Step 1

Halve and thinly slice 2 large yellow onions (about 7 1/2 cups).

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and beginning to soften and brown, about 4 minutes.

Step 3

Add 2 (11 to 12-ounce) bottles light beer and stir to combine. Nestle 8 links raw bratwurst into the onion and beer mixture and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until the brats are just cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Oil the grill pan lightly with a paper towel dipped into vegetable oil. Using tongs, transfer the brats to the grill pan in a single layer. Cook until deeply browned all over, about 2 minutes per side. Meanwhile, using tongs, add about half of the onions to the grill pan as well to char slightly. (If your grill pan is not large enough, brown the brats first and then cook the onions.)

Step 5

Return the brats and the onions to the beer mixture. Cover and let simmer over low heat for at least 5 minutes or up to 1 hour. Taste the onions and liquid and season with kosher salt as needed. To serve, spread a split hot dog roll with spicy mustard or your favorite condiment. Place a brat in the bun and top with a generous amount of the onions.