What Are the Basics of Cooking Brisket?

When it comes to BBQ meat, you can’t beat the classics – and one of the most popular dishes is brisket. It’s always at the top of a true BBQ lover’s list; between the flavor and texture, it sets itself apart. However, no matter your method for cooking brisket, there are some basic rules to follow if you want tasty brisket. 

The first rule is always to season the meat – no one wants to eat brisket (or anything for that matter)  that’s flavorless. A nice dry rub is an excellent choice for many BBQ dishes; rub it thoroughly across the brisket, so no matter what, you get great flavor once it’s cooked. There’s usually a “flat side” to this juicy hunk of meat, and that’s the side you want facing down when cooking. 

You may be asking yourself: how long should I cook brisket per pound? The general rule is 30-60 minutes per pound; additional time may be necessary after wrapping it in butcher paper or foil. This concept varies depending on how you’re cooking your brisket and the size of the brisket, so keep that in mind. It can be tough to get right, but luckily for you, we have the experience and skills to provide the kind of meal you’re looking for! 

The Classic: Smoker

The number one way to cook it is with a quality smoking brisket recipe – the most common method for great brisket! This process is very particular, as you must ensure proper temperature control and smoke level the entire cooking time. It’s best to wrap the beef in butcher paper or foil when cooking, and typically folks who cook brisket fairly regularly use tinfoil, as it’s easiest to wrap tightly around it. 

The trick with cooking smoked brisket is cooking it at a lower temperature for a longer period, and sometimes the cooking brisket time is up to 10-12 hours for bigger chunks if you’re cooking it at about 275°. It’s done and ready to rest when the temperature of the thickest meat section is between 180°-203°. Typical rest time is 30 minutes to an hour after taking it out of the smoker; it’s ready to serve! Nothing beats eating a tender brisket for dinner!

The Popular: Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker to prepare tasty meals has become very popular in homes across the country – and cooking brisket in your slow cooker is part of that craze. Make or buy the dry rub of your choice along with the cooking liquid (broth, sauce, liquid smoke, or other preferred ingredients), and then get ready to cook! You can cook the meat and veggies together(like onions, carrots, etc.) after seasoning the beef and pouring cooking liquid up to the bottom of the meat. 

Once everything is seasoned and placed inside the crock pot, you start your timer. It should be set to low and cooked for about 8 hours. A perfect sauce mixture for your beef is ¼ cup from the cooking liquid in a bowl with your choice of BBQ sauce. Then, baste the side facing up with it. You can broil once it’s done for about 2-5 minutes to crisp up those edges then let rest for 10 minutes, and it’s ready to be enjoyed! Personally, we cook ours for 12 hours to achieve that juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience you’d expect from a proper brisket! 

The Easy: Oven

Sometimes, the best way to cook a brisket is also the easiest way, and in this case, that’s using your oven. The first step, as usual, is to prepare the dry rub and ensure your beef isn’t bland when it comes out. The next step is to wrap it in tin foil tightly – you can leave it to sit in the fridge overnight or at least 3 hours to thoroughly penetrate the brisket. 

Preheat your oven to 275° after letting the brisket come to room temperature and make sure the fatty side is facing up. Slow roast inside your oven at that temp until the internal temperature reaches 170°; then, you’ll want to remove it to carefully cut the foil and expose the meat. Continue roasting until the internal temp reaches the appropriate point, then you can remove it and let it rest. 

Leaving Cooking Brisket to the Pros

It’s always nice to know how to make your favorite BBQ foods at home, whether you’re entertaining large crowds or small get-togethers. However, it’s a long process and requires a lot of patience to cook it just right. If you’re in the mood for the best brisket you’ve ever tasted but need more time to cook one yourself, what’s your other option?

We’ve been in the business for quite some time and have learned how to cook a brisket every

one can enjoy. We don’t take BBQ lightly, and we’ve become a local name you can trust; our beef brisket at Due South BBQ is always consistent and always delectable.