MMMM.. BRISKET..
The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS.  



Our Homepage Donation to Forum Overhead Welocme Merchandise Associations Purchase Subscription Amazon Affiliate
Go Back   The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS. > Discussion Area > Q-talk

Notices

Q-talk *ON TOPIC ONLY* QUALITY ON TOPIC discussion of Backyard BBQ, grilling, equipment and outdoor cookin' . ** Other cooking techniques are welcomed for when your cookin' in the kitchen. Post your hints, tips, tricks & techniques, success, failures, but stay on topic and watch for that hijacking.


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 10-27-2012, 09:06 AM   #1
thegizzard
On the road to being a farker

 
Join Date: 07-25-12
Location: Charlotte, NC
Default Help! Brisket! What am I doing wrong?

Back again for more help. Everytime I smoke a Brisket, it comes out too dry.

My first go round looked like this:



Last night I tried again...

2.5 lb flat. Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Rub. Cooked at about 280* Fat Cap down until 170* on the meat probe... wrapped in Parchment Paper until 202* on the meat probe... rested in an oven at 170* for 1 hour and 15 mins. ...

Here is what is looked like:



It tasted pretty good in some parts, but I am hoping to get that really juicy jiggly brisket I saw in this video...


So what am I doing wrong?

Cook temp too high?

Wrapping too late?

Not letting it settle long enough after the cook?

I am cooking another tomorrow and I need an assist!

Thanks in advance!
__________________
Chargriller Akorn. Golden Lion PID.
thegizzard is offline   Reply With Quote




Old 10-27-2012, 09:12 AM   #2
The_Kapn
Moderator Emeritus

 
The_Kapn's Avatar
 
Join Date: 04-08-04
Location: Marianna, FL
Name/Nickname : Tim
Default

Those little bitty flats can be very spooky at times.

You said 202 at the finish.
That really means nothing---Was it "probe tender" ?
That is the key.

TIM
__________________
"Flirtin' with Disaster" BBQ Team (RETIRED)
FBA and KCBS Cook and Judge.
Former owner of a WSM, a Smokey Joe, a Charbroil Commercial gasser (junk), the legendary "StudeDera", a FEC100, a Fast Eddy PG500, and Sherman the Wonder Trailer.
Just sold Yoder YS640 due health
New Ninja Woodfired Grill for Christmas 2023
The_Kapn is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 09:37 AM   #3
Brian in Maine
is Blowin Smoke!
 
Brian in Maine's Avatar
 
Join Date: 08-05-07
Location: Portland Me
Default

I would go with at least a 5# flat. Here is my brisket flat method.

Method for cooking a brisket flat

Start your coals.
While they are coming up to temp, (250*) wipe the brisket, slather it with Worcestershire sauce, then apply rub. When the cooker is up to temp, put the brisket on fat side down. (This lets the fat act as a heat shield, and keeps the meat from drying out.) Smoke for about 3 hrs. to an internal temp of 160* - 165*, then either wrap in foil, or put in a foil pan , fat side up , and add liquid, then seal with foil. (this can be beef broth, or any mixture that you like. I use three Tablespoons. of Steve Raichlins's honey balsamic glaze, (Here is the link)

mihttp://tvwbb.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1980069052/m/5330004152

mixed with 1/4 cup of strong coffee.
If you want you can now finish in a 250* oven, as there will be no more smoke getting into the meat. cook the meat to an internal temp of 190* - 195 *at the thickest part of the flat. When a probe goes into the meat with no resistance the meat is done. Remove from the oven, and let set for at least an hour, without opening the foil. Slice across the grain.
defat the juices and serve, on the side.
__________________
Brian

2 WSMs
2 OTG One red one black
22 1/2" black Bar-B-Kettle with rotisserie ring
Brinkman dual zone charcoal grill
Webber Silver Genises B
3 burner camp stove
Brian in Maine is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 09:50 AM   #4
WineMaster
Babbling Farker
 
WineMaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: 01-16-07
Location: Southern MN
Default

To get anywhere close to that video brisket, it would have to be a Packer. IMO
__________________
Dan

MJH From Backyard Bomber BBQ -- Junior
YS 640 Comp
22.5 Weber Kettle
Blue Thermopen

Comp Team
Wine & Swine
WineMaster is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from: --->
Old 10-27-2012, 09:56 AM   #5
Outnumbered
is Blowin Smoke!
 
Join Date: 09-18-11
Location: Smithville, Missouri, United States
Default

Also bet you started with a select grade flat. Where did you buy it? If it's a grocery store or not clearly labeled choice, it's going to be select. That means less marbling, which is less fat, and that means less moisture.
__________________
Greg Vincent

When I die, my goal is to have a visible smoke ring when the coroner cuts me open for the autopsy.
Outnumbered is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 10-27-2012, 09:58 AM   #6
thegizzard
On the road to being a farker

 
Join Date: 07-25-12
Location: Charlotte, NC
Default

Thanks for the replies so far. I got the Brisket from Costco. They don't sell packers. This is the largest flat they have.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
__________________
Chargriller Akorn. Golden Lion PID.
thegizzard is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 10:02 AM   #7
thegizzard
On the road to being a farker

 
Join Date: 07-25-12
Location: Charlotte, NC
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian in Maine View Post
I would go with at least a 5# flat. Here is my brisket flat method.

Method for cooking a brisket flat

Start your coals.
While they are coming up to temp, (250*) wipe the brisket, slather it with Worcestershire sauce, then apply rub. When the cooker is up to temp, put the brisket on fat side down. (This lets the fat act as a heat shield, and keeps the meat from drying out.) Smoke for about 3 hrs. to an internal temp of 160* - 165*, then either wrap in foil, or put in a foil pan , fat side up , and add liquid, then seal with foil. (this can be beef broth, or any mixture that you like. I use three Tablespoons. of Steve Raichlins's honey balsamic glaze, (Here is the link)

mihttp://tvwbb.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1980069052/m/5330004152

mixed with 1/4 cup of strong coffee.
If you want you can now finish in a 250* oven, as there will be no more smoke getting into the meat. cook the meat to an internal temp of 190* - 195 *at the thickest part of the flat. When a probe goes into the meat with no resistance the meat is done. Remove from the oven, and let set for at least an hour, without opening the foil. Slice across the grain.
defat the juices and serve, on the side.
Hmm... I was cooking to 200* ... let me try 190* tomorrow.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
__________________
Chargriller Akorn. Golden Lion PID.
thegizzard is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 10:04 AM   #8
thegizzard
On the road to being a farker

 
Join Date: 07-25-12
Location: Charlotte, NC
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Kapn View Post
Those little bitty flats can be very spooky at times.

You said 202 at the finish.
That really means nothing---Was it "probe tender" ?
That is the key.

TIM
I didn't really check for probe tender. What temp do I start checking for probe tender?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
__________________
Chargriller Akorn. Golden Lion PID.
thegizzard is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 10:05 AM   #9
bignburlyman
is one Smokin' Farker
 
bignburlyman's Avatar
 
Join Date: 09-10-03
Location: Great Bend, Kansas
Default

This is a brisket flat I did in the past, only one I have access to pics of right now.



You don't indicate how long your flat cooked, but that small of a flat could be part of the problem. I cook flats all the time, most average 6 pounds, some have been smaller, some larger. I start by trimming some (not all!) of the fat, then season with kosher salt and black pepper, only. I start it on my Traeger 075 fat down to smoke for 3 to 4 hours. The temp setting on my digital may need to be 180 to 225 depending on weather. When the flat gets to around 165 degrees I will put it in a foil pan and cover with foil without adding any liquid and put it back on and turn up the temp to 300 to 325 and cook for another 2 to 3 hours (until it probes easy). The meat temp is usually around 203 when I pull it off. I leave it in the pan (the pan is full of juice) for around an hour (no oven, no cooler) then slice. I always make 2 or 3 at a time and Foodsaver them and freeze for later. This works great for me, others may do it different and have great results also, that is the beauty of BBQ to me, there is no 1 way of doing something.
__________________
David
MCBJ & CTC #5112

Traeger Texas 075
Blackstone Tailgater


Family: Where Life Begins, and Love Never Ends.

bignburlyman is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 10:08 AM   #10
The_Kapn
Moderator Emeritus

 
The_Kapn's Avatar
 
Join Date: 04-08-04
Location: Marianna, FL
Name/Nickname : Tim
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by thegizzard View Post
Hmm... I was cooking to 200* ... let me try 190* tomorrow.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
From Brian's post:"When a probe goes into the meat with no resistance the meat is done".

You need to get away from "temp" for doneness.
Temps are handy for large cuts like brisket and butts, but only to monitor the cooking process----NEVER as the final check.
"Probe tender" is the goal!

TIM
__________________
"Flirtin' with Disaster" BBQ Team (RETIRED)
FBA and KCBS Cook and Judge.
Former owner of a WSM, a Smokey Joe, a Charbroil Commercial gasser (junk), the legendary "StudeDera", a FEC100, a Fast Eddy PG500, and Sherman the Wonder Trailer.
Just sold Yoder YS640 due health
New Ninja Woodfired Grill for Christmas 2023
The_Kapn is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 10-27-2012, 10:53 AM   #11
thegizzard
On the road to being a farker

 
Join Date: 07-25-12
Location: Charlotte, NC
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Kapn View Post
From Brian's post:"When a probe goes into the meat with no resistance the meat is done".

You need to get away from "temp" for doneness.
Temps are handy for large cuts like brisket and butts, but only to monitor the cooking process----NEVER as the final check.
"Probe tender" is the goal!

TIM
I understand. But opening the smoker often makes it hard to control temps. So I would need to know when I should start checking for probe tender.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
__________________
Chargriller Akorn. Golden Lion PID.
thegizzard is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 11:07 AM   #12
luke duke
is One Chatty Farker
 
Join Date: 01-16-10
Location: Dallas, TX
Default

Start checking around 190
luke duke is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from: --->
Old 10-27-2012, 11:11 AM   #13
Bludawg
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
Bludawg's Avatar
 
Join Date: 07-04-09
Location: Jonesboro,Tx
Default

I would start checking at around 185 then every 5 deg until it probes like a 16 yr old cheerleader with a case of hot pants. You need to find a new place to buy your meat it is just as easier to cook a 10 lb packer than it is a little piece of one.
__________________
I'm a Proxy Vegetarian> Cows eat grass & I eat cows.
Bludawg is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from: --->
Old 10-27-2012, 11:11 AM   #14
Mdboatbum
Full Fledged Farker
 
Join Date: 02-07-12
Location: Washington, DC
Default

Start checking around 195˚. Some will hit the "sweet spot" earlier than others. A lot of this is dependent on the age of the animal. In younger animals the collagen will break down sooner and at a lower temperature. In older ones, it's much tougher, requiring much longer and a higher temp to break down. What happens is the connective tissue will suddenly "break", or melt, magically transforming from tough collagen to liquid, lip smackingly good gelatin. The result is a tender, juicy piece of meat. Pull it out too early and the meat will be hard and dry as it hasn't hit that magic "breaking point". Let it stay too long after the break, and it will be soft and dry, as all the juices created by the break will have been allowed to cook out.
The "jiggly, wiggly" brisket is the result of hitting that sweet spot JUST as the connective tissue breaks. It's all still in the meat, but entirely in its liquid form, so your brisket is essentially a sponge.
Mdboatbum is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-27-2012, 12:25 PM   #15
Mo-Dave
Quintessential Chatty Farker
 
Mo-Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: 09-18-06
Location: Hurricane Deck Missouri
Default

With that small of a cut, taking it to 202 then putting in a 170 oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes sounds excessive to me. I suggest doing a bit larger cut and yours looked to have been trimmed way close. Butchers have this strange reasoning that if they trim off all the fat they can charge a really stupid price for a cut that will almost be next to impossible to cook without drying out and have very little flavor. For that size flat I would not trim anything unless it has a 2 inch fat cap but it wont. If it has little or no fat try putting a couple slices of bacon on it. take it to about 185/195, for a larger cut maybe 200/205 depending on how it probes, then wrap with some liquid and just wrap in a towel and let set for 45 minutes to an hour before slicing.

In the last pic it looks like you cut some of it with the grain, it wont affect taste but will be more tender if it is all cut against the grain. The stall will start at 160 and during that time is seems as if it wont go any further but it will and when it does it will go fast so you need to be watching the internal temp shortly after its starts to move. 160 is a good time to wrap with liquid if you want to wrap as you did. Save any juice from the wrap and pour back on brisket, I mean to say re wrap before placing in towel one it may have developed a hole and will leak out and it will keep the towel cleaner.

Brian in Main is giving good advice, each brisket needs to have some adjustments made just for reasons already mentioned like age, the feed it was eating, grade of meat, ect. I always tell people to check the gauges with boiling water so you can be sure it is saying what it really is. Sorry for the blog.
Dave
__________________
Let us have a drink and by God lets us not think about the things we ain't never going to know about.
Mo-Dave is offline   Reply With Quote


Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


Forum Custom Search: Enter your Search text below. GOOGLE will search ONLY the BBQ Brethren Forum.
Custom search MAY not work(no display box) in some configurations of Internet Explorer. Please use compliant version of Firefox or Chrome.







All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:48 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
2003 -2012 © BBQ-Brethren Inc. All rights reserved. All Content and Flaming Pig Logo are registered and protected under U.S and International Copyright and Trademarks. Content Within this Website Is Property of BBQ Brethren Inc. Reproduction or alteration is strictly prohibited.
no new posts