If you’re looking for an unbeatable barbecue recipe, look no further than Traeger smoked brisket. Made with a few simple ingredients, this slow-roasted beef is sure to be the star of your next cookout. The succulent meat and smoky flavor are guaranteed to please a variety of palates.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro, this method of cooking will help you create mouthwatering and tender smoked brisket that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
How to smoke a beef brisket on Traeger pellet grill
To get started, you’ll need to season the brisket with salt and pepper. Next, you’ll need to preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 250°F and place the brisket fat side up on the grill grate. Smoke the brisket for 8-10 hours or when internal temperature is at 175°F, adding more pellets every hour or two.
Once the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 175°F, remove it from the pellet grill and wrap it in butcher paper. Return the brisket in the smoker and let it smoke until internal temperature reaches 200°F, about 1 to 2 hours. Rest for at least one hour before slicing and serving.
How to prepare a brisket
Prepping a brisket for smoking requires some attention to detail and the right technique. Start by trimming excess fat from the top and bottom of the brisket. You’ll want to leave about 1/2 inch thick of fat cap.
If your brisket doesn’t have much fat. You can place bacon on top of the brisket. Next, season your brisket with a dry rub made of your favorite spices. Make sure to rub the seasoning into all sides of the meat. For this recipe, we will simply use salt and pepper.
Best rub to use
When smoking brisket, it’s important to use a blend of salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to give it an extra flavor boost. You can also use a dry rub or marinade to add additional flavor and moisture.
Another great option is to use a wet rub which will give the brisket a nice crusty bark. Finally, you may want to consider finishing with a barbeque sauce for extra flavor.
Best wood pellets to use
The best wood pellets for smoking brisket will depend on the flavor you’re hoping to achieve. If you’re looking for a classic smoky flavor, hickory pellets are a great option. The strong, smoky flavor of hickory complements beef dishes like brisket perfectly.
If you’re looking for something a bit more subtle, apple wood pellets work well. Apple wood gives a slightly sweet and mild smoke flavor that can also be used to complement pork.
For a unique flavor, mesquite pellets are a great option. Mesquite has a strong and bold flavor that pairs nicely with beef and stands out among other types of wood pellets. You can also mix different types of pellets together to create your own custom blend!
How to tell when it is done
The temperature of the meat is the best way to determine doneness. When the internal temperature of the brisket is 200°F, it’s done and ready to be removed from the smoker. To get an accurate temperature reading, use an instant read thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the brisket.
Another way to tell if your brisket is done is by using the “fork test.” Insert a fork into the thickest part of the brisket and twist it gently. If the meat is tender and gives easily, it’s finished cooking and can be removed from the smoker.
Additionally, the surface should be a deep mahogany color and should have a slight crust or bark on it. You should also see some nice dark smoke marks around the edges. Once you’ve reached this point, your smoked brisket is done and ready to enjoy!
How long should you let it rest before slicing
When it comes to smoking brisket, one of the most important things to remember is that you should always let your brisket rest before slicing. When it comes to the ideal rest time, the answer is simple – at least an hour! This allows the juices to evenly distribute throughout the brisket, resulting in a juicy and flavorful final product.
To ensure that your brisket doesn’t dry out, try to avoid letting it rest for more than two hours. Once your brisket has rested for at least an hour, you can begin slicing it. It’s important to note that you should always slice your brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. Cutting against the grain also helps prevent the meat from becoming stringy or tough.
What side dish to serve
There are plenty of options to choose from that will pair perfectly with smoked brisket. When selecting a side dish, try to pick something that will contrast in flavor and texture while still complementing the smoked brisket. For example, a creamy potato gratin or macaroni and cheese pairs nicely with the smoky flavor of the brisket.
For a slightly different flavor, try serving roasted vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving a green salad or coleslaw.
If you want something a little more substantial, try garlic mashed potatoes or a cheesy cornbread casserole. Baked beans are also a classic side dish that goes great with smoked brisket.
What to do with leftovers
There are plenty of ways to use up the remaining smoked brisket in your kitchen. Start by shredding the brisket into small pieces and adding it to salads, tacos, and burritos.
Another great way to use up the smoked brisket is to create a hearty soup with it. Start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a pot, then add in the shredded brisket and some vegetables of your choice. Finally, add broth and simmer for about 15 minutes until everything is cooked through.
You can also turn the leftover smoked brisket into sandwiches. Start by heating up some buns and layering them with the shredded brisket and your favorite condiments. Finish off the sandwich with a crunchy lettuce or cabbage for extra texture and flavor.
Finally, if you’re feeling creative, use the leftover smoked brisket to make quesadillas. Simply layer the brisket on one side of a tortilla, top with cheese and your favorite toppings, and fold over to close. Heat up a pan on medium heat and cook until golden brown on each side.
OTHER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Traeger Smoked Brisket
Tantalize your taste buds with this delicious Traeger smoked brisket recipe. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture and smoky flavor of this classic BBQ favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 piece Brisket (6-8 lbs flat cut)
- Coarse Salt
- Cracked Black Peppercorns
Instructions
Trim any excess fat from the brisket but still leaving about 1/4 inch thick of fat on top.
Preheat your Traeger grill to 250°F. You'll want to place an aluminum foil pan with water in the grill.
Generously season the brisket with salt and pepper.
Place the brisket in the grill with fat side up. Let it cook until internal temperature reaches 175°F. This should take roughly 8 to 10 hours.
Once the meat reaches 175°F, wrap the brisket in butcher paper and return in the smoker. Continue to smoke until internal temperature reaches 200°F. This should take another 1 to 2 hours of smoking.
Once it is cooked, let the brisket rest for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.