Nuremberg Rostbratwurst with Sauerkraut
Savor the authentic taste of Bavaria with these traditional Nuremberg Rostbratwurst, pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. Paired with tangy, slow-simmered sauerkraut infused with apple and caraway, this hearty German classic offers a delightful balance of savory and sour flavors.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 50 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 618 kcal
Allergen information: may contain mustard and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 pcsnuremberg bratwurst
- 500 gsauerkraut, drained
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 pcsapple, peeled, cored, and grated
- 1 tbspvegetable oil
- 0.5 tspcaraway seed
- 60 mlwhite wine
- 60 mlwater
- 1 pinchsalt
- 1 pinchblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 2 tbspmustard, for serving
Equipment
Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven · Large skillet or cast-iron pan · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Box grater · Spatula or wooden spoon · Tongs
The method
Step by step
- 1
Finely dice the yellow onion and grate the apple using a box grater.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Using a fine grater for the apple helps it melt into the sauerkraut, adding sweetness without noticeable texture.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents the onions from scorching.
- 3
Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Do not rush this step; properly softened onions form the flavor base for the sauerkraut.
- 4
Stir in the drained sauerkraut, grated apple, and caraway seeds into the pot with the softened onions.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and water, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The wine adds a layer of acidity and complexity to the sauerkraut; choose a dry white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauerkraut simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
About 18 min
Cook’s note: Stir the sauerkraut every 5-7 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- 7
While the sauerkraut simmers, heat a separate large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A hot pan is crucial for achieving a good sear and golden-brown crust on the bratwurst.
- 8
Add the Nuremberg bratwurst to the hot skillet and cook, turning them frequently with tongs, until they are evenly golden brown on all sides and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
About 9 min
Cook’s note: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the bratwurst to steam rather than sear. Cook in two batches if necessary.
- 9
Taste the cooked sauerkraut and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Sauerkraut can vary in saltiness, so always taste before adding more. A pinch of sugar can also balance the acidity if desired.
- 10
Serve the hot Nuremberg bratwurst immediately alongside the warm, tangy sauerkraut and a generous dollop of your favorite mustard.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Traditional German mustards, like a coarse-grain or sweet Bavarian mustard, pair exceptionally well with bratwurst.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 617.9kcal
- Protein
- 24.5g
- Carbs
- 19.3g
- Fat
- 47.6g
- Fibre
- 5.6g
- Sugar
- 9.7g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
This classic German dish is wonderful served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty rye bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a complete experience, pair it with a crisp German lager or a dry Riesling. You can also add a slice of bacon or a bay leaf to the sauerkraut while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor.
Store leftover bratwurst and sauerkraut separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Reheat bratwurst in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes. Reheat sauerkraut gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.