Currywurst is a famous German street food. It is sliced sausage with a curry ketchup sauce. People eat it with fries or bread. It is easy to make and tastes great. The sausage is smoky the sauce is sweet and spicy and the curry powder gives it a strong flavor. Many people love it because it is simple but delicious.
After trying Currywurst at different places, I wanted to make it at home. It looked easy, and I thought, why not give it a try? That’s why I’m sharing this simple recipe with you. Follow these steps, and you can enjoy homemade Currywurst whenever you want!
Traditional Currywurst Recipe
Equipment
- Frying pan or grill
- Small saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Bratwurst sausages
- 1 Tbsp Oil (for frying)
- ½ Cup ½ cup ketchup
- 1 Tsp Curry powder (plus extra for topping)
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- ½ Tsp Vinegar
- ¼ Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Black pepper
- ¼ Cup Water
Instructions
- Cook the sausagesHeat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the sausages for about 8 to 10 minutes turning them until they are browned and fully cooked. You can also grill them for extra flavor.
- Make the sauceIn a small saucepan mix ketchup curry powder paprika Worcestershire sauce sugar vinegar salt and black pepper. Add water and stir. Heat on low for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Slice the sausagesTake the cooked sausages and cut them into bite-sized slices.
- Pour the sauceSpoon the warm curry sauce over the sliced sausages.
- Sprinkle curry powderAdd a little extra curry powder on top for more flavor.
- ServeEnjoy with fries or bread on the side.
Video
Notes
- Use high-quality bratwurst for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust the curry powder to make the sauce milder or spicier.
- If you prefer a smokier taste, grill the sausages instead of frying.
- Let the sauce cook longer for a thicker, richer texture.
The Best Sausages to Use
The sausage is the most important part of Currywurst. The right choice will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Bratwurst – The most traditional choice, made with pork or a mix of pork and veal. It has a juicy texture and mild seasoning that works well with the sauce.
- Bockwurst – A slightly softer sausage made with veal and pork. It has a smoother texture and a milder taste.
- Knockwurst – A short, thick sausage with a smoky flavor. It adds extra depth to the dish.
- Weisswurst – A white sausage made with veal and pork. It is not traditional for Currywurst, but it can work if you want something milder.
Should You Use Fresh or Pre-Cooked Sausages?
- Fresh Bratwurst – Needs to be fully cooked before slicing. Grilling or pan-frying works best.
- Pre-Cooked Sausages – Faster to prepare, just brown them in a pan before slicing. These are often used in German street food stalls.
Best Way to Cook the Sausages
- Grilling – Adds a smoky taste and crispy skin, the best method for flavor.
- Pan-Frying – Quick and easy, keeps the sausage juicy while giving a nice crust.
- Boiling – Not recommended, as it does not add flavor or texture.
How to Get the Perfect Sauce?
The sauce is what makes Currywurst special. It should be thick, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of curry flavor.
Key Ingredients for the Best Sauce
- Ketchup – The base of the sauce, use a good quality brand.
- Curry Powder – The most important spice, adds warmth and depth.
- Paprika – Gives a mild smoky flavor and deep color.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a rich umami taste.
- Sugar – Balances the acidity and enhances flavor.
- Vinegar – Adds a slight tang, helps cut through the sweetness.
- Black Pepper and Salt – To season the sauce perfectly.
Cooking Tips for a Rich Flavor
- Cook the sauce on low heat for at least 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to loosen it.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a smoother sauce, blend it before serving.
Best Side Dishes to Eat with Currywurst
Currywurst is usually served with simple, satisfying side dishes that soak up the sauce.
Classic Side Dishes
- French Fries – The most popular side. Thick-cut fries hold the sauce better than thin ones.
- Brötchen (Bread Rolls) – German-style crusty rolls, perfect for dipping in the sauce.
Other Great Options
- German Potato Salad – A warm, vinegar-based potato salad that balances the rich sauce.
- Coleslaw – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the dish.
- Pretzel – A fun option that works well with the sauce.
Dips and Extras
- Mayo with Fries – In Germany, fries are often served with mayo instead of ketchup.
- Extra Curry Powder on Top – Many people like to sprinkle more curry powder over the dish for extra flavor.
German Beer That Pairs Well with Currywurst
A cold beer makes Currywurst even better. The right beer balances the spice and richness of the sauce.
- Pilsner – A light, crisp beer that cuts through the spice. Examples: Bitburger, Warsteiner.
- Weißbier (Wheat Beer) – A slightly fruity beer that pairs well with the smoky sausage. Examples: Paulaner, Franziskaner.
- Dunkel (Dark Lager) – A malty beer with caramel flavors that match the sweet sauce. Examples: Ayinger Dunkel, Spaten Dunkel.
Final Thoughts
Currywurst is simple, tasty, and easy to make at home. You just need good sausage, a flavorful curry sauce, and the right sides.
Eat it with fries, bread, or whatever you like. Pair it with a cold beer or a soft drink. That is how people enjoy it in Germany, and now you can do the same at home.
Try this recipe and see for yourself. It is fast, cheap, and full of flavor. Enjoy your homemade Currywurst!
