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If you’ve ever smoked a brisket, you know that it’s a long process. And once the brisket is done, you want to make sure it’s eaten as soon as possible! But what if you can’t eat it all right away?
Can you keep smoked brisket warm in a cooler? The answer is yes, but only for a certain amount of time. Keep reading to find out how long smoked brisket can be kept warm in a cooler.
Why Would You Hold Smoked Brisket in A Cooler?
Coolers are well-insulated and meant to keep objects cold for extended periods of time. However, the same design is ideal for keeping items warm as well.
Whether your brisket finished cooking more sooner than expected, or you need to buy yourself some time before your visitors arrive, knowing how to keep a brisket warm and juicy is a must-have talent for any pitmaster.
Coolers can preserve the freshness of a newly smoked brisket while preserving its quality. Furthermore, it will ensure that the meat does not go into the “danger zone,” ensuring that it is safe for you and any guests to consume.
Coolers can also help brisket rest for longer lengths of time. If you want to rest your brisket for more than 2 hours, you’ll need to use certain tricks to keep the meat from cooling into the danger zone.
The danger zone is the temperature range at room temperature that raw and cooked meats should never be permitted to exceed.
Raw brisket should be kept below 40 degrees(F), whereas cooked brisket should be kept above 140 degrees(F) at room temperature.
A cooler will allow you to rest a brisket for more than 2 hours without jeopardizing the meat’s safety or quality.
How To Use a Cooler to Hold Brisket
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as simply putting the brisket in the cooler and letting it alone. This strategy is straightforward to set up and maintain. Before removing the brisket from the smoker, start prepping the cooler.
To begin, heat up a pot or kettle of water and pour it into the cooler. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before draining and drying it.
Line the cooler with cloth towels now. This will add an additional layer of insulation for heat retention. Do it fast so that you can close the top and retain the heat inside.
Pull the brisket from the smoker and, if not previously wrapped, wrap it in foil. Wrap it in another cloth towel and put it in the cooler, closing the lid tightly.
If done correctly, you should be able to hold the brisket like this for 4 to 6 hours, but it can be slightly extended.
To maintain a constant climate, remove the brisket every hour or so and refilter boiling water through the cooler. You can increase the holding time to roughly 10 hours by doing so!
Always keep a close eye on the internal temperature of the brisket, making sure it never dips below 140 degrees(F).
What Happens If Brisket Isn’t Rested Enough?
It’s important to allow the brisket to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing into it. This resting period gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more flavorful and moist slices.
However, if the brisket is not rested long enough, the juices will simply run out when it’s cut, leaving the meat dry and tough. So, if you’re looking for the perfect brisket, be sure to give it plenty of time to rest.
Are There Other Ways to Hold Brisket for Extended Periods?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the amount of time brisket can be rested inside of a holding oven will depend on several factors. First, the type of brisket being cooked will play a role, as leaner cuts will dry out more quickly than fattier ones.
Second, the temperature of the holding oven will also impact how long the brisket can be rested. If the oven is set too high, the outside of the meat may overcook while the inside remains raw.
Conversely, if the oven is set too low, the brisket may never reach the desired level of doneness. As a result, it is important to carefully monitor both the type of brisket and the temperature of the holding oven to ensure that the meat is cooked properly.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve answered the question of how long smoked brisket can be kept fresh and juicy inside a cooler without losing any quality, it’s time to explore some of the ways you can use this knowledge to your advantage.
For example, if you have a big party or event coming up, you can smoke your brisket ahead of time and then store it in a cooler until it’s time for service. This will help keep your food warm and appetizing for your guests.
In addition, using a cooler as temporary storage is a great way to buy yourself some extra time if you happen to be running behind on preparing your meal.
No matter what occasion you’re planning for, keeping smoked brisket fresh in a cooler is sure to make things easier on you while ensuring that your food remains delicious.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.