Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket? Forget complicated smoker setups – this recipe shows you how to achieve restaurant-quality brisket tenderness right on your gas grill. This easy recipe is perfect for a weekend feast or a special occasion, offering a delicious and healthy meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 12-15 pound beef brisket (point and flat), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup apple juice (for basting)
Equipment:
- Gas Grill
- Meat thermometer
- Large aluminum roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Butcher paper (optional, but recommended)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
Start by trimming the excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat. This will help render the fat and keep the brisket moist.
Step 2: Make the Rub
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Season the Brisket
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your gas grill to 250°F (121°C). You want a low and slow cook for this brisket.
Step 5: The Cook
Place the brisket, fat-side up, in the aluminum roasting pan. Pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the pan. This will create moisture and flavor.
Close the grill lid and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) using a meat thermometer. Remember to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Step 6: Wrap it Up (Optional but Recommended)
Once the brisket reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the grill and wrap it tightly in butcher paper. This helps the brisket retain moisture and become even more tender. Return the wrapped brisket to the grill and continue cooking until it reaches 200°F (93°C).
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Remove the brisket from the grill and let it rest, wrapped, for at least 1 hour. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful brisket. After resting, slice the brisket against the grain and serve.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brisket:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring your brisket is cooked to the right temperature.
- Maintain Consistent Temperature: Try to keep the grill temperature as steady as possible throughout the cooking process.
- Don't Open the Lid Too Often: Opening the lid frequently will cause heat loss and increase cooking time.
- Experiment with Different Rubs: Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations to find your perfect brisket rub.
Variations:
- Spicy Brisket: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the rub.
- Sweet and Smoky Brisket: Increase the brown sugar and add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the rub.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories
- Protein: Approximately 40-50 grams
- Fat: Approximately 25-35 grams
This delicious and easy beef brisket recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and elevate your family's mealtime experience. From beginners to experienced grill masters, this recipe is adaptable to all skill levels, making it a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes. The tender, juicy result makes it well worth the effort. Happy grilling!