Brisket is a flavorful cut of beef that’s perfect for grilling, smoking, and slow-cooking. It’s a popular choice for barbecues, parties, and special occasions, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways to achieve different levels of tenderness, flavor, and texture. In this article, we’ll explore how to cook brisket on a grill, including the best cuts, techniques, and tips for mouthwatering results.
Choosing the Right Brisket
The first step to cooking a delicious brisket on a grill is to choose the right cut of meat. Brisket is a tough cut of beef that comes from the lower chest of the cow, and it’s typically sold in two parts: the point and the flat. The flat is leaner and easier to slice, while the point is fattier and more flavorful.
When selecting a brisket, look for one that has a good amount of marbling, which will help keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. The size of the brisket will depend on how many people you’re serving, but a 10-12 pound brisket is a good starting point for a group of 8-10.
Preparing the Brisket
Before cooking the brisket on a grill, you’ll need to prepare it properly to ensure that it’s tender and flavorful. Here are the basic steps for preparing a brisket for grilling:
- Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving a thin layer of fat to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite rub or seasoning blend. Let the brisket sit at room temperature for about an hour before grilling to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
- If you’re using a marinade or sauce, apply it to the brisket a few hours before grilling, or overnight if possible. This will add flavor and help tenderize the meat.
Grilling the Brisket
Grilling a brisket can be a bit tricky, as it requires low and slow cooking to achieve tender, juicy meat. Here are the steps to follow when grilling a brisket:
- Preheat your grill to 225-250┬░F, using indirect heat. This means that you’ll place the brisket on one side of the grill, and turn off the burners on that side. The other burners should be set to low or medium-low.
- Place the brisket on the grill, fat side up. This will allow the fat to melt and baste the meat as it cooks.
- Cook the brisket for 1-1.5 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205┬░F. This can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, depending on the size of the brisket and the temperature of your grill.
- During cooking, baste the brisket occasionally with any marinade or sauce you’re using, or with a mixture of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. This will add flavor and moisture to the meat.
- Once the brisket is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 30-60 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy brisket.
Tips and Techniques for Perfect Brisket
Here are some additional tips and techniques for cooking a delicious brisket on a grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket. This is the most accurate way to determine when the meat is done.
- Wrap the brisket in foil or butcher paper halfway through cooking
