How To Make Brisket Burnt Ends?

Wondering where and what burnt ends are made of? Well, you're in luck! Today, we will cover everything you need to know about burnt ends, including how to make them. A lot of people think burnt ends are just a marketing term used by BBQ restaurants and joints, but that's not true! Burnt ends are actually made from the point end of a brisket.

Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Brisket Burnt Ends?

Brisket burnt ends are a popular dish in the world of barbecue. They are made from the flavorful point end of the beef brisket, which is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of the cow. This cut of beefis known for its tough texture and requires slow and low cooking to break down the tough connective tissues and make it tender.

Brisket burnt ends originated in the Kansas City region of the United States, where they have become a staple on barbecue menus. They are typically served as an appetizer or a side dish and are often accompanied by pickles, jalapenos, and red onions. With their smoky flavor and tender texture, burnt ends are a favorite among meat lovers and barbecue enthusiasts alike.

Step-by-Step Guide on Making Delicious Beef Brisket Burnt Ends

Step 1: Trimming

The first step on how to make burnt ends is to prepare the brisket. In your wooden cutting board, start by separating the layer of fat and the brisket point from the flat using a sharp boning knife. This can be a bit tricky, but it's important to ensure that you have the best brisket for making burnt ends. We recommend using a packer brisket as it has the perfect amount of fat to meat ratio for this dish. Once you have separated the point from the flat, trim away any excess fat from the point leaving only about 1/4 inch of fat. This will ensure that your burnt ends are flavorful and juicy, without being too greasy.

Step 2: Season the Brisket Flat

After trimming the brisket point, it's time to season the brisket flat. Start by applying a generous amount of AP (all-purpose) seasoning to the meat, followed by a layer of salt and pepper. You can also use your favorite BBQ rub to add some extra flavor to the brisket. Once the seasoning is applied, let the brisket sit for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For those who like their burnt ends sweet, try adding a layer of brown sugar to the rub. This will create a delicious bark that's almost like meat candy, adding a nice contrast to the smoky flavor of the brisket.

Step 3: Setting up the Grill

The next step in making burnt ends is setting up the grill. For this recipe, we recommend using a charcoal grill. Start by using a chimney starter to light your charcoal briquets. Once the coals are hot, spread them out evenly in your grill. Use wax starters to light the fire and add your choice of wood chips or chunks to the coals for added smoky flavor. We recommend using hickory, mesquite, or oak wood for a classic BBQ brisket burnt ends recipe. Make sure the temperature of the grill is between 225°F to 250°F before placing the whole brisket on the grill.

Step 4: Let the meat smoke

After setting up the grill, it's time to let the meat smoke. Place the whole brisket on the grill, fat side up, and close the lid. Maintain the temperature of the grill at 250 degrees Fahrenheit and let the meat smoke for 6 to 8 hours until the internal temperature reaches around 160°F. During the smoking process, be sure to replace the wood chips or chunks as needed to keep

Step 5: Transfer your point to the pan

Once the point of the brisket has reached an internal temperature of 160°F, it's time to transfer it to a pan. Add some moisture to the pan by pouring in some beef broth, then cover the brisket with aluminum foil wrap. Put the pan back into the smoker and continue cooking until the point of the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 210°F. This is where you know that the meat is soft and tender. Use a meat thermometer to check for any resistance and make sure the brisket is cooked to perfection. Once the point has reached 210°F, remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for about 30 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces for your smoked brisket burnt ends.

Step 6: Cut into cubes

After letting the brisket rest for 30 minutes, it's time to cut it into cubes to create the best brisket burnt ends. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the brisket into bite-sized pieces, and make sure to remove any excess fat. Then, take the pan containing the beef broth and add your favorite barbecue sauce to it or the traditional Kansas City-style bbq sauce. Pour the mixture over the brisket cubes and toss them until they are fully coated. Return the pan to the smoker and let it smoke for an additional 15 minutes. Finally, wrap the brisket cubes with foil to keep them warm and juicy until you're ready to serve. 

Step 7: Serve

Once the brisket cubes have finished smoking and are wrapped in foil, it's time to serve them up. Place the cubes onto a serving platter and garnish with sliced pickles, jalapenos, and red onions. The tanginess of the pickles and the heat of the jalapenos will complement the smoky flavor of the burnt ends perfectly, while the red onions will add a crisp, refreshing crunch. Serve the burnt ends hot and fresh, and watch as your guests devour them with delight. With these simple steps, you'll be able to make the perfect brisket burnt ends that are sure to impress everyone at your next barbecue.

FAQs

Can You Make Brisket Burnt Ends With the Flat?

While the usual flavor profile of burnt ends comes from brisket point, you can also make them with the flat. Make sure to choose a flat that has at least a good marbling and a good amount of fat. The flat is thicker than the point, so it will take longer to cook and will need to be sliced thinner than when making this from the point.

Which Part of the Brisket Do You Use for Burnt Ends?

The point is the best part of the brisket do this recipe. The point has more fat, which means it will be juicier and more flavorful. When doing thisrom the flat, use a fatty piece that is at least seven pounds.

What Do Brisket Burnt Ends Taste Like?

Burnt ends have this sweet, caramelized flavor that makes them so good. The fat in the brisket will melt, creating a beautiful bark on top of your meat. Sometimes, you’ll see bits of meat sticking out underneath the bark because they cooked faster than others.

Are Burnt Ends Healthy?

While this is a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts, it’s not exactly a health food. Burnt ends are made from brisket, which is naturally fatty meat. However, if you are looking for something that is low in calories and fat content, then consider making smoked turkey burnt ends instead.

Conclusion

Brisket burnt ends are a mouth-watering dish that combines the smoky flavor of slow-cooked beef with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Though they originated in the Kansas City region, burnt ends have become a popular dish at barbecue restaurants and backyard cookouts across the United States. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, anyone can create delicious brisket burnt ends that will impress their guests and satisfy their cravings for delicious, meaty goodness. So fire up your smoker and get ready to experience the rich and delicious taste of this classic barbecue dish!