Perfect Briskets

Smoking a perfect brisket can be a challenging task, but with the right preparation and technique, you can achieve delicious results. Here are some tips to help you smoke the perfect brisket:

1. Choose a good quality brisket: The quality of the meat will play a big role in the final result. Look for a brisket with good marbling and a consistent thickness.

2. Trim the fat: Trim the fat cap to about 1/4 inch thickness.

3. Season the brisket: Rub the brisket with a mixture of salt, black pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can find more complex rubs in our blog on dry rubs.

4. Use a good smoker: Choose a smoker that can maintain a consistent temperature and smoke for several hours. You can use a traditional wood smoker, or an electric smoker like a Traeger if you prefer. Temperature control of the hours it takes to cook is key to getting a great bark and tender deliciousness out of your meat

5. Use the right wood: For a classic brisket flavor, use a hardwood like oak, hickory, or mesquite. Avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar as they will give a bad flavor to the meat.

6. Maintain the right temperature: Smoke the brisket at a temperature between 225-250°F for around 10 hours, depending on the size of the cut. The internal temperature of the brisket should reach 195-205°F depending on your altitude and cooking style.

7. Wrap the brisket: After a few hours of smoking, wrap the brisket in foil or butcher paper to help retain moisture and speed up the cooking process. This should only be done when the bark is set and the color is a deep mahogany. You will know the bark is set when you can touch the brisket and the bark doesn't wipe away. It should be crusty. The wrap will help soften the bark back up but we don't want to loose the bark.

8. Rest the brisket: Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the temperature of the brisket to come down and the juices to settle. If they are boiling hot they push out of the meat and onto the cutting board.

By following these tips, you can smoke a perfect brisket that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Happy smoking!