwaving, quality matters. Opt for fresh, high-quality bratwursts. They retain their flavor and juiciness when microwaved.

Size also counts. Consistent size ensures even cooking. Avoid a mix of large and small brats on the same plate.

Consider the flavor too. There’s a wide variety of brats out there. They range from mild to spicy. Some come packed with cheese or jalapenos. Pick the flavor that suits your palate.

Look at the ingredients. The fewer, the better. Avoid brats with preservatives or fillers.

Check the casing. Natural casings are best. They keep the brat juicy and add a nice snap when you bite into them.

Finally, remember that quality is the key to a tasty microwaved brat. So, choose wisely.

Step 2: Preparing The Brats For Microwaving

Rinse the brats first. A quick wash under cold water. This cleans any packaging residue.

Then, pierce the brats. Use a knife or fork. Make small incisions on the surface. Why? This prevents the brats from bursting. The heat escapes through these tiny holes.

Next, place the brats on a microwave-safe dish. Arrange them in a single layer. Avoid stacking. This allows even heat distribution.

Add half a cup of water to the dish. It creates a moist, heated environment.

Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Do not seal completely. Leave a small opening. This allows steam to escape and prevents a messy explosion.

Now, your brats are ready for the next step. Microwaving.

Step 3: Correctly Positioning The Brats In The Microwave

Position the dish in the center of the microwave’s rotating plate. Ensure it’s stable and won’t tip over during cooking. If the plate isn’t rotating, manually adjust the dish halfway through cooking.

Each brat should have its space. They shouldn’t touch each other. This ensures each brat cooks evenly.

Microwave power matters. For best results, set the microwave to 80% power. This keeps the brats from cooking too quickly and drying out.

Microwaving time is crucial. Start with a cooking time of 2 minutes per brat. After each interval, let the brats rest for a minute before checking.

Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The brats are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

If undercooked, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals. Always rest and check between intervals.

Remember, every microwave is different. Adjust time and power settings based on your appliance.

Patience is key. Allow the brats to rest for a few minutes after microwaving. This lets the juices redistribute.

Follow these steps for perfect, juicy microwaved brats. Enjoy your meal!

Step 4: Setting The Right Cooking Time

Setting the right cooking time is crucial in achieving delicious and juicy brats. It’s important to account for varying microwave strengths and cooking times.

Start with an initial cooking time of 2 minutes for each brat. This is a good baseline. It’s essential to let the brats rest for a minute after each interval. This pause allows heat to be distributed evenly.

The use of a meat thermometer is highly recommended. It provides accurate temperature readings. The desired internal temperature is 160°F.

If the brats are undercooked, don’t worry! Continue cooking in 30-second intervals. Remember to rest and check after each interval.

Every microwave is different. You may need to adjust the time and power settings. Don’t be discouraged by this. It’s a normal part of the process.

Finally, let the brats rest after cooking. This rest period allows the juices to be redistributed. It makes the brats juicier and more flavorful.

Remember, patience is key. Follow these steps and enjoy your perfectly microwaved brats. Happy cooking!

Step 5: Checking The Brats

After setting the cooking time, you’ll need to check the brats. This is crucial for perfect results.

First, remove your cooked brats from the microwave. Be cautious. They will be hot. Use oven mitts or tongs for safety.

Second, insert your meat thermometer. Place it in the center of a brat. Make sure it doesn’t touch the plate. You’re checking the temperature, not the brat’s color.

Wait for the reading. It should reach 160°F. This indicates your brats are well-cooked. If it’s lower, return to the microwave. Continue with 30-second intervals. Always allow rest time between intervals.

Finally, observe the brats. They should look brown, not pink. Their juices should run clear. This signals they are ready. But remember, color can be deceptive. Trust your thermometer more than your eyes.

Practice makes perfect. As you repeat this process, you’ll get better. You’ll learn the right settings for your microwave. Soon, you’ll cook perfect brats every time. Happy cooking!

Step 6: Serving And Storing Cooked Brats

Now, it’s time to serve your perfectly microwaved brats. Place them on a platter. Serve them hot. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the microwave.

You can pair them with your favorite sides. Sauerkraut and mustard are classic accompaniments. Freshly baked buns make brats into a hearty sandwich.

Storing the brats is simple. Let them cool first. This prevents condensation. Condensation could make them soggy. After cooling, put them in airtight containers. Store these in the fridge. They should keep for 3-4 days.

Reheating the brats is easy. You can use the microwave again. Heat them in 30-second intervals. Check the temperature each time. Ensure it’s at least 165°F. That’s the safe reheating temperature.

Remember, reheated brats may dry out. To prevent this, add a splash of beer or water before reheating. This keeps them juicy.

Enjoy your delicious brats, both freshly made and leftovers. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: What is the recommended internal temperature for fully cooked brats?

The recommended internal temperature for fully cooked brats is 160°F. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

FAQ 2: How can I prevent my brats from drying when reheating them in the microwave?

You can add a splash of beer or water to prevent your brats from drying out during reheating. This helps keep the brats juicy.

FAQ 3: How long can I store cooked brats in the refrigerator?

Cooked brats can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

FAQ 4: What are some recommended side dishes to serve with brats?

Classic side dishes for brats include sauerkraut and mustard. Serving them in freshly baked buns also turns them into a hearty sandwich.

FAQ 5: How long should I let the brats rest between microwave cooking intervals?

You should always allow some rest time between microwave cooking intervals. This time will vary depending on your microwave model, but it’s crucial not to keep microwaving continuously to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or a casual cook, brats are a delightful delicacy. They’re versatile and easy to prepare.

Whether freshly made or reheated, they’re guaranteed to satisfy. When reheating, remember to check the temperature.

It should be 165°F. Don’t forget to add a splash of beer or water. This keeps them juicy. Store leftovers in the fridge.

They can stay fresh for 3-4 days. Pair your brats with sauerkraut and mustard for a traditional feast. Enjoying brats can be an everyday luxury. Happy grilling and eating!