Beef brisket is a tough and flavorful cut of meat that requires time and care to become tender and juicy When cooked properly, brisket makes for an amazing centerpiece to any barbecue meal But serving brisket can be just as important as cooking it. Follow these tips to learn how to slice, serve, and enjoy beef brisket for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Selecting and Preparing the Brisket
Choosing a good quality brisket is the first step. Look for brisket with good marbling throughout as this will baste the meat while it cooks. The brisket should also have a thick fat cap on top to keep it moist.Trim off any hard fat but leave the fat cap intact for cooking. Remove the deckle which is the portion attached to the point of the brisket. Season the brisket liberally with salt pepper and any other dry rub ingredients. Allow to sit for 30 minutes up to overnight before cooking for maximum flavor absorption.
Cooking Methods for Tender, Juicy Brisket
Brisket requires low and slow cooking methods to break down the tough connective tissues. The most popular cooking methods are:
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Smoking Cook at 225-250F for about 1 hour per pound, Hardwoods like oak and hickory work well,
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Braising: Brown the brisket first, then cook covered in a flavorful liquid like broth or barbecue sauce at 300F for about 1 hour per pound.
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Grilling: This takes a bit more effort to keep the temperature low. Use indirect heat around 235-275F and allow 1-1.5 hours per pound.
Cook until the internal temperature hits 195-205F when probed in the thickest part. Allow to rest 30-60 minutes before slicing.
Slicing the Brisket for Serving
Proper slicing is crucial for ensuring the brisket stays moist and tender. Here are some tips:
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Use a very sharp knife to cleanly slice through the meat rather than tearing it.
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Slice against the grain of the meat to shorten the muscle fibers.
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Cut the point and flat sections separately as the grain runs in different directions.
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Cut the point in half horizontally before slicing to make it easier.
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Slice the flat across the width of the brisket to get nice long slices.
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Cut slices about 1⁄4 inch thick to ensure perfect tenderness in each bite.
Serving Options for Maximum Enjoyment
There are many great ways to serve brisket to please any crowd. Consider these serving suggestions:
As a Main Course Platter
The most classic and simple way to serve brisket is sliced on a large platter surrounded by side dishes that guests can help themselves to. Provide barbecue sauce on the side.
Sandwiches and Tacos
Chopped or sliced brisket makes delicious sandwiches when served on rolls or buns. Tacos, burritos and nachos are other great vehicles for chopped brisket.
Brisket Hash
Chopped brisket, onions, peppers and potatoes fried together make a satisfying brisket hash. Top with eggs for breakfast or serve on its own.
Soup or Chili
Shredded brisket adds richness, flavor and heartiness when added to soups, stews and chilis.
Pizza and Flatbreads
Brisket’s intensely savory flavor stands up well as a pizza or flatbread topping. Try it with caramelized onions and cheddar cheese.
Salads and Bowls
Sliced or chopped brisket served on top of fresh greens, grains like farro or rice and roasted veggies creates a hearty and healthy brisket bowl.
Side Dishes and Condiments
Brisket goes great with an array of traditional and creative sides:
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Breads like rolls, cornbread or biscuits to soak up brisket juices.
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Potatoes including baked, mashed or potato salad. Also macaroni and cheese or baked beans.
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Slaws and Salads with crisp greens offset brisket’s richness.
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Vegetables like roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts or grilled veggies.
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Barbecue sauce, pickles, peppers and other condiments to dress up your brisket.
Keeping Brisket Warm and Moist
Brisket dries out quickly when it cools so keep it warm while serving. Use an oven, smoker,slow cooker or chafing dishes. Keep leftovers moist by storing in the juices. Slice just before serving next time.
Serving Suggestions Summary
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Allow brisket to rest before slicing against the grain into 1/4 inch slices.
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Offer sliced brisket on a platter, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, salads, hashes.
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Chop or shred brisket for chili, soups, stews and bowls.
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Pair with bbq sauce, breads, slaws, salads, roasted veggies and potato sides.
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Keep warm in an oven, smoker or slow cooker throughout serving.
With proper cooking, slicing, serving and sides, you’re sure to present a mouthwatering brisket feast to your guests. Now go enjoy some delicious smoky, tender and juicy brisket!
Quest for Brisket Excellence: The Side Dish Solution
A brisket isn’t complete without some tasty sides. The right sides can take your beef brisket from good to great, and finding the right ones can make your meal a memorable experience.
So, we’re here to help you on your way to making the best brisket by giving you the best sides for brisket. This blog post will talk about some of the best side dishes that go well with brisket so that you can make a plate with the right amount of taste and texture.
So, whether you’re having a barbecue or just want to make some tasty brisket at home, let’s talk about some sides that go well with brisket.
These are the sides for brisket that have been perfected over time and are now a must-have at any barbecue or cookout.
Well be highlighting beloved favorites like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, classic potato dishes, and corn.
Each of these sides tastes and feels different, but they all go well with the savory brisket’s smokey flavor.
It’s important to serve your brisket with these tried-and-true traditional sides if you want it to taste its best.
Coleslaw is a classic choice to serve with brisket and for good reason. The crunch of the fresh veggies creates a satisfying contrast to the tenderness of the brisket.
Plus, the tanginess from the creamy coleslaw helps to balance out the richness of the meat.
If you want to switch up the coleslaw, there are countless ways to customize it to your liking. Add a little kick with some jalapenos or switch up the dressing with a vinegar-based version.
Believe us when we say that a good coleslaw can really bring out the best in your brisket feast.
Baked beans are a classic side dish to serve with brisket. Not only do they go well with the rich, smoky meat, but they also add the right amount of sweetness to balance out the savory tastes.
There are a few different ways to change the recipe to suit your tastes, whether you like your baked beans sour or sweet. For example, you can add in some chopped onions or peppers for some extra flavor and spice.
Also, baked beans are simple to make, so you can enjoy your tasty brisket more while spending less time in the kitchen.
This cheesy goodness can go well with the brisket’s savory flavors, giving you the best of both creamy and crunchy tastes. And the best part?.
There are countless variations to accompany your personal taste preference. Love bacon? Sprinkle some over the top. Want to add some heat? Try adding jalapeños.
Mac and cheese is the best side dish to go with your brisket, whether you like it plain or with a side of something different.
There is no better vegetable than potatoes, and there are many ways to cook them that will bring out the best in your brisket.
These sides will go well with your brisket, whether you choose classic potato salad, crispy potato skins, or thinly sliced roasted sweet potatoes. For a touch of decedance, try making scalloped potatoes with shaved parmesan on top.
Add a hint of sweetness to the spread by adding delicious sweet potatoes! These potatoes are a culinary delight whether they are made sweet or savory. And dont forget the crowd-pleaser – sweet potato casserole!.
No matter which option you choose, potatoes are a tried-and-true addition to any brisket dish spread.
These little treats are heaven sent—they’re spicy and tasty just the right amount to make your taste buds dance. While the classic cream cheese filling is always a crowd-pleaser, Jalapeno poppers come in many delicious variations.
You can add more flavor by stuffing them with cheese and bacon or by wrapping them in bacon for a smokey touch. Put the poppers on the grill or in the air fryer and add some char for a tasty new take on this old favorite.
The jalapeno poppers that you serve with your brisket will taste great no matter how you make them.
Corn, in its various forms, is a fantastic choice to complement your brisket. If you like simple things like grilled or boiled corn on the cob, a classic side dish that goes well with brisket, or a savory twist with bacon-wrapped corn on the cob, all of these options will make your meal taste even better.
For those exploring off-the-cob ideas, corn pudding and corn casserole are two impressive dishes. Their creaminess harmonizes with the bold flavors of the brisket, allowing it to take center stage.
Let’s not forget how comforting creamed corn is. It’s a warm and tasty side dish that brings back memories.
So the next time you cook a juicy brisket, think about adding some corn to the mix to make it taste even better.
When it comes to pairing sides with your brisket, traditional favorites will never let you down. Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, makes for a perfect sidekick to the tender meat.
What about baked beans? They taste sweet next to the brisket’s rich and smoky flavor. And who could forget the mac and cheese? The rich, creamy cheese can go perfectly with the savory brisket.
Potatoes, be it mashed, baked, or roasted, are a classic options that fit perfectly with the brisket. Finally, corn is a great option that can be used in many ways. Its sweetness and distinct crunch can bring out the flavors of the brisket.
These traditional sides will go well with brisket and make your taste buds happy.
When it comes to barbecuing, theres nothing quite like a perfectly cooked brisket. But what about the sides?
Even though classics like coleslaw and baked beans are always good, why not try something new? We’ll be focusing on Brussels sprouts, grilled bell peppers, and fried okra, all of which have their own tastes and textures that will go well with your brisket.
Get ready to experience some mouthwatering combinations that will take your barbecue game to the next level. Trust us, these twists will bring out the best in your already delicious brisket.
Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to pair with brisket if you want to bring out the best in it. Not only are these little green joys tasty and good for you, but they also go well with the rich, smoky flavor of brisket.
Plus, you can roast or sauté Brussels sprouts, add crispy bacon crumbles or balsamic glaze, or do all of these things at the same time.
Because of this, the next time you fire up the smoker and cut into a juicy piece of brisket, think about serving it with some perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts. Your taste buds will thank you!.
When it comes to finding the perfect veggie side for a hearty brisket, green beans are a no-brainer. Their bright color makes your plate stand out, and the rich flavors of the meat go well with them.
The beauty of green beans is that there are so many ways to prepare them. For a classic side, sauté them in butter with garlic and salt.
Want to add some crunch? Try roasting them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Looking for a tangy kick? Dress them in a vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard and honey.
There are a lot of different ways to cook green beans, and they will be a hit at your next brisket feast no matter what you do.
These leafy greens are packed with nutrients and pair perfectly with the bold flavor of brisket. For a classic way to make it, try cooking the greens in a tasty broth until they become even more flavorful.
If you want to try something new, sauté them with some crispy bacon or ham to give the flavor more depth. Or, add some spice with a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
You can make the greens healthier by boiling or steaming them and seasoning them with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
It doesn’t matter how you cook them; collard greens will make your brisket plate look great.
When you grill bell peppers, they get a little sweet and smoky, which goes well with the savory flavors of brisket.
Because they are colorful and crunchy, bell peppers can help balance out the richness of the brisket. You can grill them whole or cut them up and add them to a green salad.
Also, peppers come in a lot of different colors and styles, like green, red, yellow, orange, and even purple. Each has its own flavor and small differences from the others.
Next time youre cooking brisket, try adding some grilled bell peppers to the plate for a perfect pairing.
One side that pairs exceptionally well with brisket is fried okra. The brisket and okra’s different textures and flavors work well together to make this dish delicious.
To add a healthy twist, try air-frying the okra instead of deep-frying it. Cover it with a crunchy mix of panko and cornmeal, and you have a tasty and healthy side dish that will make your taste buds want more.
This method cuts down on the amount of oil used while still giving you that perfect, crunchy taste. Give it a try and surprise your guests with an air-fried delight, side dish.
There’s no doubt that Charro beans, which are also called frijoles charros, will make your side dish taste even better when paired with brisket.
This traditional Mexican dish is spicy and filling at the same time. Tender pinto beans are stewed with bacon, onion, and garlic until they are just right.
If you want to take it to the next level, add some diced chili peppers, juicy tomatoes, or fragrant cilantro for an extra flavor boost that will make your mouth water.
If you’re really brave, you could add some of that juicy, tender brisket right to the pot. Your guests will be begging for more!
You can roast or sauté Brussels sprouts, add crispy bacon crumbles or balsamic glaze, or do any of a number of other tasty and healthy things to make them.
Grilling whole or sliced bell peppers and adding them to a fresh green salad is a great way to add color and texture.
You could also fry some okra to go with your smoky brisket for a great balance of flavors and crunchiness. If you’re trying to cut down on oil, air-fry the okra instead of deep-frying it to get that satisfying crunch without the extra fat.
Add some variety and freshness to your brisket meal with these unique side dishes. They will bring out the best in your brisket.
One often overlooked option when it comes to brisket sides is the bread selection. A good dinner roll or piece of cornbread, on the other hand, can really bring out the delicious flavors of your salted brisket.
Dinner rolls are a classic option that pairs perfectly with any savory meat dish. If you want to add a more Southern touch, serve cornbread on the side.
Dinner rolls are a traditional choice. They have a light, fluffy texture that goes well with the richness of brisket.
A side of cornbread can give it a southern twist. You can make it your own by adding cheese or jalapenos to the batter before baking.
The bread does more than just go with your brisket; it gives the tender meat a different texture and makes the smoky, savory flavors taste even better.
Adding bread to your smoked brisket meal will make it unforgettable, whether you like the lightness of dinner rolls or the spiciness of cheesy jalapeno cornbread.
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What to serve with brisket
FAQ
How should beef brisket be served?
What is traditionally served with brisket?
What is the best way to eat beef brisket?
How do you serve brisket?
The most popular way to serve brisket is sliced, with a variety of side options for people to add to their plates. This is one of the easiest serving methods, though it does require a fork and knife to eat and may not be the best for an outdoor event without proper seating. Another popular way to serve brisket is as a sandwich.
What to eat with brisket?
We recommend using a sharp carving knife and cutting the brisket into thin slices. Next, consider serving some complementary sides that will help balance out the rich flavor of the meat. Some popular sides include roasted potatoes, root vegetables like carrots and radishes, cole slaw, potato salad, and mashed potatoes.
What to eat with smoked beef brisket?
Sweet and smoky baked beans is a classic side to serve with smoked beef brisket. It’s perfect for complementing the flavors of the brisket. We don’t know who needs to hear this, but salads are not just an assortment of raw vegetables! One of the most common misconceptions with salads is that you have to eat a little pile of leaves. You can also serve smoked beef brisket with a variety of delicious sides.
What is a brisket & how do you eat it?
Briskets are tender cuts of beef usually served smoked, grilled, or slow-roasted. Serving a brisket is all about choosing complementary side dishes and making a beautiful presentation. They are typically served only a few times a year as special meals for holidays or other celebrations.