Why You Should Never Grill Brisket On Your Barbecue

The barbecue is the quintessential spot for grilling just about anything. Ask any American, and they will whip out their personal recipe book filled with a plethora of grilling and barbecue recipes for every type of meat, fish, veggies, and more. Everything seems to go well on the grill, right? Well, not exactly. There's one cut of meat that doesn't fare well on the grill, and that's brisket.

What is Brisket and What is it Made Of?

Brisket is a cut of meat from the lower chest or breast of beef. It's a hefty piece of meat, known for its rich marbling and tough texture. The muscle in this area does a lot of work, which means it has a lot of connective tissue. This connective tissue can make brisket a bit tricky to cook, requiring a long, slow cooking process to break down the fibers and achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that brisket lovers crave. When cooked correctly, brisket can be incredibly flavorful and juicy, but it's not a cut that can be rushed.

Why Brisket and Grills Don't Mix

So why does brisket fail to shine on the grill? The main issue lies in the cooking method. Grilling is typically a high-heat, quick-cooking process, which works wonders for steaks and vegetables. However, brisket needs low and slow heat to properly break down its tough connective tissues. When brisket is cooked too quickly, it becomes tough, chewy, and dry – the exact opposite of what you're aiming for. The direct heat of the grill doesn't give brisket enough time to tenderize, leaving you with a disappointing and unenjoyable meal.

The Best Way to Cook Brisket is Low and Slow

To truly do justice to a cut of brisket, you need to opt for a slow-cooking method, such as smoking or braising. Smoking brisket is a popular method that involves cooking the meat at a low temperature for several hours, often overnight. This allows the smoke to infuse the meat with flavor while the low heat gently breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a tender, juicy brisket with a beautiful bark on the outside. Braising, on the other hand, involves cooking the brisket in liquid at a low temperature for an extended period. This method also ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

In contrast, grilling brisket like a steak simply doesn't provide the necessary conditions for the meat to transform. While a steak can handle the high heat and short cooking time of a grill, brisket demands patience and care. So, next time you're planning a barbecue, save the grill for your steaks and give your brisket the time and love it deserves with a slow-cooking method.