HH Brisket Question

[Patrick Sullivan]

I did a brisket flat yesterday on the WSM. Followed the HH cooking method. All in all, it turned out good. This was my 3rd attempt and I read and re-read tvwbb about 20 times to make sure I got everything correct. Tenderness was great.

My question: I like the bark/crust that forms on a L & S butt when I cook it and I found that the bark on the HH brisket wasn't as well formed. This, most likely, would be lost during the braise. Is it possible to put the flat back on the WSM unfoiled (perhaps with a little more rub) after the braise in the foil, or would you get beyond tender too quickly??? If yes, how much time can you put it on for without allowing it to become overdone???

 

[K Kruger]

Yes, you can do that. Length of time depends on your cooktemp at them moment and what kind of finish you seek.

Me, I'm not a fan of hard, crusty bark on brisket. I just like a little texture. I tend to get the finish I want without returning to the grate unfoiled; I rub heavily to do this. If you pull the brisket when it just gets to tender - or slightly before - you can remove from the foil, adding rub if desired, and return to the grate. If your temps are high enough (>350) the finish should not take long but, again, this depends on what you're looking for. Check in 7-10 min. Also check tenderness again. Err on the side of caution and don't go too long - but if it still isn't where you want it to be then next cook plan to remove from the foil earlier and use more time to finish the bark. Some cooks pull pre-tender then go up to an hour to hit tender and get the bark they want.

 

[Glenn W]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Some cooks pull pre-tender then go up to an hour to hit tender and get the bark they want. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I do this. When almost tender I unfoil, if a packer I separate the point and re-rub where they were attached. When the flat is tender I tent for 20 min and eat or then foil/towel to hold. If you skip the tent before you tightly wrap it will continue to cook and will dry out!

Leave the point on for another 1hr or 2 till it has the consistancy you like.