In a 10-inch pan with a lid, heat olive oil over medium heat. While the oil is heating, cut diagonal slits in the bratwurst (make sure you don't cut the slits too deep as you don't want to split the brats).
Brown each side of the brats for 3-4 minutes. Remove the brats from the pan and set aside. Add the onions to the pan, cook for 2 minutes until just softened.
Add the minced garlic to the onions. Place the brats slit side down on top of the onions and garlic. Add the beer to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the cover from the pan and increase to medium heat. Flip the brats over in the pan. Cook for another 7-10 minutes until the liquid is reduced to only a ¼ of the beer is left in the pan. Spoon the beer occasionally over the brats during this time.
Serve the brats with your topping choices along with the onions and garlic from the pan. Enjoy!