Brisket Marinades?

[Tim Rahto]

Does anyone marinade their brisket before putting it in the smoker? I have ran across a couple of different brisket marinade recipes and I am thinking about giving it a try. Anyone have any they'd like to share? If I marinate, should I still apply a rub later on, and if so, how long before cooking should I let it sit?

All recipes and advice are appreciated.

 

[Paul K]

I've never marinaded a brisket. Since marinading is basically for adding flavor, the easier method would be the dry rub IMO. I wouldn't bother with marinading and rubbing.

Paul

 

[JRPfeff]

Tim,

Many competitive barbecue teams will inject their briskets before smoking. This is done to make the meat more moist and the flavor more intense. I don't think that marinating will have the same effect.

This recipe is from Dr. BBQ, Ray Lampe.

Big Cow Beef Injection

Makes 2 and one-fourth cups

2 cups beef broth
one-fourth cup Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
one-half teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well and refrigerate before injecting.

 

[K Kruger]

I do not often plan to cook brisket much ahead of the day that I cook so do not often marinate. On the occasions I do plan I do sometimes marinate. Typically I make a buttermilk-based marinade (1 qt buttermilk, scant 4 T Morton kosher, flavorings (often) of onion, garlic, fresh bay leaves, peppercorn, dried chile(s) -- all of which get puréed together), and marinate 24-36 hours. Then I pat the excess marinade off the meat, make a complementary rub, and cook.