Beef brisket is the ultimate signature dish – no other dish can match its richness, meatiness and absolute deliciousness. While stewed brisket may already be in your recipe, now is the time to learn how to roast brisket on a charcoal grill for added smoky flavor. While the delicacy of brisket after slow roasting over low heat is irresistible, the brisket can be a little hard if the fibers of the meat don’t have enough time to break down and soften over low heat. Luckily, with the right approach and knowledge, you can set a charcoal grill as the best place to cook the best brisket.
How to Grill Brisket on a Charcoal Grill?
Slow cookers and Dutch ovens are often popular tools for cooking brisket, as they can easily keep the temperature low and allow the brisket to simmer in the juice for a long time. Charcoal grills usually have higher temperatures and food tends to cook faster, so when you’re learning how to cook brisket on the grill, what you’re actually doing is converting your charcoal grill into a smoker. Smokers use indirect heat to cook food and circulate smoke and heat around the food, giving it a slightly burnt flavor but not overcooking.
First, soak 1 to 2 cups of wood chips in water for at least an hour (the more wood chips, the more smoke will be produced). If you want to add flavor, you can also soak the sawdust in apple juice or beer. Season the brisket as desired, then place the medium-hot lumps of coals around the drip pan. Pour an inch-deep amount of hot water into a drip pan. Drain the wood chips and sprinkle them on top of the coals. Test the grill’s low-medium heat in the area above the drip pan.
Place the brisket fat side down on a drip tray on the grill. Then cover the grill and let the brisket smoke. If you’re wondering how long it takes to roast a brisket on a charcoal grill, it depends on the size of the roast and the heat of the grill. If you’re following a specific roasted brisket recipe, follow the directions in the recipe. Otherwise, plan to smoke the meat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the meat thermometer shows a temperature between 185°F and 190°F. Flip the brisket once during cooking and add extra coal and water as needed to help maintain temperature, humidity, and smoke. While you’re tempted to keep checking the condition of the meat, try not to cover the grill to keep it hot and smoky.
Once you’ve learned how to grill brisket on a charcoal grill, start experimenting with different flavor combinations. It’s hard to go wrong with a traditional barbecue, but other flavors are delicious, including beer brisket or even blueberry brisket. Try all of them, or try your own seasoning combinations!