Sausages can be steamed, simmered, fired or grilled, or a combination of methods. Before cooking, prick the skins to prevent bursting. Reheat sausages in hot water, but avoid boiling them as their skins will split. Onions in the cooking liquid add flavor to sausages. Parboil fresh sausages in water or beer before grilling or frying.
Beer adds a stronger flavor than water.
Malt-heavy beers add sweetness and are good for strongly flavored sausage. Lagers add a slight bitterness and complement sweeter style sausages. To heat cooked fresh sausage, bring a pan of water or beer to a boil. Turn off the heat, add the sausages and cover for 10 to 15 minutes. More than a thousand varieties of wurst exist, some being available everywhere and others are local specialties.