How To Cook Brats In An Electric Pressure Cooker

Introduction

Are you craving juicy and flavorful brats but don’t want to deal with a traditional grill or stovetop cooking? Look no further! With an electric pressure cooker, you can have perfectly cooked brats in no time. Just imagine sinking your teeth into a tender bratwurst, bursting with savory juices and complemented by your favorite toppings.

Electric pressure cookers have gained immense popularity for their ability to cook meals quickly and efficiently. They use sealed pressurized cooking to lock in flavors and achieve tender results. This method not only saves time but also infuses your brats with incredible taste.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking brats in an electric pressure cooker. From prepping the brats to serving them up on a bun, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouth-watering dish!

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, cooking brats in an electric pressure cooker is a convenient and hassle-free option. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get started on this culinary journey!

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Bratwurst: Choose your favorite brand or flavor of bratwurst. You can opt for traditional pork brats or explore different varieties like chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options.
2. Buns: Select your preferred type of buns to serve the brats. Classic hot dog buns or sturdy rolls work well.
3. Condiments and Toppings: Gather your favorite toppings to enhance the flavor of your brats. This could include ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, relish, or any other condiments you enjoy.
4. Liquid: You’ll need about 1 cup of liquid, such as water, beer, or broth, to create steam in the pressure cooker and infuse flavor into the brats.
5. Electric Pressure Cooker: Ensure you have a working electric pressure cooker with a secure lid and all the necessary safety features.
6. Tongs or Slotted Spoon: These utensils will help you safely handle the brats when transferring them in and out of the pressure cooker.
7. Optional Spices: If desired, you can season the brats with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other seasonings of your choice.

Once you have gathered all these items, you are ready to begin the bratwurst cooking adventure. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking the brats in the electric pressure cooker!

Step 1: Preparing the Brats

Before cooking the brats in the electric pressure cooker, it’s important to prepare them properly. This will help enhance their flavor and ensure that they cook evenly. Follow these simple steps to prepare the brats:

1. Thaw the Brats: If your brats are frozen, make sure to thaw them completely. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave.
2. Score the Brats: Using a sharp knife, lightly score the surface of each brat. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat as they cook.
3. Season the Brats: Sprinkle your desired seasonings on the brats. You can use a combination of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other seasonings that complement the flavors of the brats.
4. Let the Brats Rest: After seasoning, let the brats sit for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to marinate and enhance the overall taste.

By taking the time to properly prepare the brats, you’ll ensure that they are packed with delicious flavors. Now that the brats are ready, let’s move on to the next step: sautéing them in the electric pressure cooker!

Step 2: Sautéing the Brats

Sautéing the brats before pressure cooking them will help seal in the flavors and give them a beautiful browned exterior. Follow these steps to sauté the brats in the electric pressure cooker:

1. Select the Sauté Function: On your electric pressure cooker, choose the sauté function and adjust it to medium or high heat.
2. Add Oil: Add a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or olive oil, to the bottom of the pressure cooker pot.
3. Heat the Oil: Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers or starts to ripple.
4. Add the Brats: Gently place the scored and seasoned brats into the hot oil in a single layer. Be cautious as the oil may splatter.
5. Sauté the Brats: Cook the brats for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the brats carefully.
6. Remove the Brats: Once the brats are evenly browned, remove them from the pressure cooker and set them aside on a plate. The sautéing process adds a delicious flavor and texture to the brats.

Sautéing the brats not only adds a delectable touch but also helps to render some of the excess fat. This step is crucial in achieving both flavor and a beautiful appearance. Now that the brats are sautéed to perfection, it’s time to move on to the next step: adding the liquid to the pressure cooker!

Step 3: Adding the Liquid

Adding liquid to the electric pressure cooker is crucial for creating steam and maintaining the necessary moisture to cook the brats. Follow these steps to add the right amount and type of liquid:

1. Measure the Liquid: Measure about 1 cup of liquid, such as water, beer, or broth, to add to the pressure cooker. This will create steam and infuse the brats with flavor as they cook.
2. Deglaze the Pot: After removing the sautéed brats from the pressure cooker, pour the liquid into the pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits from the sautéing process. This step is called deglazing, and it adds extra flavor to the liquid.
3. Place the Brats Back in the Pot: Once the pot is deglazed, carefully place the sautéed brats back into the pressure cooker, arranging them in a single layer.

Adding the liquid not only helps cook the brats but also infuses them with additional flavors. The liquid also contributes to creating and maintaining the pressure necessary for cooking. With the liquid added, it’s time to move on to the next step: pressure cooking the brats!

Step 4: Pressure Cooking the Brats

Now that the brats are sautéed and the liquid is in the pressure cooker, it’s time to start the pressure cooking process. Follow these steps to cook the brats to perfection:

1. Secure the Lid: Ensure that the lid of the electric pressure cooker is securely locked in place.
2. Select the appropriate setting: Consult your pressure cooker’s manual or settings to select the appropriate pressure cooking setting. The recommended setting for brats is typically high pressure.
3. Set the Timer: Set the cooking time for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary based on the thickness and size of the brats.
4. Start the Pressure Cooking: Turn on the pressure cooker and wait for it to reach the desired pressure. Once the pressure is reached, the cooking process will begin automatically.

During the pressure cooking process, the brats will absorb the flavors of the liquid and become tender and juicy. This method of cooking allows the brats to cook evenly and retain their moisture. While the brats are pressure cooking, you can prepare your buns, condiments, and toppings to accompany the delicious brats.

With the timer set and the pressure cooking underway, we’re one step closer to enjoying the mouth-watering brats. However, before we dig in, there’s one final step: releasing the pressure and adding the finishing touches!

Step 5: Releasing Pressure and Finishing Touches

Once the pressure cooking is complete, it’s important to release the pressure before opening the lid of the electric pressure cooker. Follow these steps to safely release the pressure and add the finishing touches to your brats:

1. Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Allow the pressure to release naturally by leaving the pressure cooker untouched for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the pressure to gradually decrease.
2. Quick Pressure Release (QPR): If you’re eager to enjoy your brats right away, you can do a quick pressure release by carefully turning the pressure release valve to the venting position using a long-handled utensil or oven mitts. Be cautious as the steam releases rapidly.
3. Open the Lid: Once the pressure has been fully released and the floating valve has dropped, it is safe to open the lid of the pressure cooker.
4. Check the Brats: Carefully remove the brats from the pressure cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Check for doneness by cutting into one of the brats to ensure they’re fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
5. Grill Option: Optional: If you desire a crispy exterior, you can grill the brats on a preheated grill for a few minutes per side. This step adds a smoky charred flavor to the brats.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once your brats are cooked to perfection, serve them on your preferred buns and top them with your favorite condiments and toppings. Enjoy the delicious flavors and juicy goodness!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked brats in an electric pressure cooker. The sautéing, pressure cooking, and releasing of pressure have helped create tender and flavorful brats. Now, it’s time to savor every bite and indulge in this mouth-watering dish.

Serving and Enjoying the Brats

Now that your brats are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them and enjoy every delicious bite. Here are some suggestions on how to best serve and savor your brats:

1. Prepare the Buns: Start by toasting your buns slightly to give them a nice warm and crispy texture. Alternatively, you can serve them as is, depending on your preference.
2. Add Condiments and Toppings: Customize your brats by adding your favorite condiments and toppings. Ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, relish, and cheese are all popular choices. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations.
3. Place the Brats in the Buns: Gently place each brat into a bun, ensuring that they fit snugly and won’t fall out when you take a bite.
4. Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, on top of the brats. Serve them on a platter or individual plates, ready for you and your guests to enjoy.

Brats are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by a variety of sides. Classic side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple green salad make great accompaniments to the brats and complete the meal.

Remember to take your time while savoring your brats. Bite into the juicy and flavorful meat, feel the textures of the bun and toppings, and appreciate the delicious combination of flavors. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, brats cooked in an electric pressure cooker are always a treat.

Now that you know the step-by-step process of cooking brats in an electric pressure cooker and how to serve them, it’s time to gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure cooker, and enjoy a mouth-watering meal. Bon appétit!

Conclusion

Cooking brats in an electric pressure cooker is a game-changer when it comes to convenience, flavor, and tenderness. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you can achieve perfectly cooked brats with minimal effort.

From thawing and scoring the brats to sautéing them to perfection, adding the right amount of liquid, pressure cooking, and finally serving them with your favorite toppings, each step contributes to creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Remember, the electric pressure cooker is not only a time-saving kitchen tool but also a versatile appliance that can be used for a wide range of recipes. So, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or enjoying a meal with family and friends, cooking brats in an electric pressure cooker is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Now that you have the knowledge and the steps to cook brats in an electric pressure cooker, it’s time for you to put this newfound skill into action. Explore different flavors, toppings, and condiments to make the brats your own.

So, go ahead and enjoy the juicy, flavorful brats that you’ve cooked to perfection. Whether served at a special occasion or enjoyed as a casual meal, brats cooked in an electric pressure cooker are bound to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the incredible taste of pressure-cooked brats. Happy cooking and bon appétit!