What is Knockwurst?

Knockwurst or knackwurst is a thick sausage from the Holstein region in northern Germany. Knockwurst is made from ground pork, veal and sometimes beef. The ingredients are then placed in a casing and aged for a few more days before being smoked over oakwood. Knockwurst is very crispy, juicy, and plump when cooked.

Bratwurst vs Knockwurst

Bratwurst is made from finely minced beef and pork and wrapped in a sausage case. Knockwurst is made primarily from pork and veal. It’s also flavoured with garlic, a different flavour from bratwurst. Knockwurst is more orange or reddish than bratwurst and has a darker colour. Also, knockwurst is shorter than bratwurst. Both bratwursts and Knockwurst go well with fermented food such as sauerkraut.

How to cook Knockwurst

Knockwurst can be cooked in a saucepan or in boiling water on the stovetop. Knockwurst can also be cooked in the oven or on a grill. Each cooking method is broken down with step-by-step instructions for perfect Knockwurst.

How to cook Knockwurst in the Pan

1. To evenly coat the bottom of a large or medium pan, add a few drops of canola oil.
2. Once the Pan has warmed, add the Knockwurst. You can either cut it into pieces or leave it whole and cook on medium heat.
3. Cook knockwurst in a pan for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until both sides have cooked.

How to boil Knockwurst

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan.
2. To allow the boiling water to cool, reduce the heat. They will be overcooked if you boil the water.
3. After the water has cooled, add the Knockwurst to the pot and cover it with a lid. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. The Knockwurst come pre-cooked, so you only need to leave them in the water for a few minutes to heat up.
4. Take out of the water and add to your favourite dish.

How to cook Knockwurst in an Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Put the Knockwurst on a baking tray or sheet tray, and bake.
3. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Serve once Knockwurst cools down.

How to grill Knockwurst

1. Grill as usual.
2. Grill the Knockwurst.
3. Rotate the Knockwurst for approximately 5 minutes or until grill marks appear.

Knockwurst Recipe

Knockwurst is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch or German dish you can make with potatoes and sauerkraut.

Equipment and Ingredients

• 1 pack of Knockwurst
• 16 ounces sauerkraut
• Three medium-sized potatoes (peeled, quartered).
• 1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups beer, stock or water
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to your liking

Preparation:

1. Pan-sear the Knockwurst for five minutes, following our instructions.
2. After the Knockwurst has been seared, you can add potatoes and sauerkraut.
3. Season potatoes and sauerkraut with salt, pepper, caraway seeds, or other spices according to your taste.
4. You can add your liquid of choice (beer, water, or stock) until the Pan is covered with sauerkraut, potatoes, and Knockwurst.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat.
6. Cover the Pan with the sauerkraut, Knockwurst and potatoes with a lid. Let everything cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Place the Pan on the stove and let it cool.

To make a more German-inspired dish, you can pair your Knockwurst with sauerkraut and spaetzle for an easy dinner or celebration of Oktoberfest. You can also make this German dish if you’re a travel foodie and enjoy German cuisine.