Brisket Burnt Ends
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Brisket Burnt Ends are a smokehouse delicacy! Hunks of brisket seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and drenched in tangy BBQ sauce… {{swoon}}
Smoked brisket point is removed from the flat and chopped into bite-sized pieces, then it goes back in the smoker for another round. The extra fat melts right in for incredibly juicy beef with a delectable crust.
The smell is so incredible, you’ll be tempted to sneak bites before the meat is even done!
Chad and I are absolutely hooked on smoked brisket, but I tell you there is nothing quite like burnt ends. There are so many ways to enjoy ’em, but my favorite is burnt end nachos.
Smokers and combination grills are taking neighborhood backyards by storm! But while everyone else is smoking the usual steaks and wings, you can truly impress your guests with this burnt ends recipe!
Sure, you may have to get started bright and early — you’ve got to smoke the whole brisket first, after all. But when you take your first bite, you’ll know every hour spent is worth it.
Brisket Burnt Ends
If you’re wondering what part of the brisket is burnt ends, wonder no more!
Made from the point cut (or deckle) of the brisket, the scrumptious bites of smoked beef became popular in Kansas City in the 1970s.
After slicing the flat cut for sandwiches, the heavily smoked end pieces were chopped up and passed out as appetizers to waiting customers.
Very quickly, they discovered that brisket burnt ends is the best part! Smoking makes everything taste better, from meats and seafood to veggies and baked beans.
Don’t let this backyard appliance intimidate you — once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to try out all kinds of recipes!
Burnt Ends Recipe FAQ
You sure can! Just set your grill to indirect cooking, then follow the burnt ends recipe as directed, below.
Instead of using pellets like you would for Traeger burnt ends, you will need to soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water off and add the wood chips to a smoker box. Alternatively, wrap the brisket pieces in foil and poke a few holes all over, so the steam can escape.
For the best results, all cuts of beef should be smoked low and slow, at 225°F. Especially brisket point; It needs to cook at a lower heat, so the pieces come out both tender and crispy.
What do you do with burnt ends?
You mean aside from gobbling them right up? Burnt ends make for the best nachos!!! I serve them on a bed of tortilla chips with a layer of queso (or beer cheese queso!) ,a scoop of apple baked beans, burnt ends, pickled jalapenos and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. You can’t go wrong with those!
You can also serve them with toothpicks for a savory appetizer, or load them onto rolls for a tasty sandwich.
Brisket burnt ends are also great as a main course along with all of your barbecue favorites. Toss some corn on the cob or a few potatoes in the smoker with the meat for a simple meal, made in one shot!
Do you cover burnt ends in foil?
You’ll regret it if you do! Brisket burnt ends should be smoked uncovered to get that signature crispy coating all over. The meat is already cooked through from the first round of smoking — the extra time is really to get it more tender and delicious.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Brisket point
You will need to use the removed point cut from already smoked beef brisket. This cut can be hard to find by itself and is typically sold attached to the flat cut. So, it’s typically a better deal to buy the whole brisket.
If you don’t feel like smoking a whole brisket, I’ve also got a Poor Man’s Burnt Ends recipe made with chuck roast that you can cook in an oven or on a smoker. - Brown sugar
This adds sweetness to balance the spice. It also caramelizes in the smoker, helping to create a mouthwatering crust on the surface of the meat. - Spices
Garlic powder and onion powder create a savory base. Chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne add plenty of heat and a little extra kick. If you prefer your meat to be less spicy, simply omit the cayenne. - BBQ Sauce
Use a bottle of your favorite brand, or whip up my signature recipe! You’ll need up to a half cup of sauce for coating the beef, plus more for dipping.
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How To Make Burnt Ends
First, you’ll need to spend most of the day smoking a whole brisket. After the meat rests and you have removed the brisket point, continue with this burnt ends recipe.
- Cube the meat. Slice into 1-inch pieces and place in an aluminum pan.
- Toss with spices. Mix together the brown sugar and seasonings, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the meat. Toss until well combined.
- Coat in BBQ sauce. Pour some of the sauce over the beef and toss to coat. Add more if needed, just until every piece is covered.
- Smoke. Place the pan inside the smoker, uncovered, at 225°F. Cook for about an hour, tossing the meat halfway through, until crispy on the outside and extra tender on the inside.
Storing and Reheating
Any leftover brisket burnt ends should be refrigerated in an airtight container. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days, either cold from the fridge or warmed back up.
Reheat the meat in the oven (no hotter than 325°F), switching to the broiler at the end if you want crispy bits again. Even an air fryer would be a great option for warming the meat back up!
Equipment
- Smoker – Wood pellet varieties allow extra flavor to be infused into whatever you’re smoking.
- Wood chips or Pellets – I love this blend of black oak, hickory, elm, and mesquite and use it for just about everything.
- Quality knives and a big solid cutting board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.
- Disposable aluminum pan – Easy to transfer from smoker to table without losing any of that delicious sauce!
- Long tongs make it easier to flip the brisket burnt ends without reaching all the way into the smoker.
Enjoy!
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Brisket Burnt Ends
Ingredients
- 3 pounds smoked brisket point
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ¼ cup TSRI’s signature bbq sauce, plus more for dipping
Instructions
- After the point has been smoked and removed from the brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes and arrange in a single layer in an aluminum foil pan.
- Mix the dry spices together and sprinkle over the meat. Toss to coat evenly.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the burnt ends and toss again. Use just enough BBQ sauce to coat the meat.
- Return to the smoker, uncovered, at 225F for about 1 hour, stirring halfway through the smoking time.
- Remove from the smoker and serve with additional BBQ sauce.
Donna’s Notes
- Feel free to use BBQ sauce of choice
- To prepare burnt ends on a grill rather than a smoker, please see instructions in the post.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published May 2022.
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A perfect mix of sweet and savory! This was so easy to put together.