Smoked Brisket Flat Recipe
Learn how to smoke a brisket flat until it’s tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. This simple method walks you through trimming, seasoning, smoking, and slicing for perfect results every time.
Servings: 8
Calories: 260kcal
Ingredients
- 6-7 pound brisket flat trimmed
- 2 Tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon coarse ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the brisket: Trim away any large fat pockets and thin edges, leaving about ¼ inch of fat on top. Square off the brisket to ensure even cooking. Combine the salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and season the meat generously on all sides.
- Heat the smoker: Preheat the smoker to 250°F. Add your preferred wood for smoke. For a gas or charcoal grill, set it up for indirect cooking and use soaked wood chips in a smoker box or foil pouch. Pellet grill users can enhance the smoke flavor with a smoke tube filled with chips.
- Begin smoking: Place the brisket on the grates, fat side up. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 155–160°F. At this point, wrap tightly in foil or butcher paper (the “Texas crutch”). If desired, raise the temperature to 275°F to shorten the cooking time.
- Cook to finish: Continue smoking until the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 200–210°F and feels tender when probed with a thermometer. Total cooking time will typically range from 6–8 hours.
- Rest the brisket: Remove the brisket from the heat, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes. For a longer rest, wrap securely and place in an empty cooler with towels to hold heat for up to 2 hours.
- Slice and serve: Cut the brisket across the grain into ¼-inch slices and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The smoked brisket can be wrapped tightly in plastic and foil and frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, wrap the brisket in foil and place it in a baking dish. Heat in a 275°F oven for 12-15 minutes or until warmed through. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g