Brisket is a classic barbecue dish that is popular in many parts of the world. However, cooking brisket can be a challenging and time-consuming process, and getting it just right can take practice and patience. In this article, we will explore several methods for cooking beef brisket, including oven roasting, grilling, and slow cooking
1. How To Cook Beef Brisket in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 whole brisket (10-12 pounds)
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup coarse black pepper
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
- 1/4 cup onion powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup cumin
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving a thin layer (around 1/4 inch) of fat on top.
In a large bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin to create a dry rub. Next, coat the entire brisket with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat to ensure it sticks.
Preheat your oven to 275°F.
Place the brisket in a large roasting pan with a rack, fat side up. Then pour the beef broth into the roasting pan, being careful not to wash away the dry rub.
Cover the pan with foil and place it in the oven and cook for around 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F. Every 45 minutes to an hour, baste the brisket with the juices in the pan.
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing against the grain.
2. How To Cook Beef Brisket on Grill
Ingredients
- 10-12 pound beef brisket (packer cut)
- 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Wood pellets (such as oak, hickory, or mesquite)
- Optional: Barbecue sauce for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
Start by trimming any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about a ¼-inch layer on the fat cap side. This helps to maintain moisture during the long cooking process.
Next, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to create a flavorful dry rub.
Generously coat the entire brisket with the dry rub, ensuring an even distribution of spices. Pat the rub into the meat for better adhesion.
Step 2: Preheat the Pellet Grill
Fill the hopper of your pellet grill with your choice of wood pellets, such as oak, hickory, or mesquite, which are commonly used for Texas-style brisket. Preheat the grill to a temperature of 225°F (107°C).
Step 3: Smoke the Brisket
Place the seasoned brisket fat cap side up on the grill grates, making sure there is enough space around it for proper air circulation.
Close the lid of the pellet grill and let the brisket smoke for several hours, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 225°F (107°C). The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size of the brisket, but a general guideline is 1.5 to 2 hours per pound.
During the smoking process, the wood pellets will produce flavorful smoke that will infuse the brisket with that authentic Texas barbecue taste. This slow and low cooking method allows the meat to become tender while developing a beautiful crust, known as the bark.
Step 4: Monitor the Brisket
Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the brisket. Once it reaches around 165°F (74°C), it’s time to take additional steps to ensure a moist and tender final product.
Wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil to create a sealed package. This technique, known as the Texas crutch, helps to retain moisture and accelerate the cooking process.
Place the wrapped brisket back on the pellet grill and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of around 200-205°F (93-96°C). This temperature range ensures optimal tenderness and renders the connective tissues, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the brisket reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the pellet grill and let it rest in the wrapped package for at least one hour. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful end result.
After the resting period, unwrap the brisket and slice it against the grain to enhance tenderness. Serve the slices with your favorite barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.
Additional Tips
Pellet grills offer the convenience of automatic temperature control. However, it’s important to periodically check the pellet hopper and ensure an adequate supply of wood pellets to maintain consistent smoke production.
Remember that smoking a brisket is a time-intensive process, so plan accordingly and allow plenty of time for cooking and resting.
For added moisture, you can spritz the brisket with a mixture of apple juice and water during the smoking process.
Experiment with different wood pellet flavors to customize the smoky profile of your brisket.
3. How To Cook Beef Brisket in Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 whole brisket (4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
Rub the entire brisket with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat to ensure it sticks. Then place the brisket in a slow cooker and pour the beef broth over it.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the brisket is tender and fully cooked.
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Optionally, you can reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan on the stovetop to make a flavorful sauce to serve with the brisket.
Cooking brisket can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but the results are well worth the effort. By following the instructions I’ve shared in this article, you can master the art of cooking brisket and create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your friends and family.
