How to Cook Brisket in Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

I. Introduction

Brisket is a delicious and flavorful meat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. While smoking brisket is a popular method, not everyone has access to a smoker or the time to slow-cook it. Luckily, brisket can also be cooked in the oven, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll explore how to cook brisket in the oven, including a step-by-step guide, a recipe with tips, a slow-cooker method, dos and don’ts, smoked brisket, and the best sides for brisket.

II. Step-by-step Guide

Prepping the Brisket

The first step in cooking any brisket is to choose a good cut of meat. Look for a brisket with a nice layer of fat on top and marbling throughout to ensure tenderness and flavor. Once you’ve chosen your brisket, trim the excess fat from the meat, leaving about 1/4 inch to protect the meat while cooking. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before seasoning.

Seasoning the Brisket

Seasoning is crucial to achieving a delicious brisket. The most basic seasoning for brisket is salt and pepper, but you can also use a dry rub or marinade to add flavor. Apply the seasoning generously to all sides of the meat, making sure to massage it into the meat for maximum flavor. Let the brisket sit at room temperature for another 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

Placing the Brisket in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a roasting pan with foil or parchment paper. Place the brisket fat-side up in the pan, making sure there is enough space around the meat to allow air to circulate. If desired, you can also add sliced onions and garlic to the pan to enhance the flavor of the meat.

Cooking the Brisket

Cook the brisket in the oven for about 1 hour per pound of meat, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Baste the brisket every hour or so with the juices in the pan to keep it moist and flavorful.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the brisket is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The temperature should read 190°F (88°C) or higher for a tender brisket. You can also check doneness by gently inserting a fork or knife into the meat – if it slides in and out easily, the meat is done.

Resting the Brisket

Once the brisket is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender brisket.

Slicing and Serving

Use a sharp knife to slice the brisket against the grain, which will help to ensure tender slices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

III. Recipe with Tips

Here is a recipe for oven-cooked brisket, along with some tips for making the perfect brisket:

Ingredients:

• 1 4-6 pound beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a roasting pan with foil or parchment paper.
2. Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin in a small bowl to make the dry rub.
3. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and rub the dry rub all over the meat.
4. Place the sliced onion and garlic in the bottom of the roasting pan and place the brisket on top, fat-side up.
5. Pour the beef broth over the brisket and cover the pan tightly with foil.
6. Cook the brisket in the oven for 1 hour per pound of meat, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
7. Baste the brisket with the juices in the pan every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Once the brisket is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve the brisket sliced against the grain with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Choose a good-quality brisket with plenty of fat for flavor and tenderness.
• Let the brisket sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before seasoning to ensure even seasoning.
• Pat the brisket dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear and flavor.
• Apply the seasoning generously and massage it into the meat.
• Baste the brisket every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Let the brisket rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

IV. Slow-Cooker Method

Advantages of Using a Slow-Cooker

Using a slow-cooker is a convenient way to cook brisket, as the slow and steady cooking process results in fork-tender and juicy meat. Slow-cookers also allow you to set it and forget it, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you don’t want to use the oven for an extended period of time.

Prepping the Brisket

Follow the same steps for prepping and seasoning the brisket as outlined in the previous section.

Seasoning the Brisket

Follow the same steps for seasoning the brisket as outlined in the previous section.

Placing the Brisket in the Slow-Cooker

Place the brisket in the slow-cooker, fat-side up, and add the sliced onions and garlic. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and cover the slow-cooker with the lid.

Cooking the Brisket

Cook the brisket on low for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

Checking for Doneness

Check for doneness using the same methods as outlined in the previous section.

Resting the Brisket

Let the brisket rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Slicing and Serving

Use a sharp knife to slice the brisket against the grain, and serve with your favorite sides.

V. Brisket Dos and Don’ts

Common Mistakes People Make When Cooking Brisket in the Oven

• Using a lean brisket, which can result in a tough and dry meat.
• Not trimming the excess fat, which can lead to a greasy and unpleasant result.
• Skipping the rest period, which can result in a dry and tough meat.
• Cooking the brisket at too high a temperature, which can result in a dry and tough meat.
• Not seasoning the brisket enough, resulting in a bland or tasteless meat.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

• Choose a good-quality brisket with plenty of fat for flavor and tenderness.
• Trim the excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch to protect the meat while cooking.
• Let the brisket rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
• Cook the brisket at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), for a longer period of time.
• Season the brisket generously with your favorite dry rub or marinade.

VI. Smoked Brisket

Overview of Adding a Smoky Flavor to Brisket Cooked in the Oven

If you love the smoky flavor of brisket, you can achieve it even when cooking the meat in the oven. One way to do this is by adding liquid smoke to the meat or to the cooking liquid. Another way is to add smoked salt to your dry rub or seasoning, which will impart a subtle smoky flavor to the meat.

Special Techniques for Smoking Brisket in the Oven

If you want to get really fancy, you can also smoke your brisket in the oven using special techniques. One way is to create a smoke packet by wrapping wood chips in foil and placing it in the oven with the brisket. As the packet heats up, it will release smoke that will infuse the meat with a smoky flavor.

Tips

• Add liquid smoke or smoked salt to your seasoning to achieve a smoky flavor.
• Create a smoke packet by wrapping wood chips in foil and placing it in the oven with the brisket.
• Use mesquite or hickory wood chips for a strong smoky flavor.

VII. Best Sides for Brisket

Brisket pairs well with a variety of sides, including:

• Coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Macaroni and cheese
• Corn on the cob

Tips on Preparation and Cooking

• Choose sides that complement the smoky and savory flavors of the brisket.
• Make sure to balance heavier sides with lighter ones, such as a fresh green salad.
• Prepare your sides ahead of time so they are ready to serve when the brisket is done.

VIII. Conclusion

Cooking brisket in the oven is a great alternative to smoking, and with the right techniques, you can achieve tender and juicy meat that is bursting with flavor. Whether you use our step-by-step guide, our recipe with tips, or our slow-cooker method, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with your delicious brisket.