How to Reheat Brisket: The Ultimate Guide

The best way to reheat brisket is to preheat your oven to 250°F, put your brisket in a baking dish and bake it in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Brisket is a popular cut of meat that is widely loved in different cuisines around the world… but mostly for BBQ or grilling. It is very flavorful and perfect for BBQs, sandwiches and also served as a main dish.

However, reheating brisket can be a bit tricky.

The wrong technique can lead to dried-out or overcooked meat which can ruin the dish. In this article, I will share some expert tips on how to reheat brisket and ensure that it remains that perfect juicy flavor.

1. What is Brisket?

Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the breast or lower chest of the cow. It is a tough and fibrous piece of meat that requires slow cooking to break down the connective tissues and tenderize the meat.

Brisket is most often used for BBQ and also corned beef or pastrami. It has a distinctive (great tasting) flavor and can be served with many sides.

2. Why is it important to know how to reheat brisket?

Brisket is something most people usually cook in large quantities and leftovers are common.

Knowing how to reheat brisket is important to make sure that it remains its delicious flavor. Reheating brisket improperly can dry out the meat making it tough and chewy.

In contrast, reheating brisket correctly can restore moisture, tenderize the meat, and bring out the flavor that everyone always loves.

(This is from last night’s dinner. Please forgive the mess!)

3. Best Practices for Reheating Brisket

Restoring Moisture

One of the main challenges in reheating brisket is restoring moisture to the meat. One way to do this is to add a liquid such as beef broth, BBQ sauce, or water to the meat before reheating it. This can help to prevent the meat from drying out and keep it moist.

Avoiding Overcooking

Overcooking brisket can lead to tough, dry, and chewy meat. To avoid this, it is important to reheat brisket gently and at a low temperature. This will help to preserve the tenderness and flavor of the meat.

Reheating Time and Temperature

The ideal temperature for reheating brisket is 250°F (120°C). This temperature is low enough to prevent overcooking but high enough to ensure that the meat is thoroughly heated. The reheating time will depend on the method used and the thickness of the meat. As a general rule, it is best to reheat brisket slowly, at a low temperature, until it is heated through.

Related reading>> See our guide for smoking your steak here.

4. Methods for Reheating Brisket

There are different methods for reheating brisket, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are three of the most popular methods:

Oven Method

The oven method is a classic way to reheat brisket. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). See our guide on brisket temperature here.
2. Place the brisket in a baking dish and cover it with foil.
3. Add a small amount of beef broth or BBQ sauce to the dish.
4. Bake the brisket for 20-30 minutes
5. Check the temperature of the brisket with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is heated through.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the top.

Microwave Method

The microwave method is the quickest way to reheat brisket, but it can lead to uneven heating and dry meat if not done correctly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice the brisket into thin pieces and arrange them on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Drizzle some beef broth or BBQ sauce over the meat.
3. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
4. Microwave the brisket on high for 1-2 minutes per slice, or until heated through.
5. Check the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is heated through.

Sous Vide Method

The sous vide method is a gentle and precise way to reheat brisket that can result in perfectly cooked and juicy meat. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a sous vide container or a large pot with water and set the temperature to 135°F (57°C).
2. Seal the brisket in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
3. Place the bag in the water bath and cook for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
4. Remove the brisket from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Sear the brisket in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to brown the surface.

Serving and Storing Leftover Brisket

Once the brisket is reheated, it’s time to serve it. Brisket can be served on its own, as a sandwich, or as a main dish. It pairs well with BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and pickles. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips for Better Brisket

Here are some tips to ensure that your brisket is juicy, tender, and full of flavor:

• Choose a high-quality cut of meat with good marbling.
• Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper before cooking it.
• Cook the brisket slowly and at a low temperature to tenderize the meat and develop flavor.
• Rest the brisket for at least 30 minutes before slicing it to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Try using a charcoal smoker to give your brisket more flavor.

Conclusion

Reheating brisket can be a challenge (maybe that is an understatement) but with the right techniques it’s possible to restore the moisture and tenderness. If  you choose to reheat brisket in the oven remember to go slow and low and add moisture while you’re cooking. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and juicy brisket every time.

FAQs

1. 1. Can I reheat brisket in a slow cooker? Yes, you can reheat brisket in a slow cooker by adding a small amount of liquid and cooking it on low for several hours. However, this method can lead to overcooking and dry meat if not done correctly.

   2. How do I know when brisket is fully reheated? You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. Brisket should be reheated to at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is heated through.