Picture this: you’re at a BBQ with your friends and family, laughing and sharing stories, and suddenly, you smell something amazing. It’s rich, it’s smoky, it’s a little bit sweet and a whole lot savory. You follow your nose to the grill, and you see them — the star of the BBQ show — those little cubes of meaty goodness known as burnt ends. Oh boy, if you’re a fan of flavors that pack a punch and a texture that’s both crispy and tender, then you, my friend, are in for a treat!
Burnt ends, they started out as a hidden gem, the part of the brisket that used to be overlooked or even thrown away. Can you believe that? But let me tell ya, once people got a taste of these crispy, juicy nuggets of beef, there was no turning back. Pitmasters took notice and began perfecting the way they cooked these little bits until they became what we know and love today.
Now, let’s talk about how you can make the best brisket burnt ends right at your own backyard bash. It’s not just about throwing meat on a fire — oh no, there’s an art to it, and I’m going to walk you through it, step by juicy step.
First thing’s first, pick out the right brisket. That means looking for a good amount of marbling — those white flecks of fat that run through the meat, my friend, are flavor goldmines. The fat melts when you cook it, making the burnt ends super moist and delicious.
Then comes the rub. Oh, the rub! This is where you get to be creative and give those burnt ends your signature kick. Some folks stick to the classics like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. But if you ask me, a good spice blend with a touch of heat and sweetness takes it to the next level.
Now, let’s get to the cooking part — slow and low is the name of the game. We’re talking about a low temperature for a long time on the grill or smoker to get that meat tender as can be. But patience is key. You can’t rush perfection. Just wait until that brisket gets that dark, crusty bark. That’s when you know all the flavors are locked in and ready to rock your taste buds.
And remember those award-winning sauces we talked about? Here’s where they come in. Once the brisket’s done, cube it up into those desirable burnt ends, and that’s when you toss them in a sauce that’s a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet — just how I like it. Let them caramelize on the grill for a bit longer to get sticky and even more delectable.
When you serve these bad boys up, don’t expect them to last long on the plate. They’re irresistible, I’m telling you. Everyone’s going to want a piece, so make sure you make enough to go around!
And because I can’t just tell you about it without showing you how it’s done, here’s a simple recipe to get you started on your journey to burnt ends bliss. Check out this table with the ingredient list and a basic rub to give your burnt ends that extra pizzazz.
Ingredient Amount Brisket point 1 (5–7 pounds) Brown sugar 1/4 cup Paprika 2 tablespoons Salt 1 tablespoon Black pepper 1 tablespoon Garlic powder 2 teaspoons Chili powder 2 teaspoons Cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon Your favorite BBQ sauce As needed
Recipe steps for Brisket Burnt Ends:
- Trim the excess fat off the brisket point and coat it with a layer of mustard to act as a binder for your rub.
- Mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Apply the rub generously on all sides of the brisket point.
- Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and place the brisket on the grates.
- Smoke the brisket until it reaches an internal temperature of 195–200 degrees Fahrenheit. This could take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on size and smoker consistency.
- Once the brisket is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
- Cut the brisket point into 1-inch cubes and toss them in a bowl with your spicy BBQ sauce.
- Place the sauced cubes back on the smoker for another 1 to 2 hours, or until they’ve caramelized to your liking.
- Remove them from the smoker, let them cool for a bit (if you can wait!), and get ready to watch them disappear.
There you have it, the secrets to making amazing brisket burnt ends! Give it a go at your next BBQ, and watch as these little delights become the highlight of the day. Remember, great BBQ is about experimentation and finding what flavors you love, so don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe and make it your own. Now go on, fire up that smoker and make some BBQ magic!
Sources
- https://www.burntendbbq.com/
- https://heygrillhey.com/bbq-brisket-burnt-ends/
- https://www.burntendbbq.com/overland-park
- https://www.burntendbbqdenver.com/
- https://jesspryles.com/best-ever-bbq-brisket-burnt-ends/
