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What is the best way to rest brisket after smoking?

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Are you tired of dry and flavorless brisket after smoking? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll explore the best way to rest your brisket to ensure juicy and tender meat every time.

For the best results, it’s recommended to rest your brisket in the oven after smoking. The oven provides insulation and allows for temperature control, leading to juicy and tender meat. If you’re short on time, resting the brisket on the counter or in an ice cooler will also work, but the oven is the preferred method for the best outcome.

Method 1: Resting in the Oven

The most practical and ideal method, according to the author, is to put the brisket back into the oven. This method has a few benefits:

  • Insulation: The oven is a well-insulated device, much like an ice cooler.
  • Temperature Control: The oven allows you to warm the ambient temperature, which can help prolong the resting period. For example, you can set the temperature to 100 degrees, and the internal temperature of the brisket will slowly come down without overcooking.
  • Juicy Meat: As the internal temperature comes down, the juices will start seeping back into the meat, resulting in juicy brisket.

Method 2: Resting on the Counter or in an Ice Cooler

If you’re short on time, you can rest your brisket on the counter or in an ice cooler. The ice cooler has the same insulation properties as the oven, but you can’t modify the ambient temperature to control the internal temperature.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the method you choose will depend on your timeline and the desired outcome. If you want juicy and tender brisket, try the oven method. If you’re short on time, resting on the counter or in an ice cooler will do the trick. Happy smoking!