Bratwurst With Caramelized Onions and Chakalaka

By Yewande Komolafe

Updated Aug. 19, 2025

Bratwurst With Caramelized Onions and Chakalaka
Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Roscoe Betsill. Prop Stylist: Megan Hedgpeth.
Total Time
25 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rating
4(7)
Comments
Read comments

In this recipe for pan-seared bratwurst with spiced caramelized onions, the real star of the show is the topping of chakalaka. A popular South African condiment often served with grilled meats or fish, chakalaka can be an easy way to have vegetables with every meal. Start with a hot skillet large enough to get a nice sear on the sausages and the onions, and with a quick assembly and ease, a clever meal awaits.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 4hot dog buns
  • 5tablespoons softened unsalted or salted butter, divided
  • 4bratwurst or lamb sausage links (1½ pounds)
  • 1medium red onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced 
  • Salt
  • 2garlic cloves, peeled and minced 
  • ½teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½teaspoon ground coriander
  • ⅛teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼cup fresh parsley, leaves and tender stems, chopped
  • ¾cup chakalaka 
Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat a large skillet over medium until hot. Open the hot dog buns and brush the insides of each with 1 tablespoon butter. Place the buns in the skillet with the butter side down. Gently warm the buns and toast until light golden brown, about 3 minutes. Work in batches if you have a small skillet. Move the toasted buns to 4 plates.

  2. Step 2

    Turn heat up to medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan, swirl around and add the sausages in a single layer. Cook until seared and golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the sausages and move to one side of the pan. Turn heat down to medium.

  3. Step 3

    Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently until they’re softened and lightly caramelized at the edges, 5 to 8 minutes. Taste and season with salt as needed.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the garlic and spices, and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the parsley. Remove from heat and move each sausage to the buns. Top with onions and chakalaka. Serve.

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4 out of 5
7 user ratings
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Comments

CFXK

To clarify the timing: 25 minutes to make the bratwurst and caramelized onions; 40 minutes to make the chakalaka. The chakalaka can be made in days in advance, but you still gotta make it to complete this dish.

Juliana

I live in Wisconsin, Brats are grilled never fried in a pan. They may be parboiled with onion before grilling.

CFXK

To clarify the timing: 25 minutes to make the bratwurst and caramelized onions; 40 minutes to make the chakalaka. The chakalaka can be made in days in advance, but you still gotta make it to complete this dish.

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