Jun 09 2026

Burnt Ends Recipe

Time8h
Serves6

Tender bites of brisket, perfectly smoked and caramelized.

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Ingredients

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Brisket Preparation

Smoking and Finishing

Method

Brisket Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Brisket

    Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat on one side for flavor during cooking.

  2. 2

    Season the Brisket

    In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring an even coating. Allow the brisket to sit for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Smoking and Finishing

  1. 3

    Prepare the Smoker

    Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.

  2. 4

    Smoke the Brisket

    Place the brisket in the smoker fat side up and add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box. Smoke the brisket for about 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

  3. 5

    Wrap and Rest

    Once the brisket reaches the desired temperature, wrap it in butcher paper or aluminum foil and let it rest for 30-60 minutes.

  4. 6

    Cut into Burnt Ends

    After resting, cut the brisket into 1-inch cubes to create burnt ends.

  5. 7

    Caramelize the Burnt Ends

    Toss the cubes with BBQ sauce and honey, then return them to the smoker for an additional 1-2 hours at 250°F (121°C) until caramelized and crispy.

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