Whether you are new to how to defrost brats or just need a quick refresher, the sections below walk through the key points.
The safest way to defrost brats is in the fridge, which takes about 24 hours. If you are short on time, use cold water or the microwave, but cook them right away afterwards.
Key takeaways
- Fridge: safest, allow about 24 hours.
- Cold water: roughly 1 hour for a pack, changing the water every 30 minutes.
- Microwave: fast, but cook immediately afterwards.
- Never defrost on the counter.
Method 1: in the fridge
Put the sealed pack on a plate or tray to catch drips and place it on a lower shelf. Most packs of brats thaw within a day. They can stay in the fridge for another one to two days before cooking, which makes this good for planning ahead.
Method 2: in cold water
Keep the brats in a leak-proof bag, submerge them in a bowl of cold tap water and change the water about every 30 minutes. A small pack is usually ready in an hour or so. Use cold, not warm, water, as warm water can let the outside reach unsafe temperatures while the middle is still frozen.
Method 3: in the microwave
Take the brats out of the packaging, place them on a microwave-safe plate and use the defrost setting, turning them often. Stop when they are pliable but still cool. Some areas may start to cook, so move straight to the grill or pan.
Cooking from frozen
You can also cook brats from frozen. They take about 50 percent longer. Simmering them in beer or stock first, then finishing on the grill, helps them cook through evenly without burning the casing.
Cooking temperature
Pork brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Check the thickest part with a thermometer rather than relying on colour.
Do not do this
- Do not leave brats on the counter for hours.
- Do not refreeze raw brats that thawed in water or the microwave unless you cook them first.
Tips for better brats
Do not pierce the casings, which lets the juices escape. Cook over medium heat so the outside browns without splitting. Rest them for a few minutes before serving. Pair with sauerkraut, mustard and a soft roll for a classic result.
Key takeaways about how to defrost brats
Here is a short summary of how to defrost brats so you can find the main points quickly.
- The safest way to defrost brats is in the fridge, which takes about 24 hours.
- Put the sealed pack on a plate or tray to catch drips and place it on a lower shelf.
- Keep the brats in a leak-proof bag, submerge them in a bowl of cold tap water and change the water about every 30 minutes.
- Take the brats out of the packaging, place them on a microwave-safe plate and use the defrost setting, turning them often.
- Pork brats should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Do not pierce the casings, which lets the juices escape.
Good decisions about how to defrost brats come from checking the facts, comparing your options and taking your time.
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For general background, you can look up how to defrost brats on Wikipedia.
