How Long To Smoke Brisket Per Pound?

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a brisket smoking in your backyard. Whether you want to cook it for a family gathering, a game night, or just because you’re craving smoked beef flavors, there’s no denying that a slow-cooked barbecue is one of life’s great treats.

However, do you know how long to smoke a brisket? It turns out smoking times vary based on several factors, including size and type of smoker used. 

Let’s break down the basics behind smoking brisket so that next time you feel inspired to get smoking, you’ll know not only what kind of time investment is necessary for packing great flavor into every bite – but also the tips & tricks for doing it just right!

Related:

• How Long Does it Take to Smoke Chicken Tenders
• How Long To Smoke Ribs

What Is Brisket?

Before we dive into the details of cooking a brisket, let’s take a quick look at what it is. Brisket typically comes from the lower chest area of cows. It is a tough, but flavorful that is often used for slow-cooking methods, like smoking, braising, or roasting.

Brisket is a popular cut for barbecue and is commonly associated with Texas-style barbecue. It is often rubbed with a mixture of spices and smoked for many hours until it is tender and juicy. So, how long exactly does it take to smoke a brisket?

How Long to Smoke a Brisket?

The time to smoke a brisket can vary depending on a few factors, like the size of the brisket, the smoker’s temperature, and the desired level of doneness. 

According to my experience, it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to smoke per pound at 250 degrees F.

Likewise, this is the suggested time to smoke a brisket of different weights:

• To cook a brisket weighing 10 pounds, it is suggested to smoke it for a duration of 6 to 9 hours.
• To cook a brisket weighing 15 pounds, it is suggested to smoke it for a duration of 10 to 12 hours.
• To cook a brisket weighing 20 pounds, it is suggested to smoke it for a duration of 12 to 16 hours.

It is also possible to smoke a brisket at a lower temperature of 225°F. However, this will require more time as the lower temperature will cook the brisket more slowly. Each pound should be smoked for about 1 to 1,5 hours at 225 degrees F.

Note: Check the brisket’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached 195-205°F (90-96°C) before taking it out from the smoker.

Factors that can change the time it takes for smoking beef brisket

There are a few factors that can change the time it takes to smoke beef brisket. These include:

• The size and weight of the brisket: The larger and thicker the brisket, the longer it will take to smoke.
• The temperature of the smoker: The higher the temperature of the smoker, the shorter the cooking time will be. However, if you smoke the brisket at too high of a temperature, it will dry out.
• The type of wood chips you are using: Different types of wood chips will impart different flavors to the brisket. Some common types of wood chips for smoking brisket include hickory, oak, and mesquite.
• How often you open the smoker: Every time you open the smoker, you let out heat and smoke. This can slow down the cooking process. So, it is best to open the smoker as few times as possible.
• The weather: If it is windy or cold outside, the cooking time will be longer. This is because the wind can disrupt the airflow in the smoker and the cold weather can make the brisket cook more slowly.
• The humidity: If the humidity is high, the cooking time will be longer. This is because the humidity can make the brisket cook more slowly.

Equipment for Smoking Brisket

To smoke a brisket, you will need a few essential tools and equipment. Good tools will make your brisket more amazing and save smoke time. Here are some of the basic tools needed to smoke a brisket:

• Smoker: The smoker is the primary tool needed for smoking a brisket. Maintaining a consistent temperature of 225 degrees F is highly suggested for optimal results.
• A sizable cutting board is necessary to slice the brisket after it has been cooked and is ready to be served.
• A meat thermometer is an essential tool for smoking a brisket. It helps you monitor the brisket’s internal temperature to ensure that it is cooked properly and is safe to eat.
• It is essential to have a sharp and high-quality knife to cut the brisket into slices.

Smoking a Brisket Ingredients

Smoking a brisket is an enjoyable and traditional activity in many places, but the secret to making it great lies in the ingredients used. There are numerous methods for preparing and smoking a brisket, yet there are some key components that can bring out its amazing flavors. 

In order to get the best flavors, these essential ingredients should be carefully considered.

• brisket
• wagyu tallow* (or olive oil or mustard)
• black pepper
• coarse salt
• paprika
• garlic powder
• apple cider vinegar

How to Smoke a Brisket?

Smoking a brisket is a long and slow process, but if done right, it can turn into an incredibly delicious, tender cut of meat. Therefore, let’s figure out how to smoke a brisket.

Select The Brisket

To achieve a juicy smoked brisket, selecting the right brisket is crucial. Choose a brisket weighing 10-14 pounds that is well-trimmed with good marbling and bright red color. Brisket is graded as Choice or Select, with Choice being more tender. Buy from a reputable source to ensure quality.

Trim The Brisket

To prepare brisket for smoking, trim it by removing excess fat and silver skin with a sharp knife, shaping the meat, and saving the trimmings for other uses. This will result in a more tender and flavorful smoked brisket. Take the time to trim the brisket properly, which may take around 20-30 minutes.

Season The Brisket

To season your brisket, create a dry rub with your preferred spices and herbs, like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. Rub the mixture all over the brisket and let it rest for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. 

This will enhance the meat’s natural flavors and create a tasty crust on the outside.

Get Smoking

For the best results, it’s important to use quality hardwood in your smoker to smoke the brisket. Oak was used as the main wood with a small amount of cherry added for flavor. Regardless of the type of smoker you use, the key is to maintain a steady flow of thin blue smoke and consistent heat.

Continue to smoke the brisket while maintaining a steady temperature of 225 – 250 degrees F until the thickest part of the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 202 degrees F.

Wrap The Brisket

Wrapping the brisket is a crucial step in the smoking process to ensure that the meat stays moist and tender.

Rest the brisket

Once the brisket reaches the desired internal temperature, take it out from the smoker and let it rest for at least an hour. This enables the juices to be distributed more evenly throughout the meat.

Slice and serve

After resting, slice the brisket against the grain and serve it with your favorite barbecue sauce or sides.

Tips for the Best Smoked Brisket

Now, you know all about how long to smoke a brisket and the steps for smoking this delicious cut of meat. Here are some additional tips that can help you achieve the best-smoked brisket:

• Patience is key – Smoking takes time, so be patient and take your time.

• Use quality hardwood – Don’t use too much wood or cheap wood as this can overpower the flavor of the brisket. You should use quality hardwood like oak or hickory for the best results.

• Monitor temperature – Make sure to monitor the heat and smoke levels in your smoker throughout the smoking process.

• Wrap the brisket – Wrapping your brisket during the last few hours of cooking is essential for creating tender, juicy meat.

• Monitor internal temperature – Use a thermometer to monitor the brisket’s internal temperature throughout the smoking process.

• Rest and slice against the grain – Letting your smoked brisket rest for at least an hour helps retain its moisture, and slicing it against the grain makes it easier to chew.

How to tell when your brisket is done?

First and foremost, you can use a meat thermometer to check the brisket’s internal temperature. The ideal temperature for a well-cooked brisket is around 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones or fat. Once the internal temperature reaches the desired range, you can be confident that your brisket is done.

Another way to determine if your brisket is done is by doing the “fork test.” Carefully insert a fork into the thickest part of the brisket, and if it easily slides in and out with little resistance, it is a good indication that the meat is tender and cooked to perfection.

Furthermore, the appearance of the brisket can also provide valuable insights into its doneness. A well-cooked brisket should have a nice bark or crust on the outside. The meat should be dark brown with a beautifully caramelized exterior. If your brisket has this desired appearance, it is a good indication that it is done.

Lastly, the “jiggle test” can be used to check for tenderness. Gently move the brisket from side to side with a pair of tongs, and if the meat wiggles and jiggles easily, it is a sign that the connective tissues have broken down and the brisket is done.

Ways to shorten the smoking time

Here are some ways to shorten the smoking brisket time:

• Use a hotter smoker. Smoking a brisket at a higher temperature will shorten the cooking time. However, it is important to not smoke the brisket at too high of a temperature, or it will dry out. A good rule of thumb is to smoke the brisket at 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use a smaller brisket. A smaller brisket will cook more quickly than a larger brisket. If you are short on time, you can choose a smaller brisket.
• Trim the brisket. Trimming the brisket of excess fat will help it cook more quickly. The fat will also render out during the cooking process, so you don’t need to worry about it drying out.
• Use a crutch. A crutch is a method of wrapping the brisket in foil or butcher paper after it has been smoking for a few hours. This helps to keep the moisture in the brisket and prevent it from drying out.
• Inject the brisket. Injecting the brisket with a flavorful liquid will help to keep it moist and flavorful. You can use a simple brine or a more complex marinade.
• Rest the brisket. After the brisket is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least an hour before slicing into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy brisket.

What to Serve with Smoked Brisket?

Smoked brisket is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. 

• Coleslaw: The crunchy and tangy flavor of coleslaw complements the smoky flavor of the brisket.
• Baked beans: A classic barbecue side dish, baked beans add a sweet and savory element to the meal.
• Mac and cheese: Creamy and cheesy, mac and cheese is a comfort food that goes great with smoked brisket.
• Potato salad: Another classic barbecue side dish, potato salad is a refreshing addition to the meal.
• Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is a great side dish to soak up the juices from the brisket.
• Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, and bell peppers add a healthy element to the meal.
• Pickles and onions: Pickles and onions provide a tangy and crunchy contrast to the smoky flavor of the brisket.

Troubleshooting common issues with smoked briskets

Here are some tips on how to troubleshoot these issues:

Issue: The brisket is tough.

Solution: There are a few possible reasons why your brisket is tough. One possibility is that you didn’t cook it long enough. Another possibility is that you didn’t trim the brisket of excess fat. You can also try wrapping the brisket in foil or butcher paper after it has been smoking for a few hours. This will help to keep the moisture in the brisket and prevent it from drying out.

Issue: The brisket is dry.

Solution: There are a few possible reasons why your brisket is dry. One possibility is that you cooked it at too high of a temperature. Another possibility is that you didn’t inject the brisket with a flavorful liquid. You can also try wrapping the brisket in foil or butcher paper after it has been smoking for a few hours. This will help to keep the moisture in the brisket and prevent it from drying out.

Issue: The brisket is not smoky enough.

Solution: There are a few possible reasons why your brisket is not smoky enough. One possibility is that you didn’t use enough wood chips. Another possibility is that you didn’t smoke the brisket for long enough. You can also try using a different type of wood chip. Some good choices for smoking brisket include hickory, oak, and mesquite.

Issue: The brisket is overcooked.

Solution: If your brisket is overcooked, there is not much you can do to fix it. However, you can try to salvage it by slicing it thinly and serving it with a sauce or gravy.

FAQs

How Long To Smoke a Brisket at 225?

The ideal temperature for smoking a brisket is 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and the general cooking time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for each pound.

How Long to Smoke a 10 lb Brisket at 225?

A 10 lb brisket will take approximately 15 to 20 hours to smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Long to Smoke a Brisket So It Falls Apart?

To smoke a brisket until it falls apart usually takes between 12 to 16 hours at a temperature of 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the brisket’s size and thickness, as well as the consistency of the heat in the smoker. 

What Temp Should I Wrap My Brisket?

It is suggested to wrap a brisket once it reaches an internal temperature of around 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually after about 6-8 hours of smoking.

Do You Have to Flip a Brisket When Smoking?

No, you do not need to flip a brisket when smoking. In fact, flipping a brisket could potentially cause it to lose some of its juices and disturb the cooking process. It’s best to leave the brisket undisturbed during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.

Can You Overcook Brisket In a Smoker?

Yes, it is possible to overcook brisket in a smoker. Overcooking can result in a dry and tough brisket that is difficult to chew. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the brisket and take it out from the smoker once it reaches the desired temperature, usually around 195-205°F.

Conclusion

In the end, smoking a brisket correctly is an art form and there is no definitive answer for how long to smoke a brisket, however, in general,  it is suggested to cook a brisket at 225-250°F for 1.5-2 hours per pound and wrap the brisket once it reaches an internal temperature of 160-170°F.

With this guide and careful attention, you can ensure that your brisket turns out juicy and flavorful every time. So build your firebox, heat up your smoker, and get going on making some mouthwatering smoked meat!

Reference: The 8 Factors That Affect Meat Cooking Times – Smoked BBQ Source