Last Minute Brisket Question

mubballfan · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 9

So I've read all the brisket posts on here and was all ready to go (6.5 lb brisket at 220 for about 8 hours) however, costco only had 3.5 lb briskets so i'll be using 2 cuts. My question is: do I still need to cook for 8 hours or should 4 hours be okay since it is 2 seperate 3.5 lb cuts? This is my first time cooking brisket (you guys steered me right on pulled pork, thanks) and have about 10 people coming over tomorrow. Thanks for your help.

pafisher · BBQ Pro Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 535 Location: Pa.

i think you'll need more than 4 hours . i'll bet more like 6.5 or 7 ... i always do them by feel ,,, when i can push my thermometer through the middle of the brisket ,and it feels like im pushing it through butter ,,,its done
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mubballfan · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 9

so you apply the 1-1 1/2 hr per lb rule to the total amount of meat, not the size of each cut? thanks.

Alien BBQ · Posted: May 17 2008 Post subject:

1- 11/2 hours per pound approx ..........until you reach an internal temp of 200 degrees. When it is done....it is done, don't watch the clock.
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mubballfan · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 9

nice, thanks
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San Diego

jib · Posted: May 20 2008 Post subject:

If your 3.5 pounder is a fully trimmed costco flat, you may want to lay some bacon over the top to keep it moist. Next time, ask your costco butcher for an untrimmed 5-6 pound brisket, with the fat cap intact. They come in cyrovac and have much more of the fat intact to keep the meat moister. Usually, it will be $0.70-$1.00 less expensive/per pound, than the fully trimmed flats, but you are paying for some fat that you really want.

Jack
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mubballfan · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 9

They both had decent fat caps on 'em (about 1/4"), but still came out drier than I would've liked. I didn't foil, which I will try next time. Haven't seen the cryovac'ed briskets at my costco, will ask next time.
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San Diego

jib · Posted: Jun 07 2008 Post subject:

You won't see them. You will have to ask. They get them in that way SOMETIMES. I say sometimes, because since my post, I went in to buy a flat. I jusdt didn't want to smoke a fully packer and my costco butcher told me that they have been receiving fully trimmed flats now, not cyro packed untrimmed briskets. I hope you don't encounter the same.

BTW - I don't ever foil a brisket, but I do let the AJ/JD/Maple syrup spray from my ribs drip all over the brisket after about 10-12 hours. That moisture/glaze may make a difference.

Jack
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Currently planning a Stumps clone build

graybeard · Posted: Jun 07 2008 Post subject:

If you have a Sam's nearby, you might try looking there. They usually have the cryovac packers. Been several months since I checked so not sure what the cost is.

I usually take mine to 165* and then put in foil pan covered tightly with foil and take that to the 195-205 level. Let rest about 1-11/2 hours in a cooler then separate.