Wednesday, 11 June 2014

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket

Any barbecue enthusiast must be familiar with briskets, which are cuts of beef that come from across the length of the chest of a cow. This part of the animal is tough and full of connective tissue, which makes it ideal for slow cooking over a barbecue. This firm piece of meat is available at reasonable prices and thus, makes it perfect for family gatherings. Slow cooked beef briskets are quite popular in Texas, where a variety of recipes are used to prepare delicious briskets.
 
One can easily prepare the briskets by using spicy rubs and the right use of smoke and heat. First, one needs to rub or massage the briskets with a barbecue rub with spices, peppers, and salt. Many convenience foods manufacturers offer rubs and BBQ sauces to tenderize and flavor briskets. Thoroughly massaged brisket is refrigerated overnight before it is barbecued. To cook the briskets slowly or barbecue them, first it is essential to prepare the equipment and light up the charcoal, which is usually hardwood such as Oak or hickory. Once the coal is burnt to white and ashy coal, it is time to dump these coals over half of the bottom grate of the kettle grill and put some wood chunks, which will eventually smolder and smoke. The lid is placed over the grill.
 
Once the temperature in the bottom vents is 225-250 degrees, a foil pan with water is placed opposite the coals. To cook the briskets slowly, one should place the briskets directly over the water bath after closing the top grill grate. It is crucial to maintain the temperature and for this, it is essential to replenish the fire with coals. Then, one needs to pour some quantity of lager beer over the meat and wrap it in heavy-duty foil so that all the juices and beer is sealed. After wrapping, the briskets are placed over the grill until it is done. The briskets are kept on cool grill for an hour before serving.
 
Slow cooked beef briskets are served in a different ways and with a variety of side dishes. There are many sauces including barbecue sauces, which are either spread over the meat or served along with the briskets. Slow cooked beef briskets are hugely popular in Texas, where chili sauces are used with briskets. These BBQ sauces have strong flavor that make briskets more flavorful and are easily available at various convenience stores.