Brisket

There’s nothing like slicing into a perfectly smoked brisket. The bark is dark and crispy, the smoke ring is gorgeous, and the meat? Tender enough to melt in your mouth. Texas-style brisket is the holy grail of BBQ—and today, I’ll walk you step by step through how to make it happen in your own backyard. … Read more

How much does a brisket cost? Meat prices may fluctuate, but it’s possible to get a general idea of how much you can expect to spend. Our guide to brisket prices is designed to help you set your budget.  Brisket Price As of this writing, the price of brisket ranges from $5 to $15 per … Read more

Beef brisket takes a long time to cook. It can be difficult to predict exactly how long, especially for larger cuts. That means you may need to rest the brisket in a cooler before serving time. How long can a brisket rest in a cooler before the quality of the meat starts to go downhill? … Read more

Every good pitmaster knows that you should rest meat for a while after taking it off the heat. But how long is “a while?” And can you rest brisket too long? Let’s explore what happens after the prescribed resting period is up. Can Brisket Rest Too Long? When resting brisket, aim for a window of … Read more

Ready to try your hand at delectable smoked brisket? Once you start, you’ll be tempted to return to the recipe again and again. Before you begin, however, let’s explore the most basic of questions: Is brisket beef or pork? It’s important to understand the distinction in case you have guests with dietary restrictions. Is Brisket … Read more

Once you’ve mastered the art of barbecue, you might start thinking about raising your own chickens, hogs, or even cattle. If you do raise a steer for butchering purposes, you’ll probably want to know: How many briskets per cow can you expect to procure? How Many Briskets Per Cow? There are two briskets on each … Read more

When you’re shopping for beef brisket, should you opt for a pre-trimmed cut, or buy a whole packer that still has all the fat intact? While the answer should come down to how much time you have, we would suggest trimming the fat yourself. Here’s why. Pre Trimmed Brisket Pre-trimmed brisket can be a convenient … Read more

Learning how to smoke a succulent beef brisket is a milestone for any budding pitmaster. If you’re just starting out, you might be wondering if there are any advantages to smoking brisket without the fat cap intact. We’re here to share our expertise. Smoking Brisket Without Fat Cap We prefer to leave about 1/4 inch … Read more

Should you smoke a brisket or a chuck roast? Will you or your guests be able to tell the difference? More to the point: Is one better than the other? Let’s take a closer look at smoked chuck roast vs brisket. Smoked Chuck Roast vs Brisket Chuck roast is taken from the shoulder, whereas brisket … Read more

Some brisket recipes recommend wrapping the cooked meat in a double layer of foil, then swaddling the package in a clean kitchen towel. What’s the reasoning behind this method, and does it do any good? Why Wrap Brisket In Towel After Taking It Off The Smoker? When you use a towel to wrap brisket, you’re … Read more

What’s the difference between brisket and London broil? Since some cuts of meat go by various monikers, it can be difficult to keep them all straight. We’re here to provide you with the full rundown on London broil vs brisket. London Broil vs Brisket The term “London broil” refers to a cooking method, while brisket … Read more

Most barbecue experts would agree that beef brisket is one of the best cuts you can buy for the smoker. The question of whether it’s considered lean, however, might have different answers, depending on the circumstances. Why is that? Is Brisket Lean? Brisket can be divided into two subprimal cuts. The first cut, or the … Read more

Does one half of the brisket cook more quickly than the other? If so, why is that? More importantly, is there anything you can do to ensure that both halves are ready at the same time? Our guide has the answers. Brisket Flat Cooking Faster Than Point / Brisket Point Cooking Faster Than Flat If … Read more

If you plan to make smoked brisket on a regular basis, it’s in your best interests to keep a supply of high-quality butcher paper on hand. We’re here to instruct you on which kind is best: the waxed or the unwaxed version. Waxed vs Unwaxed Butcher Paper For Brisket Always select unwaxed and uncoated butcher … Read more

A savory and crisp batch of burnt ends is one the best reasons to smoke a whole beef brisket. But can you make burnt ends from brisket flat, or do you need the point end in order to pull it off? Can You Make Burnt Ends From Brisket Flat? Burnt ends are a staple of … Read more

The right seasoning rub can help your brisket develop a nice crisp bark. It should also impart an extra layer of flavor, bolstered by the smoke. But is it possible to go overboard on the seasoning? And if so, how much rub on brisket is too much? How Much Rub On Brisket Is Too Much? … Read more

Aside from the color, are there any real differences between pink butcher paper and the white variety? Which one should you use to wrap brisket for the smoker? Our guide has the answers. Pink vs White Butcher Paper For Brisket While all butcher paper has been treated to withstand moisture, the white version has undergone … Read more

After hours of waiting, you’re ready to cut into your beautifully smoked beef brisket. When you look at the first slice, though, you notice that it’s tinged with pink. Is that supposed to happen, or did you do something wrong? Let’s take a look. Is Brisket Supposed To Be Pink? It’s usually fine for smoked … Read more

Which is more important to you: enjoying a brisket that’s juicy and moist, or not having to worry about fatty bits? In this guide, we’ll explore the trade-off between lean vs moist brisket—and how you might be able to tell the difference. Lean vs Moist Brisket “Lean” brisket typically refers to the flat end, which … Read more

When you buy a large cut of meat at the local butcher shop, there’s a good chance that it’s wrapped in white butcher paper. What’s the difference between that stuff and the brown paper that pitmasters use for wrapping brisket? And can you use both on the smoker? White vs Brown Butcher Paper For Brisket … Read more

A whole brisket is a huge piece of meat, and the cut includes a lot of fat. The question is, should you leave that fat where it is, or is it better to remove it? Trimmed vs Untrimmed Brisket Trimmed brisket has a uniform appearance and an appealing texture once it’s been cooked. When it … Read more

What do black spots on brisket fat mean? Can you just carve them off when you’re trimming the brisket? And even if you do, will the meat taste any different as a result? Read on to learn the answers to these questions, as well as any others that you might have regarding this interesting phenomenon. … Read more

Once you start getting serious about quality meat products, it’s hard not to notice all the different labels. Even amateurs have likely heard about Wagyu beef, and terms like “Select,” “Choice,” and “Prime” are common. But what do they mean, exactly? Our guide is here to help you discern the difference between Wagyu vs Prime … Read more

When it’s done right, beef brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with excellent beef flavor and plenty of moisture. Every so often, though, you might wind up with stringy brisket instead. What causes this, and is there any way to salvage your work? Why Is My Brisket Stringy? When people describe brisket as “stringy,” it usually means … Read more

Like most meat products, brisket may be marked with a “sell by” date. What does this mean, and is it safe to cook the meat after that date has passed? Our guide is here to fill you in on the answers. How Long Is Brisket Good After Sell By Date? The “sell by” date doesn’t … Read more

You may already know that cryovac brisket is meant to last longer than meat that’s packaged in butcher paper. The question is, exactly how long can you hold onto it before cooking it off? How Long Does A Cryovac Brisket Last? A cryovac brisket should last for up to two months from the “kill date”—that … Read more

Watching your salt intake? You can still enjoy smoked brisket as long as you exercise portion control. Here, we’ll provide you with a no salt brisket rub recipe, along with a low-sodium alternative you might want to consider. No Salt Brisket Rub Recipe Most brisket rub recipes contain a lot of salt, which can be … Read more

To some, smoked brisket is a main course. To others, it’s an art. Since we fall squarely into the latter category, we want to do everything we can to ensure that the results will be perfect. At what temperature should you slice brisket for serving? Let’s find out. What Temp To Slice Brisket Brisket should … Read more

Smoking a whole brisket is a time-consuming project. Even when we plan out the timing in advance, sometimes the meat takes a longer-than-usual time to reach the finish line. Here are some basic tips to follow when the brisket is taking too long to finish cooking. Brisket Taking Too Long If the brisket is taking … Read more

If you buy a brisket at a chain supermarket or big-box store, you’ll probably come across the term “nose off brisket.” Our guide is here to provide answers for those of you who aren’t sure exactly what this term means. Nose Off Brisket A “nose off brisket” is a brisket flat that’s been separated from … Read more

To us, a crisp flavorful bark is one of the best reasons to smoke a brisket. In the course of our experiments, though, we’ve been known to take it a step too far, creating a brisket bark too hard for our liking. What causes this, and is there any way to fix it? Brisket Bark … Read more

Does the deckle need to be removed before you smoke the brisket? And what exactly is the deckle, anyway? The term can be confusing, especially for newbies. Let’s take a closer look at this section of the brisket and how it might affect your results. Brisket Deckle: Deckle Fat Removed? The brisket deckle consists of … Read more

It’s a good idea to trim some of the fat from a brisket before you season it and add it to the smoker. But how much fat should you trim off, and what should you do if there’s not enough left on the meat? Over Trimmed Brisket A properly trimmed brisket should have about 1/4 … Read more

It’s fine to resort to store-bought brisket rub when you’re on a tight schedule, especially if you’ve found a brand that you like. If you’ve decided to make your own, however, you might be surprised by how easy it is. It’s not difficult to find the right salt pepper garlic ratio for brisket rub. Once … Read more

Can you buy just the point of a brisket? And would you even want to do so in the first place? Whether the questions themselves are confusing to you or you’ve always wanted to learn the answers, read on. Can You Buy Just The Point Of A Brisket? Yes, but the point alone is not … Read more

When it comes to wrapping brisket–in other words, employing the “Texas crutch”–you have several options. Aluminum foil is a popular choice, but can you use kraft paper instead? Our guide has the answer. Can I Use Kraft Paper To Wrap a Brisket? You can use kraft paper to wrap a brisket, since the material is … Read more

Many seasoned pros wrap their finished brisket in foil and let it rest in a faux Cambro until they’re ready to serve it. This is an acceptable method, especially if the meat reaches the target serving temperature hours in advance. But did you know it’s not necessary to rest the meat in a warmed cooler? … Read more

It takes a long time to make a batch of smoked brisket, and you’re bound to end up with a ton of leftovers. So why not make good use of all that delectable, savory meat by sharing it with your family and friends? How To Serve Brisket at a Party To begin, plan on buying … Read more

Do you know how to pick the best brisket on the shelf? If you’ve never thought about it before, now is the ideal time to learn. When you’ve finished reading, you’ll be able to make a discerning choice in time for your next barbecue session. How To Pick The Best Brisket When shopping for brisket, … Read more

Have you ever used a binder for your beef brisket? If not, are you familiar with the term? Let’s talk about this preliminary step to determine whether it’s essential to the success of your barbecue. Binder For Brisket A binder is an ingredient used to help the spice rub adhere to a large cut of … Read more

Because it takes such a long time to smoke a beef brisket, it can be disappointing when the results aren’t what you expect. If your brisket has no bark when you pull it off the smoker, is there any way to fix it? And how can you prevent it from happening again? Brisket Has No … Read more

If you’ve never before made your own beef brisket rub, now is the perfect time to start. Instead of playing it by ear, why not try a recipe that’s already been time-tested by the experts? We’re here to give you the full lowdown on the Pecan Lodge brisket rub recipe. Pecan Lodge Brisket Rub Recipe … Read more

What’s the difference between pastrami and beef brisket? How do you tell them apart, and which one is the better choice? This guide will tell you everything you always wanted to know about pastrami and brisket, so you’ll know which one you should shop for. Pastrami vs Brisket Pastrami is a smoked and fully cooked … Read more

It’s a good idea for pitmasters to keep a supply of butcher paper on hand, even if we just use it to line the serving trays. But what size butcher paper will you need to wrap the brisket? This guide has you covered. What Size Butcher Paper For Brisket? Each length of butcher paper should … Read more

Amateurs often wonder if they need to use a water pan for brisket or other large cuts of meat. If you’ve never experimented with this technique before—or if you have and want to know if it really makes a difference—we’re here to give you the lowdown. Water Pan For Brisket The water pan helps to … Read more

Are you thinking about trying the Bludawg Brisket technique? Or maybe you came across the term when you were researching methods, and you’re curious to know more about it. Either way, our guide to the BluDawg technique has you covered. BluDawg Brisket The BluDawg technique is a variation on the “hot and fast” method of … Read more

Since whole packer briskets are so large, it can be tempting to break them down into smaller pieces to shorten the cooking time. One way to do this is to divide the point and the flat and cook them separately. But can brisket be cut into steaks as well? Let’s find out. Can Brisket Be … Read more

When grilling or smoking a brisket, timing is everything. In order to serve brisket that is still warm and moist, you will want to time it to be ready soon after your company arrives. This article will tell you how to keep brisket warm and moist while waiting for your guests to arrive. How to … Read more

Brisket spritz, or brisket spray, is a standard sight around the barbecue. The technique involves dousing the brisket with liquid throughout the smoke. Apple juice and cider vinegar are common, but you can use other ingredients as well, even beer or whiskey. But why spritz brisket in the first place? Does it really improve the … Read more

The sight of a whole raw brisket can be daunting. It’s an enormous cut, that’s for sure. But when you’re serving a lot of people, that’s a good thing. The question is, how much brisket per person will you need? How Much Brisket Per Person? 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per person is the standard … Read more

The question of whether or not to wrap beef brisket is one that’s hotly debated in the barbecue community. Some pitmasters praise the convenience of the method and the quality of the results, while others prefer to leave the brisket bare for the duration of the cooking time. If you do decide to take this … Read more

Can a brisket stall twice? And if it does, what steps should you take? Is it better just to let the smoker do its work, or should you interfere? These are questions that have plagued every BBQ amateur. We’re here to talk you through the potential brisket stall at 190, the potential brisket stall at … Read more

Pros on the circuit will often refer to their prized cuts as “CAB brisket.” The first time I heard the term, I knew that it meant the meat was high-end, but didn’t understand the definition. Here’s the rundown on this pitmaster’s acronym. CAB Brisket “CAB” stands for Certified Angus Beef. This designation was created by … Read more

A whole beef brisket can weigh as much as 20 pounds. While the meat freezes well after it’s cooked, it can be overwhelming to contemplate so many leftovers. If the brisket you’ve purchased is too large for your liking, can you cut it in half and save one portion for later? Let’s take a look. … Read more

As most barbecue enthusiasts know, tough cuts like beef brisket need to cook for a long time at low temperatures. With that in mind, can you set the smoker to 275 degrees when making brisket? If so, how long will the meat take to cook, and will the results be worth the wait? Brisket at … Read more

Beef brisket might be a large cut of meat, but it will weigh much less when it comes out of the smoker than it did when you bought it. This comprehensive guide to brisket yield and serving sizes is designed to help you plan your next barbecue. Brisket Yield When it’s trimmed and cooked correctly, … Read more

Should you buy your beef brisket at Costco or Restaurant Depot? If you’re trying to choose between the two, it can be a tough call. This guide should provide you with enough information to make the right decision, based on your current circumstances. Restaurant Depot Brisket vs Costco Brisket The main difference between Restaurant Depot … Read more

What’s the perfect temperature for making smoked brisket? This is a debate that continues to rage on, even among fellow pitmasters. The one thing they seem to agree on is that low and slow is always better. The question is, how low? Let’s find out if it’s possible to smoke brisket at 160 or 170 … Read more

How can you tell when brisket is done? A quality instant-read thermometer is always useful, but you might want to have a fallback method just in case. The brisket fork test allows you to check the texture of the meat without cutting into it, so you can return it to the smoker if necessary. But … Read more

Achieving a perfectly cooked beef brisket is every pitmaster’s dream. Fortunately, it’s also one that’s within reach for many of us. The question is, will you have better results with a flat cut or a whole packer? Read on to find out exactly what these terms mean—and how they might affect the outcome of your … Read more

When you’ve just spent hours waiting for your smoked brisket to reach the ideal temperature, you want it to taste perfect. If you take that highly anticipated first bite only to find that the meat is too salty, it’s a real letdown. Let’s find out if there are any ways to fix salty brisket once … Read more

When it comes to barbecue, there are more tried-and-true methods than you can count. Every pitmaster has their own technique, and most are constantly tweaking their routines to find out what works best. Even if you’ve never tried your hand at Tender Quick brisket, you might find the method interesting. Tender Quick Brisket Morton’s Tender … Read more

When you put a brisket in the smoker, should you place it with the fat cap facing up or down? There’s no right or wrong answer, but we can help you debate the merits of both. In fact, there’s even a third option you might want to consider. Read on to learn more. Brisket Fat … Read more

Smoking a perfect beef brisket requires a lot of time and patience. So should you take the extra step of brining the meat beforehand? Will the results be worth it? Let’s find out. Brine Brisket Brining brisket should prevent the meat from drying out as it cooks. It will also give the meat a boost … Read more

Cooking brisket low and slow is the best way to help it achieve the proper texture. Since these muscles get a lot of exercise, the meat has a high collagen content, and collagen doesn’t transform into gelatin until it reaches a certain temperature. At what temperature does collagen break down in brisket? Read on to … Read more

You probably already know that fat lends a great deal of flavor and texture to smoked brisket. However, some cuts are fattier than others, which means you may end up trimming some of it. Is there any way to make use of those leftover fat trimmings? Let’s take a look. What To Do With Brisket … Read more

Whenever I find beef brisket on sale, I buy as much as I can afford. That doesn’t always mean I have to cook it right away—I just prefer to stock up whenever I can. Often, that means freezing some of it for a later date. If you have a nice piece of beef brisket in … Read more

Ideally, beef brisket should be smoked until its internal temperature registers at least 195 degrees. But what happens if it doesn’t get there by the time you’re ready to serve it? Here are a few pro tips on how to handle undercooked brisket. Undercooked Brisket When brisket is undercooked, the meat will be chewy and … Read more

When you use a dry-heat cooking method like smoking, you might not end up with much cooking liquid. However, if you’ve smoked the brisket properly, it should still be nice and juicy—and you can put those juices to excellent use. Here’s some advice regarding the best way to deal with brisket drippings. Brisket Drippings When … Read more

Sometimes when we’re stocking up on meat for our next barbecue, we end up buying more than we need—especially if the cut we’re searching for is on sale. For most of us, this means that some of the meat will wind up in the freezer. But is it a good idea to freeze beef brisket? … Read more

Because beef brisket is a naturally tough piece of meat, experts are always looking for ways to tenderize it. A long, low-and-slow cooking process is essential, of course. But what about the preparation technique known as wet aging? Let’s find out more about this term so you can decide if wet aging brisket is something … Read more

Beef brisket is a great cut of meat for the smoker, but only when it’s done right. Because the meat is naturally chewy with a great deal of fat, this can be a tall order. Even the most accomplished pitmaster might have to deal with tough brisket at some point or another. Here’s how to … Read more

You’re strolling through the supermarket and see that they have a few beef briskets for sale. Leaning in for a closer inspection, you see that some of them are labeled “Prime,” while others say “Choice.” What does this mean, and which one should you choose? We’re here to teach you everything you need to know … Read more

When I first heard the term “left handed brisket,” I was stumped. What makes a brisket left- or right-handed? Does the distinction have any bearing on the flavor and texture of the beef, or is it just one of those things that barbecue aficionados say to intimidate their friends? In this guide, we’ll provide you … Read more

We all know that smoking a beef brisket is a labor of love, and one that takes a significant amount of time. However, sometimes the smoker does its work more quickly than expected. When this happens, it’s best to have a plan in place. Here’s what to do in the case of a brisket done … Read more

When you smoke a large cut of meat, you can expect the finished product to weigh less than it did when you started. Since beef brisket is at its best when it’s cooked slowly at a low temperature, it serves as the perfect example. Here’s a primer on brisket shrinkage—what it is, what causes it, … Read more

Smoked beef brisket is a delectable treat that’s well worth the time and effort required to make it. Before you fire up the smoker, though, you’ll need to know the total weight of the brisket in question. Because cooking times are determined by the weight of the meat as well as the temperature, it’s essential … Read more

If you are short on time, you might wonder if you can finish brisket in oven. Purists would discourage you from trying this, but actually, it is possible to get great results. This article will tell you the advantages and disadvantages of finishing a brisket in the oven and describe some popular methods to try. … Read more

As every good pitmaster knows, brisket is a tough cut of meat that requires a long, slow cooking process. So what should you do if the brisket is cooking too fast? In this guide, we’ll talk about how to slow the process down. If you take the right steps, your beef will turn out as … Read more

Can you over cook brisket? The question is open for debate. Some people think the meat is better when the internal temperature climbs above the norm. Others are careful never to allow it to cook past 180 degrees, claiming that it slices better that way. No matter what you prefer, there’s no need to worry … Read more

You’ve just pulled that perfectly cooked brisket out of the smoker. Once it’s finished resting, you have a decision to make: Should you chop the meat or carve it into slices? The answer will depend on how you plan to serve the brisket, among other things. Read on to find out all you need to … Read more

Smoking or grilling brisket is a challenge, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Brisket is one of the toughest parts of the cow, so getting it right proves that you are a master barbecuer. A perfectly smoked brisket, crispy and smoky on the outside and tender and juicy in the middle, is truly … Read more

Brisket is a tough cut of beef. It has a reputation for being hard to cook, but anyone can learn how to do it. In order to make brisket tender, it needs to be cooked for a long time. The trick is to cook it slowly with indirect heat so that the collagen converts into … Read more

Preparing a perfect brisket takes some practice, but a few simple tricks from the pros can help get you started on your journey. One of the most useful tips involves knowing how to check a brisket for doneness by probing it. While some pitmasters can tell when a brisket is done by looking at it, … Read more

Almost any way you make it, brisket tastes delicious. Because it takes longer to cook than most meat, there is a risk that it will become too dry. But if you follow the tips provided in this article, your brisket will be juicy and full of flavor. What Does Brisket Taste Like? What brisket tastes … Read more

When cooked to perfection, brisket is a delicious cut of beef that almost everyone loves. One of the most popular ways to cook a brisket, especially in the South, is to smoke it slowly on a grill. Applying a rub before smoking makes it extra tasty. While most recipes recommend coating brisket with a wet … Read more

There is nothing quite like a juicy smoked brisket at a Texas barbecue. However, there might be occasions when brisket isn’t available, is too expensive, or might not suit your specific needs. This article will help you decide on a good substitute for brisket for any occasion. Brisket Substitute The best brisket substitute depends on … Read more

Brisket is the name for the primal cut of beef that is the lower breast of a cow. If you have ever had a hard time finding it in the store, you might have wondered if it is ever called by a different name. In this article, we will tell you about alternative names for … Read more

Have you ever spent hours toiling over the grill, only to find that your beef brisket is dry and tough in the center? We’ve all been there. The question is, what caused the brisket to dry out in the first place, and where do you go from here? Read on to learn the answers to … Read more

With its mouthwatering interplay of flavor and texture, beef brisket is one of the most popular choices when it comes to good barbecue. However, even the most seasoned pitmaster might not stop to think about the origins of this delicacy. Just what part of the cow is brisket, and what makes it taste so good? … Read more

As a barbecue lover, I’m forever extolling the virtues of beef brisket. From the crunchy bark to the melt-in-your-mouth interior, it delivers a taste sensation that can’t be beat. The downside? A properly smoked beef brisket can take all day to prepare. Fortunately, there’s a way around this. If you don’t have time to smoke … Read more

Everyone who’s ever slow-smoked a brisket has experienced the stall, whether they know it or not. And if you know it, then it’s probably been a source of panic. Your beautiful brisket, seasoned to perfection, has been sitting in the smoker for hours. The internal temperature has been steadily rising—and then it halts, the numbers … Read more

Most serious barbecue enthusiasts have heard of brisket injections, even if they’re only passingly familiar with the term. As a barbecue lover myself, I have a reasonable degree of experience in this area. That’s why I’ve put together this tutorial on the ins and outs of beef brisket injection. What Is Beef Brisket Injection? An … Read more