Brisket is a popular type of meat here in the United States. If you are having a barbeque, or are inviting friends over for a bonfire, brisket will make an easy and delicious addition to your event. Brisket is usually cooked for hours and typically does not require a lot of effort. Brisket can also be seasoned with many different kinds of spices, making it perfect for picky eaters. Let’s learn what is Brisket and what does it taste like!
If you are from the South, especially from a state like Texas, being able to cook brisket is basically a rite of passage. Brisket has an easily identifiable and absolutely delicious taste. Therefore, if you somehow mess up the process of cooking brisket, you may be shunned by friends and family. That is why it is important to ask the questions “what is brisket?” and “what does brisket taste like?” Continue reading this article to find out the answers to these important questions.
What is Brisket?
Brisket is a type of beef cut that is carved from the underside of a cow. Because of its location, brisket tends to have a tough and fatty texture. An average cut of brisket will usually weigh around 5 to 9 pounds and will have dimensions of 16 inches by 4 inches.
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Unlike other cuts of beef, brisket is usually priced on the cheaper side, making it a go-to choice for many meat-eaters. If you prefer a piece of brisket that does not have as high of a fat count, you will likely be paying the price. You can certainly find brisket that is healthier for you and less chewy, but the price will definitely reflect it.
What Does Brisket Taste Like?
Every piece of brisket will taste different. Why? Because of the way you cook it! There are three main cooking methods for brisket: smoking, braising, and barbequing. Smoking is usually the preferred method. If you eat brisket that has been smoked or barbequed, it will likely have a smokey and rich flavor. The brisket will have a crisped exterior with a chewy interior.
If you eat braised brisket, it will have a juicier and fattier texture. The reason for this is that the brisket has been stewing in liquids like beer or broth. The liquids will cause humidity that alters the texture of the brisket, meaning you will not have a crunchy exterior. Braised brisket also tends to be less flavorful than brisket that has been barbequed or smoked.
In most cases, brisket will be seasoned with the following types of rubs:
- Salt, pepper, and lemon juice rub
- Cayenne pepper rub
- Brown sugar rub
- Garlic and herb rub
What is the Best Way to Cook Brisket?
The best way to cook brisket is by smoking it. If you decide to smoke your brisket, make sure you avoid certain types of smokes that have bitter accents, specifically mesquite. Many people prefer to use oak or hickory wood to smoke their brisket. These types of wood provide an added mild flavor without becoming overpowering.
Some people also prefer to cover their brisket in a marinade. If you enjoy a softer exterior, you should choose a wet marinade. But if you prefer a crisper exterior, you should choose a dry rub. Once you’ve decided on the type of rub you plan to use, you’re ready to start cooking the brisket!
Smoke Brisket Steps
You can follow these short and easy steps to learn how to smoke brisket:
- Remove the brisket from the packaging and rinse it with lukewarm water. Then, pat the brisket dry with several paper towels.
- If you plan on seasoning or marinating your brisket, now is the time to do it. Dry rubs should be applied an hour before cooking. Marinating needs to be done at least 12 hours in advance. This means that you need to place the meat into a dish with the marinating mixture. Then, the mixture needs to go into the fridge for 12 or more hours.
- The brisket then needs to warm to room temperature before being cooked. Then, place the brisket in a smoker to start cooking it. The general rule of thumb for cooking time is 1.15 hours for every pound of meat at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When your brisket is done cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool for two hours. Once it has cooled down, you can begin slicing it into serving sizes. Make sure you use a sharpened knife, otherwise you run the risk of creating a jagged and hard-to-eat brisket.
How to Store Cooked Brisket
If you’re having a cookout, you likely won’t have any brisket leftover. However, if you’re just making brisket for your family or a small group of friends, you may have a few pieces remaining. The good news is, that you can easily store brisket in the refrigerator. If you plan on storing the brisket in its liquid, it can only be stored in the refrigerator for two days. Moreover, If you store it dry, it can last for up to four days. If you don’t plan on eating the brisket right away, you can also place the brisket in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for several months!
Conclusion
Brisket is a relatively inexpensive and extremely delicious type of meat. You can choose to purchase a healthier alternative, or you can opt to buy the regularly-priced brisket. Either way, the flavor of the brisket will depend on the way you cook it and the type of seasoning you use. If you want a brisket with a lot of flavors, make sure you marinate the brisket overnight and with plenty of seasoning.
Don’t be surprised by the texture when you bite into brisket. Brisket is not like steak, and it is meant to be a little tough to chew on. Brisket is not a dish for people looking to make a quick dinner. It takes time and patience to smoke the ultimate brisket. However, your patience will be rewarded when you take a bite of the tasty and smokey result. Whether you prefer a crunchy or soft exterior, brisket is a meat that is loved by everyone.
