If you're a fan of tender, smoky, and flavorful brisket, then smoking it on a Weber grill is a great way to achieve that mouthwatering result. With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can create a delicious smoked brisket that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to smoke brisket on a Weber grill.
Preparation
Before you start smoking your brisket, it’s important to properly prepare the meat and the grill.
Selecting the Brisket
- Choose a well-marbled brisket that weighs between 10-14 pounds.
- Trim the excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch of fat on the surface to add flavor and moisture during the smoking process.
Seasoning the Brisket
- Create a flavorful rub using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Generously coat the brisket with the rub, ensuring that it's evenly covered on all sides.
- Let the seasoned brisket sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prepare the grill.
Preparing the Weber Grill
- Fill a chimney starter with charcoal and light it.
- Once the charcoal is hot, pour it onto one side of the grill's charcoal grate.
- Place a disposable aluminum drip pan on the other side of the charcoal grate to catch drippings during the smoking process.
- Place a few chunks of wood (such as hickory or mesquite) on top of the charcoal to create smoke.
Smoking the Brisket
Now that your brisket and grill are prepared, it’s time to start smoking.
Temperature Control
- Place the cooking grate on the grill and adjust the bottom vents to achieve a temperature of around 225-250°F.
- Place the brisket on the cooking grate, positioning it so that the thicker end is closer to the heat source.
Maintaining Smoke and Moisture
- Add more charcoal and wood chunks to the grill as needed to maintain a consistent temperature and smoke.
- Consider using a water pan to help regulate the temperature and keep the brisket moist during the smoking process.
Patience is Key
- Close the lid of the grill and resist the urge to open it frequently. This will help maintain a consistent cooking temperature and smoke level.
- Plan for the brisket to smoke for about 1.5 hours per pound, but keep in mind that every brisket is different, so cooking times may vary.
Checking for Doneness
After several hours of smoking, it’s time to check if the brisket is done.
Using a Meat Thermometer
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket without touching the bone.
- The brisket is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F and feels tender when probed.
Resting the Brisket
- Once the brisket reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and wrap it in butcher paper or aluminum foil.
- Allow the brisket to rest for at least 1 hour to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end product.
Slicing and Serving
- When it's time to serve, slice the brisket against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite BBQ sides and sauces.
By following these steps and being patient throughout the smoking process, you can achieve a perfectly smoked brisket on your Weber grill. The combination of smoky flavor, tender meat, and a mouthwatering bark will make your efforts well worth it. So fire up your grill, grab a brisket, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound smoking skills!
Was this page helpful?
Read Next: How To Smoke Meat With Pecan Wood