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Two small brisket flats


 

j.shan

TVWBB Member
Just got back from the butcher shop with two small brisket flats. Each one weighs baout 2.5 pounds for a total of 5 pounds, I am planning on smoking them slow as I am also doing two pork butts at the same time. My question is how long will these take to cook if I am doing them at about 250*? I plan on pulling them at 165* - 170* and foiling with apple juice and returning them to the smoker till tender (about 190* or till I can stick a fork in them easily). Using Minion method to start the coals and I will have water in the pan if that helps determine the answer.

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T.I.A.
 
J, you have brisket 'pieces', not small briskets. The good thing is they have a decent amount of fat on them, which will help. Normally, I would highly suggest you grind them into burger, but I think you can pull it off with them and your plan. Whatever you do, don't trim any fat until after they're done and cook fat side UP!!!! (Just my preference)
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Other than that, I think your plan is a good one, keep your temps 'around' 250º, no lower. Next time, look or ask for a whole brisket flat, they should range from the 6-9lb range and pick the fattiest one you can find!
 
Thanks for the response Larry. I did ask if they had any whole flats but unfortunately, they were completely out and all they had were these "pieces". She did give them to me for a nice discounted price since she didn't have what I was looking for so I won't complain. The way I look at is brisket pieces should taste just as good as a whole flat!
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Hi j.,

Having some experience barbecuing small pieces of meat, I'd suggest foiling them about 155 degrees F. The outer portions will likely be less dry.

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Cook's Illustrated has a good method for this using a Weber Kettle, instead of a smoker, that seems especially appropriate for smaller brisket flats or pieces. I've used this method with some good success on brisket flats about 5 pounds.

They start by slicing the fat cap in a cross hatch; be careful not to cut into the meat.

Brine the brisket pieces first in a solution of 1 gallon of cold water, 1/2 cup salt and 1/3 cup sugar. I would brine them for at least 4-6 hours.

Remove from brine; pat dry with paper towels. Apply rub. They use a mix of salt, pepper and granulated sugar. I use my own rub.

They then set up the kettle with 3 quarts of lit charcoal, poured over 4 quarts of unlit charcoal* (like the minion method), all on one side of the grill. Place a couple of water-soaked wood chunks on the lit charcoal. Position a drip pan on the other side, under the cooking grate where you will put the brisket.

Place brisket fat side down on cooking grate with thickest part nearest the fire. Tent the brisket with foil. After 3 hours, flip the briskets to fat side up and cook until the internal temperature reaches 195. They also add 10 cold charcol briquets to the fire at that time.

* for smaller brisket pieces, you may want to go with about 15-20 lit charcoal briquets poured over 20 more cold briquets.
 

 

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