You just put the brisket in the smoker and now you’re not sure how long to let it rest afterward.
This can be a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables that go into how long to let a brisket rest after smoking.
We’ve created a handy guide that will help you determine how long to let your brisket rest based on weight and thickness. Plus, we’ve included tips for serving smoked brisket so it’s perfect every time.
What Resting A Brisket Means
Before we get into how long to let your brisket rest, it’s important to understand what resting a brisket actually means. Resting a smoked brisket is when you remove the meat from the heat and let it sit for a period of time before cutting or serving.
How Long To Let a Brisket Rest?
The amount of time you should let a brisket rest after smoking will depend on the weight and thickness of the meat. We’ve created the following guide to help you determine how long to let your brisket rest:
If your brisket is less than 10 pounds, rest for 30 minutes.
If your brisket is 10-15 pounds, rest for 45 minutes.
If your brisket is 15-20 pounds, rest for 1 hour.
If your brisket is 20-25 pounds, rest for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If your brisket is more than 25 pounds, rest for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The Importance Of Resting Brisket
You’ve worked hard to smoke the perfect brisket, so it’s important to make sure it’s properly rested before cutting or serving. If you don’t allow the brisket to rest after smoking, the juices will run out and the meat will be dry and overcooked.
Resting a brisket is important for several reasons:
- It allows the meat to redistribute its juices, giving you a juicier, more flavorful final product.
- It helps to tenderize the meat, making it easier to slice and eat.
- It gives the flavors of your rub and barbecue sauce time to meld and develop, resulting in a more complex flavor profile.
Resting a brisket is the key to ensuring a delicious, tender, and juicy piece of meat. So take the time to let your brisket rest after smoking, and you’ll be glad you did.
Should You Rest A Brisket Covered Or Uncovered?
The debate over whether or not to cover a brisket while it rests is one that has been around for years.
There are pros and cons to both methods, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
If you choose to rest your brisket uncovered, the main benefit is that the crust will remain crisp and intact.
However, if you choose to rest your brisket wrapped, the main benefit is that the meat will stay moister and juicier.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to cover a brisket while it rests is up to you. If you prefer a crispier crust, go ahead and rest the brisket uncovered.
Resting Brisket In Foil
If you choose to rest your brisket in foil, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Make sure the foil is tight-fitting so that no steam escapes.
- Be careful not to touch the hot foil with your bare hands.
- Be sure to remove it from the heat and let it rest for the recommended amount of time.
Resting Brisket In Butcher Paper
If you choose to rest your brisket in butcher paper, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Make sure the butcher paper is tight-fitting so that no steam escapes.
- Be careful not to touch the hot butcher paper with your bare hands.
- If you rest your brisket in butcher paper, be sure to remove it from the heat and let it rest for the recommended amount of time.
The main benefit of resting a brisket in butcher paper is that it will stay moist and juicy.
So if you’re looking for a way to keep your brisket moist and juicy, butcher paper is the way to go.
Resting Brisket In A Cooler
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to keep your brisket moist and juicy, resting it in a cooler is the way to go.
The main benefit of resting a brisket in a cooler is that it will stay at a consistent internal temperature, which is important for keeping the meat moist and juicy.
Another benefit of resting a brisket in a cooler is that it will keep the meat warm for a longer period of time, making it perfect for large gatherings or parties.
Resting your brisket in the cooler is not just a great way to cook it beforehand and have it ready when you need it.
Resting Brisket In The Oven
After you cook your brisket, you can let it rest in the oven before slicing. This will ensure that all of those tenderized flavors stay intact and don’t escape!
The main benefit of resting a brisket in the oven is that it will stay at a consistent internal temperature, instead of cooling in the open air. This helps keep the meat moist and juicy.
Another benefit of resting a brisket in the oven is that it will keep the meat warm for a longer period of time, so you can wait to serve it until the rest of the meal is ready.
It also helps reduce internal temperature changes that can lead to some problems with getting meals cooked evenly on all sides, as well as gives off less aromatic compounds which may cause deterioration over time if left uncovered while resting!
Tips For Buying Brisket
When buying a brisket, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, make sure you buy a brisket that is well-marbled.
This means that the fat is evenly distributed throughout the meat, which will result in a juicier and more flavorful brisket.
Second, make sure you buy a brisket that is the right size for your needs.
A good rule of thumb is to buy a brisket that is 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person. We always recommend buying a whole packer brisket so you have plenty of leftovers!
Third, make sure you buy a brisket that has been trimmed properly.
The fat should be trimmed down to about 1/4-inch thick so that it can render properly during the cooking process.
Fourth, make sure you buy a brisket that is fresh.
Brisket is a tough cut of meat, so it needs to be cooked slowly in order to tenderize it.
If you buy a brisket that is not fresh, it will not taste as good and will be tougher.
Finally, make sure you buy a brisket from a reputable butcher or grocery store.
A good brisket should be a deep red color with white marbling. If you buy a brisket that is not these colors, it is likely that it is not fresh.
When buying a brisket, keep these tips in mind and you will be sure to find a brisket that is juicy, flavorful, and tender.
Tips For Trimming The Brisket
- Start by trimming the excess fat off of the brisket. You want to leave a thin layer of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and juicy.
- Next, trim the pointed end of the brisket. This is the thicker end, and you want to trim the fat down to about 1/2-inch thick.
- Finally, trim the fat off the flat end of the brisket. This is the thinner end, and you want to trim the fat down into thin slices about 1/4-inch thick, or even remove the fat entirely.
- Once you’ve trimmed the brisket, it’s ready to be cooked!
- Keep in mind that the cooking time for a trimmed brisket will be shorter than an untrimmed brisket, so be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Also, keep in mind that the thicker end of the brisket will take longer to cook than the thinner end.
How Long To Let Brisket Rest FAQs
What happens if I don’t rest brisket?
If you don’t rest brisket, the natural juices will not redistribute throughout the meat, and the end result will be a dry and tough piece of meat.
When you slice into a brisket that has not been rested, all of the juice from the interior of the meat will run out onto your cutting board. Not only is this unappetizing, but it also means that you’re losing out on some of the best parts of the brisket.
The juices are what make it moist and tender meat, so if you skimp on the resting period, you’re going to be disappointed with the final product.
Does resting prevent dry brisket?
Resting your brisket after the cooking process will help to prevent it from drying out. When you cook a brisket, the juices start to flow out of the meat and into the pan.
If you let the brisket rest for a few minutes before slicing, those juices will have a chance to redistribute back into the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Does resting brisket soften the bark?
Resting a brisket will not soften the bark. The bark is formed during the smoking process and will be tough regardless of whether the brisket is rested or not.
Can brisket rest too long?
It is possible to rest brisket for too long. If you do, the meat will continue to cook and will become dry and tough.
The best way to avoid this is to wrap the brisket in foil or plastic wrap and then place it in a cooler or oven. This will help keep the cooked brisket moist and tender. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperatures of the rest.
Can a brisket rest overnight?
Yes, a brisket can rest overnight. In fact, it’s often recommended that you let brisket rest overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become even more tender.
When you’re cooking a brisket, you’re actually carry over cooking two different muscles – the point and the flat. The point is a tougher muscle, so it needs to cook for longer than the flat.
By letting the brisket rest overnight, you’re allowing both muscles to come up to the same temperature and ensuring that the meat is nice and tender brisket.
Can you rest a brisket at room temperature?
Absolutely! In fact, letting your brisket rest at room temperature for an hour or so before slicing and serving is perfectly fine.
This resting period allows the meat to reabsorb its juices, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful final product. Just be sure to keep your brisket covered while it rests, to avoid drying it out.
Closing Regards
The final step in the smoking process is to let the brisket rest. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender, juicy piece of meat. Letting the brisket rest for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but you can also let it rest for up to an hour if you have the time.
Once it’s rested, your smoked brisket is ready to be sliced and served!
