Electric smokers are a type of smoker that uses electricity to heat the smoking chamber. This kind of smoker is very simple to use and useful for cooking a range of dishes.
Beef brisket is among the tastiest foods that you can prepare in an electric smoker. Beef brisket is a type of meat that is very tough, but when it is cooked properly, it can be extremely tender and delicious.
If you have never cooked beef brisket before, then you may be wondering how to go about it. You will receive a step-by-step guide in this post on how to make electric smoker beef brisket. We will also address some often-asked queries about cooking beef brisket in an electric smoker.
You can also check our articles on Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Recipes, How to Smoke Salmon in an Electric Smoker, How to Smoke Baby Back Ribs in Electric Smoker, How to Make Smoked Chicken Wings Electric Smoker, How to Make Electric Smoker Pulled Pork, and How to Smoke a Turkey Breast in Electric Smoker.
Guide on Smoking a Brisket in Electric Smoker
Let’s get started with our guide on how to make electric smoker beef brisket.
Choosing your Brisket
First and foremost, you must purchase a beef brisket. You can find beef brisket at most grocery stores or butcher shops.
Grade
When you are purchasing your beef brisket, you will want to pay attention to the grade of the meat. The grade of the beef brisket is important because it will determine how tender the meat is.
There are three different grades of beef brisket:
-Prime
-Choice
-Select
Prime and Choice are the two highest grades of beef brisket. These grades of meat are going to be the most tender and will have the most fat marbling. Select is the lowest grade of beef brisket and will be less tender with less fat marbling.
While Prime and Choice are the best grades of beef brisket, they are also the most expensive. If you are on a budget, then you may want to purchase a Select grade beef brisket.
Uniformity: Flat and Point
The next thing that you will want to look for when purchasing your beef brisket is uniformity. Beef brisket is made up of two parts: the flat and the point.
The flat is the larger, thinner section of the brisket. The point is the smaller, thicker section of the brisket.
When you are looking at a beef brisket, you want to make sure that the flat and the point are about the same size. This will ensure that the brisket cooks evenly.
Weight
When you are choosing your brisket, it is important to choose a piece that is around 3-4 pounds. If you choose a brisket that is too small, it will not be able to feed very many people. If you choose a brisket that is too large, it will take a very long time to cook and may not be as tender. 3-4 pounds is the perfect size for most families.
Flexibility
The last thing that you want to look for when choosing your brisket is flexibility. You want to make sure that the brisket is not too stiff. You should be able to bend the brisket slightly without it breaking.
If the brisket is too stiff, it will be difficult to cook evenly. If the brisket is too flexible, it may fall apart while you are cooking it.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing your brisket let’s move on to the next step.
Preparing the Brisket
Now that you have chosen your brisket, it is time to prepare it for smoking.
Trimming the Fat
The first thing that you need to do is to trim the fat off of the brisket. Beef brisket is a very fatty piece of meat. You want to trim as much of the fat off as possible.
Trimming the fat will help the brisket to cook evenly and will also make it easier to slice.
To trim the fat off of the brisket, you will need a sharp knife. Start by cutting off any large pieces of fat that are sticking out. Then, use your knife to carefully trim away any smaller pieces of fat.
You want to be careful not to trim too much fat off of the brisket. You want to leave enough fat so that the brisket is flavorful and moist.
Preparing the Rub
The next thing that you need to do is to prepare the rub. The rub is a blend of spices that you’ll add to the brisket to flavor it.
There are many different recipes for rubs, so you can choose whichever one you like. We recommend using a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika.
To prepare the rub, simply mix the spices together in a bowl.
Applying the Rub
Once the rub is prepared, it’s time to apply it to the brisket. Start by generously coating the entire brisket with rub. Be sure to use your hands to massage the spices into the meat.
Next, wrap the brisket tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Allowing the brisket to sit in the rub will give the spices time to penetrate the meat and flavor it.
Should you Dry Rub Brisket Overnight?
You may have heard that you should not dry rub brisket overnight. While it is true that the spices can penetrate the meat and make it tough, this is only a problem if you are using a very coarse rub.
If you are using a fine ground rub, there is no need to worry about it making the meat tough. You can safely dry rub your brisket the night before you plan to smoke it.
Now that the brisket is trimmed and rubbed, it is time to move on to the next step.
Smoking the Brisket
It’s now time for the enjoyable part: smoking the brisket!
Preheating the Electric Smoker
You must first preheat your electric smoker. You want to preheat it to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the smoker is preheating, you can prepare the wood chips.
Soak the Wood Chips
To get the best flavor, you’ll want to soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. As a result, they will be less likely to burn out too rapidly.
Once the wood chips have been soaked, drain them and add them to the smoker.
Inserting the Meat
Once the smoker is preheated, it’s time to add the brisket. Start by placing the brisket on the rack in the smoker.
How to Position your Brisket?
You may be wondering how you should position the brisket in the smoker. The answer is that it really doesn’t matter.
You can put the brisket in the smoker fat side up or fat side down. It’s really up to you. Just be sure to place it in the smoker so that the thickest part of the meat is facing toward the heat.
Using the Accessories
Now that the brisket is in the smoker, you’ll want to use the accessories to help it cook evenly.
If your smoker came with a temperature probe, insert it into the thickest part of the brisket. This will help you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat.
You may also want to place a pan of water in the smoker. This will help to keep the air moist and will also add some extra flavor to the meat.
How to Cook Beef Brisket?
Now it’s time to let the smoker do its job. The cooking process will take 8-12 hours, so be patient!
Do not Open the Lid
One of the most important things to remember when smoking brisket is that you should not open the lid of the smoker. Every time you open the lid, heat escapes, and it takes longer for the brisket to cook.
If you need to check on the brisket, use the temperature probe to check the internal temperature.
Spraying on the Brisket
Every few hours, you’ll want to spray the brisket with apple cider vinegar. This helps to keep the meat moist and also adds a little bit of flavor.
To spray the brisket, simply mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist the meat every few hours.
Monitor Internal Temperature of Brisket
As the brisket cooks, you’ll want to keep an eye on the internal temperature. The best way to do this is to use a digital meat thermometer.
Wrapping the Brisket
Once the brisket has reached the correct temperature, it’s time to wrap it in foil.
To do this, simply place the brisket on a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap it tightly. Be sure to seal the edges of the foil so that no heat escapes.
After the brisket is wrapped in foil, place it back in the smoker and continue cooking for another hour.
How to Know it’s Ready?
The best way to tell if the brisket is done is to use a digital meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the brisket should be between 190 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another way to tell if the brisket is done is to insert a fork into the meat. If the fork slides in easily, the brisket is done.
Let it Rest
Once the brisket has reached the correct temperature, it’s time to take it out of the smoker. But before you do anything else, you’ll want to let the brisket rest for at least 30 minutes.
This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes it even more tender and delicious.
Slicing
After the brisket has rested, it’s time to slice it. To get the best results, you’ll want to use a sharp knife.
Start by slicing the brisket against the grain. This means that you’ll want to slice the meat perpendicular to the muscle fibers. If you slice the meat with the grain, it will be tougher and less enjoyable to eat.
Serve
Once the brisket is sliced, it’s time to serve it. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Smoked Brisket?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to side dishes for smoked brisket. But some of our favorites include:
-Potato salad: Take your favorite potato salad recipe and add some chopped brisket to it. The smoky flavor of the brisket will take your potato salad to the next level!
-Baked beans: Another great option for smoked brisket is baked beans. The sweetness of the beans pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the brisket.
-Mac and cheese: This classic comfort food is even better when you add some smoked brisket to it. The smoky flavor of the brisket pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
-Corn on the cob: This summertime favorite is even better when you add some smoked brisket to it. The smoky flavor of the brisket pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn.
Cook Time Guide to Make Electric Smoker Beef Brisket
The cooking time for smoked brisket can vary depending on a few factors, such as the size of the brisket and the temperature of the smoker. However, a general rule of thumb is to cook the brisket for 75 minutes per pound at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, if you’re cooking a 3-pound brisket, you’ll need to cook it for 225 minutes (3 hours and 45 minutes).
What is the Best Wood for Smoking Brisket?
There are a variety of woods that can be used for smoking brisket. However, some of the best options include:
1. Hickory: This is a classic smoking wood that imparts a strong, smoky flavor.
2. Mesquite: This wood imparts a strong, smoky flavor that can be overwhelming if used in too large of quantities.
3. Oak: This is a versatile smoking wood that imparts a mild, smoky flavor.
4. Pecan: This is a milder smoking wood that imparts a sweet, nutty flavor.
Refilling the Wood Chips
If you’re using an electric smoker, you’ll need to refill the wood chips every hour or so. The best way to do this is to use a metal scoop to transfer the wood chips from the bag to the smoker.
Be sure to wear gloves when handling the hot wood chips. Also, be careful not to overfill the smoker, as this can cause the fire to smolder.
Storing Smoked Beef Brisket
When it comes to smoked beef brisket, there are three main methods of storage: wrapping in butcher paper, storing in a vacuum-sealed bag, or storing in the fridge. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Wrapping in butcher paper is a great way to keep the brisket moist. However, it’s important to make sure that the paper is not too tight, as this can cause the meat to sweat and become soggy.
Vacuum-sealing is another effective option for keeping the brisket moist. However, it’s important to note that this method should only be used if you plan on consuming the brisket within a few days.
Storing in the fridge is the best option if you’re not planning on eating the brisket right away. It will keep the meat fresh for up to two weeks. However, it’s important to make sure that the brisket is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Ideas for Leftover Smoked Beef Brisket
If you find yourself with some leftover smoked beef brisket, there are a few things you can do with it.
1. Beef brisket tacos: Smoked beef brisket makes a great filling for tacos. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your favorite taco toppings.
2. Beef brisket quesadillas: Quesadillas are another great way to use up smoked beef brisket. Simply add the beef to your tortillas along with some cheese and your favorite fillings. Then grill or toast until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
3. Beef brisket chili: This hearty chili is perfect for a winter day. Simply add smoked beef brisket to your favorite chili recipe.
4. Beef brisket burritos: Burritos are another great way to use up smoked beef brisket. Simply add the beef to your tortillas along with some rice, beans, and your favorite burrito toppings. Then roll up tightly and enjoy.
5. Beef brisket sandwich: A hearty sandwich is a perfect way to enjoy smoked beef brisket. Pile the meat high on a crusty baguette or sourdough bread, then top with your favorite condiments and enjoy.
6. Beef stew: This comforting stew is perfect for a chilly day. Simply add smoked beef brisket to your favorite stew recipe.
7. Sausage rolls: Sausage rolls are always a hit, and they’re even better when made with smoked beef brisket instead of sausage meat (just swap it out in your favorite recipe).
10 Tips for when you Smoke a Brisket
1. Trim the fat: Trimming the fat off of the brisket before smoking will help to prevent the fat from rendering and making the brisket greasy.
2. Season the brisket: Before smoking, seasoning the brisket with a dry rub or marinade will help the meat gain flavor and depth.
3. Preheat the smoker: Preheating the smoker before adding the brisket will help to prevent the meat from sticking to the smoker and ensure that it cooks evenly.
4. Add wood chips: Adding wood chips to the smoker will give the brisket a nice smoky flavor. Be sure to use a milder wood, such as oak or pecan, so that it doesn’t overpower the flavor of the meat.
5. Cook low and slow: Smoking the brisket at a low temperature (225 degrees Fahrenheit) for an extended period of time will result in a tender, juicy brisket.
6. Wrap in foil: After being smoked, the brisket can be kept moist and kept from drying out by being wrapped in foil.
7. Rest the meat: Allowing the brisket to rest for 30 minutes before slicing into it will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier, more flavorful meat.
8. Slice against the grain: When slicing the brisket, be sure to do so against the grain. This will result in more tender slices of meat.
9. Reheat carefully: When reheating smoked brisket, be sure to do so slowly and carefully. Reheating too quickly can cause the meat to dry out.
10. Store leftovers properly: Leftover smoked brisket can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Smoked Beef Brisket Recipes Electric Smoker
Dry Rubbed Smoked Brisket Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-pound) beef brisket
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl and mix well.
2. Rub the dry rub all over the beef brisket, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Add the beef brisket to the smoker and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove from the smoker and wrap in foil. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.
6. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Smoked Beef Brisket with Whiskey BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-pound) beef brisket
- 2 cups whiskey
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine the whiskey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper in a large bowl and whisk until well combined.
2. Place the beef brisket in a large resealable bag and pour the whiskey BBQ sauce over the top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Place the beef brisket in the smoker and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the internal meat temperature reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove from the smoker, then give the brisket 30 minutes to rest.
6. Serve with the remaining whiskey BBQ sauce after cutting the meat against the grain.
Electric Smoker Beef Brisket FAQs
Are electric smokers good for brisket?
Electric smokers are great for brisket because they allow you to cook the meat low and slow, resulting in a tender, juicy brisket. Additionally, electric smokers tend to be less expensive than other types of smokers.
What to do when the smoke brisket temperature is too low and stuck?
If your brisket temperature is too low and stuck, there are a few things you can do. First, try increasing the temperature of your smoker. If that doesn’t work, you can try wrapping the brisket in foil to help it cook faster. Finally, if all else fails, you can always finish cooking the brisket in the oven.
How long to cook a brisket at 250 in a electric smoker?
Brisket should be cooked at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours per pound in an electric smoker. So, for a 5-pound brisket, you would cook it for 5 to 7-1/2 hours.
Is it better to smoke brisket at 225 or 250?
Smoking brisket at 225 degrees Fahrenheit will result in a more tender, juicy brisket, while smoking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit will result in a brisket that is more cooked through. Ultimately, it depends on your preference. If you like your brisket rarer, smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer it more cooked, smoke at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you smoke a 5 lb brisket in an electric smoker?
At 225 degrees Fahrenheit, you should smoke a 5-pound brisket for 6-7 hours approx. At 250 degrees Fahrenheit, you should smoke the brisket for 5 to 7-1/2 hours.
How do you keep a brisket moist in an electric smoker?
There are a few things you can do to keep your brisket moist in an electric smoker. First, make sure you wrap the brisket tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This will help to retain the moisture. Additionally, you can try spritzing the brisket with apple cider vinegar or beef broth every few hours. Finally, be sure not to overcook the brisket. The internal temperature should reach 190 degrees Fahrenheit, no more.
Do you put water in electric smoker for brisket?
You don’t necessarily need to put water in your electric smoker when cooking brisket, but some people find that it helps to create more steam, which can keep the brisket moist. If you do decide to add water, make sure it doesn’t come into contact with the meat, as this can cause the brisket to become waterlogged.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about how to make electric smoker beef brisket. If cooked properly, this is a dish that is sure to impress your guests. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Happy smoking!