How Long To Cook Brats On The Grill

ByLily

Brats on the grill need a two-zone setup so the casings char nicely while the inside cooks through completely. So how long to cook brats on the grill? Most raw bratwurst take 20 to 25 minutes total over medium heat, and the safe internal temperature is 160°F.

That number changes with thickness, grill temp, and whether you parboil first. Below is a simple plan you can follow every time.

How Long To Cook Brats On The Grill

For raw, store-bought brats about 1 inch thick, plan on 20 to 25 minutes. You cook them over indirect heat for most of the time, then finish over direct heat for char.

  • Indirect heat: 15 to 18 minutes
  • Direct heat sear: 4 to 6 minutes
  • Rest time: 3 to 5 minutes
  • Target internal temp: 160°F

Thinner links (like some fresh sausage) can be done in 15 minutes. Fat, jumbo brats may need 30 minutes. Always trust a meat thermometer over the clock.

Why The Two-Zone Method Works Best

Bratwurst are ground meat in a casing. High heat right away splits the casing and burns the outside before the middle is safe to eat.

A two-zone setup fixes this. You keep one side of the grill hot and one side cool. The brats start on the cool side, cook through gently, then move to the hot side for a quick sear.

How To Set Up Two Zones On A Gas Grill

  1. Turn all burners to high and close the lid for 10 minutes.
  2. Leave the left burner on medium-high.
  3. Turn the right burner off.
  4. Place brats on the right side (the off side).
  5. Cook with the lid down.

How To Set Up Two Zones On A Charcoal Grill

  1. Light a chimney of charcoal.
  2. Once ashed over, pour coals on one half of the grill.
  3. Leave the other half empty.
  4. Put the lid on and adjust vents for medium heat, around 350°F.
  5. Cook brats on the empty side first.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium, about 350°F to 375°F.
  2. Oil the grates with a folded paper towel and tongs.
  3. Place raw brats on the indirect side.
  4. Close the lid and cook 15 to 18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
  5. Check the internal temp. You want 150°F to 155°F before the sear.
  6. Move brats to the direct heat side.
  7. Sear 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned and 160°F inside.
  8. Move to a plate and rest 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

If you like a beer bath, simmer the brats in beer and onions before grilling. This adds flavor and cuts grill time to about 10 to 12 minutes.

Signs Your Brats Are Done

  • Internal temp reads 160°F on a digital thermometer
  • Juices run clear when you poke the end
  • The casing is browned and slightly crisp
  • The link feels firm but still gives a little when squeezed

Do not cut a brat open to check doneness. You lose juice and the casing dries out. Use a thermometer instead. Stick it in from the end, straight into the center.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

1. Cooking Over High Heat The Whole Time

This burns the casing and leaves the middle pink. Keep the direct side for the last few minutes only.

2. Poking Holes In The Casing

Some people prick brats to stop them bursting. That just drains the fat and makes them dry. Control the heat instead.

3. Skipping The Rest

Resting lets the juices settle. Cut in too soon and the plate gets all the flavor.

4. Guessing By Color Alone

A browned brat can still be undercooked inside. Ground pork needs to hit 160°F for safety.

How Long To Grill Pre-Cooked Or Parboiled Brats

If your brats are already cooked or you boiled them first, the time drops fast. You only need to heat them through and get some char.

  • Pre-cooked brats: 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat, turning often
  • Parboiled brats: 10 to 12 minutes, starting on indirect heat then searing
  • Frozen raw brats: 25 to 30 minutes on indirect heat, then sear

For frozen links, keep the lid closed and be patient. Rushing them leads to burnt skin and a cold center.

Tips For Better Grilled Brats

  • Bring brats to room temp for 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
  • Use tongs, not a fork, so you don’t pierce the casing.
  • Toast the buns on the hot side for 30 seconds.
  • Keep a spray bottle handy for flare-ups from dripping fat.
  • Cook extra. They reheat well in a covered pan with a splash of water.

Quick Reference Chart

  • Raw brat, medium heat, two-zone: 20 to 25 minutes
  • Raw brat, direct heat only: 15 to 20 minutes, turn every 4 minutes
  • Parboiled brat: 10 to 12 minutes
  • Fully cooked brat: 8 to 10 minutes
  • Safe internal temp: 160°F

Once you get the two-zone method down, you can grill brats on any setup, gas or charcoal. Watch the temp, not just the timer, and you will get juicy links with a snap every time.

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