I love brats. There’s something about the juicy, flavorful sausage that just hits the spot every time. But sometimes, I don’t have the time or energy to fire up the grill or heat up a pan on the stove. That’s when I turn to my trusty microwave. Yes, you heard me right – you can cook brats in the microwave and still end up with a delicious meal. In this article, I’ll share with you my quick and easy method for cooking brats in the microwave.
Preparing the Brats
Before we get into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare the brats properly. This step will ensure that your brats turn out tender and moist. Here’s what you need to do:
Gather your ingredients:
1. Prick the brats:
Take each bratwurst sausage and prick it with a fork several times. This will prevent them from bursting as they cook in the microwave.
2. Add water:
Place the pricked brats in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Pour enough water into the bowl to cover the brats halfway. The water will help create steam and keep the sausages moist during the cooking process.
Cooking the Brats
Now that your brats are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to cook them in the microwave. Follow these steps for a quick and delicious meal:
1. Microwave on high:
Cover the bowl or dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 5 minutes.
2. Flip the brats:
After 5 minutes, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Use a pair of tongs to flip the brats over, ensuring that they cook evenly.
3. Microwave again:
Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook for an additional 5 minutes on high power. This will ensure that the brats are fully cooked and reach a safe internal temperature.
4. Check for doneness:
After the second round of cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brats. They should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to be considered safe to eat. If they haven’t reached this temperature yet, put them back in the microwave for another minute or two.
Serving and Enjoying the Brats
Once your brats are fully cooked, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal even more delicious:
1. Serve on buns:
Place the cooked brats in toasted buns for a classic bratwurst sandwich. Add your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, or onions for extra flavor.
2. Add toppings:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some toppings to your brats. Sautéed peppers and onions, melted cheese, or even a dollop of spicy salsa can take your brats to the next level.
3. Pair with sides:
Brats are perfect with a side of crispy French fries, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and choose your favorite sides.
Conclusion
Cooking brats in the microwave may not be the most traditional method, but it certainly yields delicious results in a fraction of the time. With just a few simple steps, you can have juicy, flavorful bratwurst sausages ready to be enjoyed. So next time you’re short on time or don’t feel like firing up the grill, give the microwave method a try – you won’t be disappointed!