Beer-Braised Bratwursts with Pickle Juice Slaw

Serves 4

To learn more, read:
The Upside-Down Grill
by Laraine Perri
from Fine Cooking
Issue 121
Last Edit Date: 12/26/2012 3:11:11 PM

A tangy cabbage and carrot slaw is a knockout topping for juicy bratwursts. Long pretzel rolls make an unexpected substitute for the hoagie rolls, if you can find them.

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For the slaw

1 cup very thinly sliced red cabbage
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbs. pickle brine (from a jar of pickles, preferably dill)
4 tsp. cider vinegar
2 tsp. granulated sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2-1/2 cups very thinly sliced green cabbage
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup finely chopped white onion

For the bratwursts

2 12-oz. bottles lager beer, such as Budweiser
4 uncooked bratwursts
1 cup chopped white onion
4 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbs. spicy brown mustard, such as Gulden’s
Vegetable oil for brushing
4 hoagie rolls, split but not all the way through

Make the slaw

Soak the red cabbage in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes to prevent its color from bleeding. Drain and pat dry. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle brine, vinegar, sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt, and a grind of pepper. Add the red and green cabbage, carrot, and onion and toss well to combine. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

Make the bratwursts

In a 10- to 11-inch skillet, combine the beer, bratwursts, and onion. Add enough water to barely cover the bratwursts and bring just to a simmer over medium heat. Cover, remove from the heat, and let sit for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, position a rack about 4 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high.

In a small bowl, combine the butter, mustard, and 4 tsp. of the bratwurst-cooking liquid; set aside.

Arrange the bratwursts on a broiler pan and lightly brush them with oil. Broil until goldenbrown, turning once, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. Put the buns on a baking sheet cut sides up and broil until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds.

Spread the insides of the buns with the butter mixture and put the bratwursts in the rolls. Top with the slaw and serve.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 840; Fat (g): 57; Fat Calories (kcal): 510; Saturated Fat (g): 20; Protein (g): 21; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 22; Carbohydrates (g): 51; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 11; Sodium (mg): 1420; Cholesterol (mg): 100; Fiber (g): 5;