How Long To Rest Brisket

When it comes to cooking brisket, the most important factor to remember is the amount of time you should rest the meat after it is cooked. Brisket is a tough and fibrous cut of meat and needs a long period of rest, usually between one to two hours, or longer, to absorb the tasty meat juices throughout.

When the cooking process is complete and your brisket has been taken off the smoker, put it in an aluminum foil pan. Next, cover the brisket with an aluminum foil tent and let it rest to allow the juices to be absorbed into the meat. Do not open the foil tent so that the heat can remain in the brisket. Depending on the size of the brisket, the suggested rest times can range from one to four hours. If you have time, a full four hours of resting is ideal.

Once the meat has had sufficient rest time, remove the foil and take the brisket out of the pan. Using a food thermometer, check the internal temperature. If the brisket has not reached an internal temperature of 205–210 degrees, it means that it is not yet cooked through and should be cooked further.

By allowing your brisket to rest, the natural moisture is absorbed back into the meat which makes it juicy, tender and full of flavor. Resting will also help to mellow out any flavors that could be too intense after smoking. Additionally, it will make the fat softer and easier to slice.

Answer provided by Countwine