In the summer, when you have sweat dripping off your brow, a cold beer in your hand, and the BBQ smoldering away, it can be the happiest time of year.
If you have spent a lot of hours slow-cooking your brisket to perfection, the last thing you want to do before serving it is to watch it go cold and tough as soon as you pop it on the table.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your brisket warm after resting so that you can enjoy every last bite.
Tips for Keeping Brisket Warm After Resting
One of the good things about serving Brisket while it is hot is that it is much easier to carve and serve. However, if the meat has been rested for a long time, this means that the outside could be cold before you get it onto your plate.
Tip #1: Use an Insulated Cooler or Thermos
If you’re planning on serving your brisket within two hours of taking it off the grill, then an insulated cooler or thermos can help keep it warm. You just need to place your brisket in the cooler or thermos and seal it tight.
The insulation will help keep the heat in, allowing your brisket to stay nice and warm for up to two hours. Just be sure to slice your brisket before placing it in the cooler or thermos so that it will be easier to serve later on.
Tip #2: Wrap It Up Tight
If you have some time to spare, wrapping your brisket tightly in foil or butcher paper can help keep it warm for up to four hours. Start by slicing your brisket into manageable pieces and then wrapping each piece tightly in foil or butcher paper.
Once all of the pieces are wrapped, place them on a baking sheet and put them back in a warm oven (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to eat, simply re-slice the brisket and enjoy!
Tip #3: Place It Under a Heat Lamp
If you’re serving your brisket within an hour of taking it out of the oven, then another alternative is to place it under a heat lamp to keep it warm.
You’ll just need to set up your heat lamp so that it’s pointing towards the sliced brisket, turn it on, and the job is done.
Your brisket will stay nice and warm until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to check on the meat every so often to make sure that it’s not drying out; if necessary, you can lightly brush it with some beef broth or barbecue sauce to help keep it moist.
How do you revive dried-out brisket?
Unfortunately, dried-out brisket is a common problem that many home cooks face. The good thing is that there are a few things you can do to salvage your dry brisket.
- Add moist ingredients: One way to combat a dry brisket is to add moisture back into the dish. This can be done by adding things like chicken broth, water, or even beer to the cooking pan. Adding these liquid ingredients can help to rehydrate the meat and make it more moist and juicy.
- Cover the meat: Another method is to cover the brisket while it’s cooking. This will help to trap in the juices and prevent them from evaporating. Be sure to use a lid that fits snugly on the pan so that no steam escapes.
- Use a foil wrap: A third option is to wrap the brisket in aluminum foil before cooking it. This will also help to keep the juices in and prevent them from evaporating into the air.
- Slow cook the meat: If all else fails, you can always try cooking the brisket at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. This method won’t necessarily add moisture back into the meat, but it will prevent further drying out and may make it more tolerable to eat.
- Slice against the grain: Finally, one last tip is to slice the brisket against the grain instead of with it. Slicing against the grain will make the meat easier to chew and less likely to be tough and dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing worse than spending hours upon hours slow-cooking a delicious brisket only to have it get cold before you get a chance to enjoy it.
The good news is there are a few simple tricks you can use to keep your brisket warm after resting.
Whether you use an insulated cooler or thermos, wrap the meat tightly in foil or butcher paper, or place it under a heat lamp, following these tips will help ensure that your brisket stays warm and delicious from start to finish.
