First Brisket on the Kettle

[Veekz]

So I finally came around to doing a brisket on the kettle. I've done many briskets in my career as a caterer, but thought I'd try it out on the 22" kettle this time. Here are my results.


4 hours in, and a nice even bark is starting to set. The Slow n Sear provides an efficient 2-zone cooking environment for brisket. I used some firebricks to help manage and distribute the heat more evenly. For fuel I used Kiawe chunks and post oak chips along with the Kingsford Blue.


At 8 hours I wrapped in some butcher paper after a nice bark was set. A little wagyu beef tallow was added to the wrap. Thanks for the tip Mr. Yoder!


After 14 hours (3 am), it was time to rest this badboy. I usually pull at around 190 on my offset, but the probe was still a bit snug so I let it go a bit further.

And here are the results...



After resting in a cooler for 3 hours I unwrapped it and was very impressed with the results. It was moist and tender with a great smoke ring. It was a very good brisket, but not a great one in my opinion in terms of flavor. I did find it a little less intense in smokiness compared to ones I've done on my offset smoker. Maybe has something to do with the wood or coals I'm using, or how well seasoned the cooker is. I'm really not too sure.  But I'm thinking to try lump coal next time, and maybe add a little more wood chunks in the mix.

Still, it was a really good brisket that the family absolutely enjoyed. I will definitely be cooking more brisket this way in the future. With some tweaks, I'm sure one can produce results on a kettle that can rival some of the best cookers out there! Not to mention the easy clean up and usually cheaper fuel cost. It's really a no brainer!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OkieGirl]

That looks delicious. Nice smoke ring!

[bbqking01]

Excellent! That's a proper looking brisket if I've ever seen one. Props for the patience and skill of doing a great looking hunk of meat.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[AZ2FL]

Brisket looks spot on! Thanks for sharing.

I use fire bricks in my 26" kettle when smoking brisket and ribs.

[Veekz]

Brisket looks spot on! Thanks for sharing.

I use fire bricks in my 26" kettle when smoking brisket and ribs.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, the bricks come in handy. I've often used them in my offset as a heat shield for anything near the fire box. I think your 26" is probably better suited for whole briskets. I actually trimmed off a good amount to make it fit in the 22".


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cigarman20]

That's a good looking brisket! Sounds like it would have been perfect to my taste as I prefer a little less smoke.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[JEBIV]

Looks spot on perfect to me !!

[bamakettles]

Nice cook and write up.  We like less smoke too, looks awesome!


Sent from my iPad using Weber Kettle Club

[Veekz]

Thanks you guys. I like to document my findings when trying something new on the kettle. Hopefully adds some value here.

As far as it not having enough smoke, I'm all for the perfect amount of smoke. I just noticed it being a little more "roast beefy" than my usual cooks. I usually don't rest it for 3+ hours too, so flavor may have diluted a a bit due to all that moisture it rested in for that amount of time. Good thing is I can always adjust and try to make it better next time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chesapeake Weber]

Delicious looking brisket!  I've done several low and slow cooks, but a brisket is something I still need to give a try.  The cost of the meat and not wanting to screw it up is a hurdle I just need to get over!   Reading this helps, thank you for sharing.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[michaelmilitello]

Looks awesome!   Don't be intimidated by brisket.  Just have fun and enjoy the ride.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TXFlyGuy]

Very nice! Yes, a kettle can produce excellent brisket.

[Foster Dahlet]

That looks fantastic. 

Sent from my LM-X420 using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[johnlmaddock3]

Looks amazing.

[stillgriller]

Perfection.