Whole brisket turns into pure comfort with a caramelized brown sugar crust, smoky paprika, garlic, and a gentle kick of chili powder. It starts with a bold rub of brown sugar, paprika, onion, and garlic, then gets a boost from brewed coffee mixed with beef broth to deepen the flavor. After a quick sear, the brisket slow braises in the oven until it becomes tender enough to slice like butter. The result is juicy, melt in your mouth meat that feels made for family gatherings and laid back weekend feasts, the kind that create lasting memories.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This whole brisket
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together.
- Perfectly tender and juicy with every bite.
- Versatile for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own.
- Great for meal prep, saving you time during the week.
whole brisket
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker or Oven – Start by preheating your smoker or oven to 225°F. This low and slow method is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth brisket.
- Step 2: Trim the Brisket – Carefully trim any excess fat from the brisket, but leave a thin layer for flavor. This will help keep your meat juicy during cooking.
- Step 3: Rub with Olive Oil – Rub olive oil evenly over the entire surface of the brisket. This helps the dry rub stick and adds a bit of richness.
- Step 4: Prepare the Dry Rub – In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar. This blend will give your brisket a fantastic flavor.
- Step 5: Coat the Brisket – Generously coat both sides of the brisket with the dry rub. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor magic happens!
- Step 6: Place in Smoker or Oven – Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker rack or in a roasting pan if using an oven. This positioning allows the fat to baste the meat as it cooks.
- Step 7: Smoke or Roast – Smoke or roast the brisket for about 6 hours, maintaining that steady 225°F temperature. Resist the urge to open the lid; let the magic happen!
- Step 8: Wrap the Brisket – After 6 hours, wrap the brisket tightly in foil with ½ cup of beef broth. This will keep it moist and flavorful.
- Step 9: Continue Cooking – Return the wrapped brisket to the smoker or oven and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 200°F, which should take about 3–4 more hours.
- Step 10: Let it Rest – Once done, remove the brisket from heat and let it rest in the foil for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy slices!
- Step 11: Slice and Serve – Unwrap the brisket, slice against the grain, and serve. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
Ingredients
Get ready to create a mouthwatering whole brisket with this simple yet delicious ingredient list!
- Whole beef brisket – 8–10 lb
- Kosher salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
- Onion powder – 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika – 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Beef broth – 2 cups
How to Make Whole Brisket
Cooking a whole brisket is a labor of love that rewards you with tender, juicy meat. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, cooking time is approximately 9–10 hours, and don’t forget to add an extra 30 minutes for resting. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker or Oven
Start by preheating your smoker or oven to 225°F. This low and slow method is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth brisket.
Step 2: Trim the Brisket
Carefully trim any excess fat from the brisket, but leave a thin layer for flavor. This will help keep your meat juicy during cooking.
Step 3: Rub with Olive Oil
Rub olive oil evenly over the entire surface of the brisket. This helps the dry rub stick and adds a bit of richness.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar. This blend will give your brisket a fantastic flavor.
Step 5: Coat the Brisket
Generously coat both sides of the brisket with the dry rub. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 6: Place in Smoker or Oven
Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker rack or in a roasting pan if using an oven. This positioning allows the fat to baste the meat as it cooks.
Step 7: Smoke or Roast
Smoke or roast the brisket for about 6 hours, maintaining that steady 225°F temperature. Resist the urge to open the lid; let the magic happen!
Step 8: Wrap the Brisket
After 6 hours, wrap the brisket tightly in foil with ½ cup of beef broth. This will keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 9: Continue Cooking
Return the wrapped brisket to the smoker or oven and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 200°F, which should take about 3–4 more hours.
Step 10: Let it Rest
Once done, remove the brisket from heat and let it rest in the foil for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy slices!
Step 11: Slice and Serve
Unwrap the brisket, slice against the grain, and serve. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 600 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 660 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | With family and friends! |
Pro Tips for Making Whole Brisket
- Choose a well-marbled brisket for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Season generously and let it rest overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook low and slow; aim for a temperature of 225°F for the best results.
- Wrap in butcher paper during the cook to retain moisture.
- Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to keep juices intact.
How to Serve this whole brisket
- Slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve with a tangy barbecue sauce or a zesty chimichurri for a flavor boost.
- Pair with creamy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Offer soft, warm rolls or tortillas for delicious brisket sandwiches.
- Complement with roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
- Top with pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Serve alongside baked beans for a hearty meal.
- Finish with a drizzle of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and reheating your whole brisket properly ensures it stays delicious for days!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow brisket to cool to room temperature.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in an airtight container for extra protection.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Wrap brisket tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place brisket in a baking dish with a splash of beef broth or water.
- Cover with foil to retain moisture.
- Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a whole brisket called?
A whole brisket is often referred to as a ‘packer brisket’ or simply ‘brisket’. It includes both the flat and point cuts, making it a popular choice for barbecuing and smoking due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.
2. Why did Costco stop selling the beef brisket?
Costco has faced supply chain issues and fluctuating demand, which can lead to temporary shortages of certain cuts, including beef brisket. It’s always a good idea to check with your local store or their website for availability, as they may restock based on customer demand.
3. How much for a 10 lb brisket?
The price of a 10 lb brisket can vary widely depending on the quality and source. On average, you might expect to pay between $3 to $6 per pound, so a 10 lb brisket could cost anywhere from $30 to $60. Always check local prices for the best deals!
4. What is the poor man’s brisket?
The ‘poor man’s brisket’ typically refers to a cut of meat that is more affordable than traditional brisket, such as a chuck roast. When cooked low and slow, it can mimic the tenderness and flavor of brisket, making it a great alternative for those on a budget who still want that delicious, smoky taste.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a whole brisket is not just a meal; it’s a celebration! Picture the aroma filling your kitchen and the smiles around the table. With this simple recipe, you’ll create a tender, juicy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite. Happy cooking!