Do You Put Butter on Brisket?

Brisket is a popular cut of meat that is often smoked to perfection. However, many people wonder if they should put butter on their brisket. The answer is yes! Adding butter to your brisket can help to enhance the flavor and keep it moist. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare and smoke your brisket, achieve the perfect smoke ring, remove it from the smoker, and add butter and brown sugar to make it even more delicious.

Preparing the Brisket

Before you can smoke your brisket, you need to prepare it properly. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Remove any excess fat from the brisket. This will help to prevent flare-ups and ensure that the meat cooks evenly.
2. Season the brisket with your favorite rub. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices.
3. Let the brisket sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before smoking. This will help it to cook more evenly.

Smoking the Brisket

Once your brisket is prepared, it’s time to smoke it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up.
3. Smoke the brisket for two hours or until you’ve got an excellent smoke ring around it.
4. After two hours, wrap the brisket in foil or butcher paper to keep it moist.
5. Continue smoking the brisket until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F.

Achieving the Perfect Smoke Ring

The smoke ring is a prized feature of smoked meats. It’s a pinkish-red ring that forms around the outside of the meat and is a sign of a well-smoked brisket. Here’s how to achieve the perfect smoke ring:

1. Use a wood that produces a lot of smoke, such as hickory or mesquite.
2. Smoke the brisket at a low temperature for a long time.
3. Wrap the brisket in foil or butcher paper after two hours to trap the smoke and moisture.

Removing the Brisket from the Smoker

Once your brisket has reached an internal temperature of 195°F, it’s time to remove it from the smoker. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use heat-resistant gloves to remove the brisket from the smoker.
2. Place the brisket on a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
3. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve.

Adding Butter to the Brisket

Now that your brisket is smoked and sliced, it’s time to add some butter. Here’s how to do it:

1. Melt a stick of butter in a small saucepan.
2. Use a basting brush to brush the melted butter onto the brisket.
3. Let the butter soak into the meat for a few minutes before serving.

Incorporating Brown Sugar

If you want to take your brisket to the next level, you can also add some brown sugar. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of the brisket.
2. Use a basting brush to brush the brown sugar into the meat.
3. Let the brisket sit for a few minutes to allow the brown sugar to caramelize.

In conclusion, adding butter to your brisket is a great way to enhance the flavor and keep it moist. By following these steps, you can prepare and smoke your brisket to perfection, achieve the perfect smoke ring, and add butter and brown sugar to make it even more delicious. So go ahead and put some butter on your brisket – you won’t regret it!