Grilled Currywurst with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky take on the classic German currywurst, featuring grilled sausages smothered in a vibrant spiced tomato sauce. This german-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes blends sausages bratwurst sausages, olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 German cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush 6 bratwurst sausages with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly charred and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: While sausages grill, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Season the sauce with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve the grilled bratwurst sliced and smothered with the warm spiced tomato curry sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Currywurst with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Currywurst with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Currywurst with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Currywurst with Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Currywurst with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

German bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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