How to Reheat Brisket And Keep It Juicy

To reheat brisket you preheat your oven (or smoker) to 250°F. Next wrap your brisket inside aluminum foil and place it into your oven or smoker. The goal is for our brisket to taste like it just came off the smoker.

Brisket is a tender and delicious cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of a cow.

It’s a very popular dish at BBQs, family gatherings and many other events. The mouth-watering and slow-cooked meat can take hours to cook to perfection… but once it’s done the result is well worth the effort!

When if you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious meat it’s essential to know how to reheat it properly. I’m going to cover the best way to reheat your brisket in this quick guide.

Importance of Reheating Brisket Correctly

Preserving Taste and Texture

Reheating brisket the right way is crucial to maintain its taste and texture. I think starting with this end goal in mind really helps set the tone for the overall strategy outlined here below.

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to enjoy the same tender and flavorful meat as when

 it was first cooked if you do this correctly.

Avoiding Dryness

Brisket is notorious for becoming dry when not reheated properly… because it is a meat that requires careful attention to reheat it correctly in my experience. 

But by following the right methods you can prevent this from happening and you can make sure that your reheated brisket stays moist and delicious.

Reheating Methods

1. Oven Reheating

From what I have found,  the single best ways to reheat brisket is by using an oven. This method allows for even heat distribution that helps preserve the meat’s taste and tenderness.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. If your brisket is wrapped in foil or plastic, remove it and place it in a baking dish.
3. Add a small amount of liquid (such as beef broth or water) to the dish. This helps to keep the meat moist.
4. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Reheat the brisket in the oven for about 30-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
6. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
7. Once heated all of the way through let the brisket rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Stovetop Reheating

This is my 2nd favorite method for reheating brisket is using a stovetop. This can be a quicker option than using an oven but it requires a bit more attention to avoid overcooking. 

Stovetop reheating is a good option when your oven is being used or you value the quickness of the process over perhaps the most perfect reheat in the oven.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Slice the brisket into thin pieces.
2. Heat a skillet or large pan over medium heat.
3. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan.
4. Add the sliced brisket to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it.
5. Gently heat the brisket, turning it occasionally to ensure even heating.
6. Remove the brisket from the pan when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, as measured by a meat thermometer.
7.  Allow the brisket to rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Microwave Reheating

Microwaving is the fastest way to reheat brisket but might not provide the best results in terms of taste and texture.

I’ll go over the process here for you because it can be a convenient option when you’re in a hurry.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Slice the brisket into thin pieces.
2. Place the slices in a microwave-safe dish.
3. Add a small amount of liquid (such as beef broth or water) to help retain moisture.
4. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small opening to allow steam to escape.
5. Reheat the brisket in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness every 30 seconds.
6. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the brisket rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Slicing the Brisket

Slicing the brisket into thin pieces can help it reheat more evenly and prevent it from becoming dry.

Make sure to slice against the grain to maintain its tenderness.

So many people forget this simple and core principle. If you fail to slice against the grain your meat’s texture will be completely different and very noticeable.

See the picture above so you know exactly how the slice should look when you go against the grain. Notice the grain runs north/south and the cut runs west/east.

Using a Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is a fool proof way to ensure your brisket is reheated to a safe temperature.

I always check the internal temperature and aim for 165°F to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat (as I’ve said 100 times already in this article).

Conclusion

Reheating brisket doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Infact, it’s quite easy to get a wonderful reheated brisket when you use the oven method.

I hope you joy tender, juicy, and flavorful brisket even after it has been reheated. 

FAQs

1. Can I freeze cooked brisket? Yes, you can freeze cooked brisket. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

2. How long can cooked brisket be stored in the refrigerator? Cooked brisket can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.

3. Do I need to add liquid when reheating brisket? Adding a small amount of liquid, like beef broth or water, when reheating brisket helps to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

4. What other liquids can I use when reheating brisket? You can use liquids such as apple juice, barbecue sauce, or beer to add extra flavor and moisture when reheating brisket.

5. Can I reheat brisket in a slow cooker? Yes, you can reheat brisket in a slow cooker. Place the brisket in the slow cooker, add some liquid, and set it to low heat. It may take 2-4 hours to reheat, depending on the thickness of the meat.