How To Smoke A 12 Lb Brisket On A Traeger

Smoking a 12 lb Brisket on a Traeger Grill

Smoking a brisket on a Traeger grill can be a delicious and rewarding experience. The slow, low-temperature cooking process results in a tender and flavorful brisket that is sure to impress your friends and family. If you’re new to smoking meats or just looking for some tips to improve your technique, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to smoke a 12 lb brisket on a Traeger grill.

Preparation

Before you begin smoking your brisket, it’s important to properly prepare the meat and the grill. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Trim the Brisket: Start by trimming any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat on the surface to help keep the meat moist during the smoking process.
2. Season the Brisket: Generously season the brisket with your favorite dry rub, making sure to coat all sides of the meat evenly.
3. Preheat the Traeger Grill: Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F, using your favorite wood pellets to infuse the brisket with smoky flavor.

Smoking the Brisket

Once your grill is preheated and your brisket is seasoned, it’s time to start smoking. Follow these steps for a successful smoking process:

1. Place the Brisket on the Grill: Carefully place the seasoned brisket on the grill grates, close the lid, and let the smoking process begin.
2. Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the brisket, aiming for a final temperature of 195-205°F for optimal tenderness.
3. Adjust the Grill as Needed: Throughout the smoking process, make any necessary adjustments to the grill temperature and add more wood pellets as needed to maintain a consistent level of smoke.

Resting and Serving

Once the brisket has reached the desired internal temperature, it’s time to remove it from the grill and let it rest before serving. Here’s what to do:

1. Rest the Brisket: Transfer the brisket to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
2. Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the brisket against the grain and serve it with your favorite barbecue sauce, sides, and accompaniments.

By following these steps, you can smoke a 12 lb brisket on a Traeger grill to perfection. Remember to be patient and allow plenty of time for the smoking process, as low and slow is the key to achieving a tender and flavorful brisket. With practice and experimentation, you’ll soon become a master of the Traeger grill and impress your guests with mouthwatering smoked brisket.