Smoking a brisket is an art form. It's a labor of love that takes time, patience, and skill. But, when done correctly, the results are worth it. Smoked brisket is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. If you're ready to tackle smoking a brisket, here's what you need to know.
Step One: Choose the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to smoking a brisket, there are two important things to keep in mind: fatty vs. lean and flat vs. point. The best brisket for smoking is a fatty cut from the point section. This cuts has more marbling, which equals more flavor.
Step Two: Trim the Fat
Once you've chosen your cut of meat, it's time to trim the fat. You don't want to remove all of the fat—a little bit is necessary for flavor and moisture—but you do want to trim away any large chunks of fat that are excess. Use a sharp knife to remove any big pieces of fat before rubs are applied
Step Three: Apply Your Rub
Now it's time to give your brisket some flavor with a rub. There are endless combinations of spices that can be used, so feel free to get creative. Just make sure to cover the entire surface of the meat with an even layer of rub before moving on to the next step.
Step Four: Set Up Your Smoker
Fill your smoker with wood pellets or chips and set it up according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once it's all prepped and ready to go, set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for about 30 minutes before adding your brisket.
Step Five: Smoke That Brisket
Now it's time for the long haul—it can take up anywhere from 6-12 hours for your brisket to reach an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit. So, find something else to do while you wait (like catch up on Game of Thrones) and check on your smoker every hour or so to make sure everything is going according to plan.
Note: Temps & times may vary depending on type/size of smoker used.
Step Six: Wrap It Up & Let It Rest
Once your brisket has reached 190 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the smoker and wrap it tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil. Then place it in an empty cooler or oven set on warm and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (but up to 2 hours) before slicing into it.
And there you have it! Now all that's left is enjoying your perfectly smoked brisket with friends and family. Just don't forget the BBQ sauce!
Following these steps will help you smoke a Perfect Brisket everytime!
Want to know what is the best brisket rub? Check out our guide here
