The BEST Recipe for Barbecue Brisket {using a gas grill} (2024)

FAQs

What is the best temp for BBQ brisket? ›

Low and Slow (225°F to 250°F / 107°C to 121°C): This is the classic method for cooking brisket. It involves slow smoking over indirect heat with a smoker or barbecue grill.

To set things straight, we're here to put an end to the confusion, so you can get back to the grill with confidence. For brisket cooked to flavorful perfection, fat-side-down is the way to go. This is the only way to achieve a brisket that is perfectly moist with a perfect bark on both sides.

After two or four hours of cooking, you can lightly spray your brisket with water, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, or apple juice. You can do this every 30 minutes or every hour, based on preference.

Brisket Flipping

Pro: By flipping the brisket over every few hours (typically two) and basting, you get the best of both worlds. The added bonus is that the side turned away from the heat will have a chance to rest and reabsorb some moisture.

Most grill masters suggest wrapping your brisket when it reaches 150-170. Wrapping and unwrapping can be done strategically to control the appearance of the bark, preserving crispiness. Once the meat reaches the desired temperature, unwrap it and cook at a lower temperature to re-crisp the bark.

You're going to have to be cooking low and slow to build an awesome bark on your brisket, ribs or pork shoulder. Cooking at high temperatures is going to really make it hard, if not impossible to build a good layer of bark. Keep your grill around 225-degrees or lower for best results.

Classic ingredients include beef broth, water, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Avoid spices that could clog the spray nozzle. Start spraying the brisket 3-4 hours into cooking, every 30 minutes, until it's time to wrap the brisket.

Rubs and Marinades

Common go-to rubs include seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices. Just be sure to take it easy on the rub so that your brisket doesn't come out too salty. If you plan to mop or baste your brisket while smoking, be sure to coordinate the flavors properly with your rub.

Grill/Roast 5-8 hours, depending on the size of the brisket, or until meat thermometer registers 185°-190°F in the thickest part. I like to wrap the brisket in two layers of heavy-duty foil when it reaches about 170°F. That way, the brisket steams and tenderizes even more as it finishes cooking.

Should I put my brisket directly on the grill? ›

Place the brisket directly on the lit side of the grill, fatty side up and grill for about 5 minutes. Turn the brisket over and grill for 5 minutes more. Place the brisket into the remaining, clean foil pan (fat side up) and move it to the unlit side of the grill.

Close the lid on the smoker and, maintaining 225 degrees F, continue cooking until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 202 degrees F in the thickest part of the meat (takes anywhere from 5-8 hours). Remove the brisket to a large cutting board and allow to rest for 1 hour before slicing.

A heavily debated topic within the BBQ realm is whether to cook a brisket fat-side up or fat-side down. We are here to answer the question once and for all: cook brisket fat-side DOWN. Many believe the theory that when a brisket is cooked fat-side up, the fat renders and naturally braises the brisket. This is not true.