Mistakes People Make When Grilling Brats
The All-American Summer Tradition Grilling brats is a classic summer activity, but even the most experienced grill masters can make mistakes. Let's take a look at what NOT to do when grilling these tasty sausages!
Mistake #1: Not Preheating the Grill A cold grill leads to uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure a consistent sizzle when the brats hit the grate.
Mistake #2: Cooking Brats Over High Heat Grilling brats over high heat can cause them to burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Aim for medium heat for perfectly cooked brats every time.
Mistake #3: Piercing the Brats When grilling, avoid piercing the brats with a fork. This lets the juices escape and can result in dry sausages. Use tongs to turn them gently!
Mistake #4: Skipping the Searing Step If you skip searing the brats, you'll miss out on that crispy, flavorful skin. Sear them for a few minutes on each side to lock in flavor.
Mistake #5: Not Using a Thermometer Not all brats are the same thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) for safety and juiciness.
Mistake #6: Cooking Without a Lid Grilling brats without the lid can dry them out. Cover your grill to create a mini-oven effect, ensuring the brats cook evenly and stay moist.
Mistake #7: Letting the Brats Rest After grilling, always let the brats rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
The Perfect Brat, Every Time! Avoid these common mistakes, and you'll have the perfect brats—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor! Enjoy the grilling season!