How to Tell if Your Brisket is Done

Your brisket is done when it reaches and internal temperature of 190-210 degrees, or use a “feel” method and stick a fork into the meat, if it twists easily that means it’s done.

Cooking a brisket can be a challenge for even the most experienced pitmasters… follow this quick guide to learn more.

A brisket is a larg, tough cut of meat that requires low and slow cooking to break down the connective tissues and turn it into a tender and flavorful dish.

One of the most important – and challenging – aspects of cooking a brisket is to know when it’s done.

Internal Temperature

The most accurate way to tell if your brisket is done is by using a meat thermometer. If you wrapped your brisket, you should still be checking the temp while it is resting.

A brisket is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 190-210°F . This temperature is important because it indicates that the connective tissues in the brisket have broken down and the meat is tender, juicy, and ready to eat!

Make sure you insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket to get an accurate temp readying.

More reading: Hot and fast brisket.

Probe Test

Another way to determine if your brisket is done is by using a probe – or fork – test.

You should insert a probe thermometer or a fork into the thickest part of the brisket and see how easily it goes in.

If the prove goes in easily, or you are able to twist and turn a fork, the brisket is done. But, if the probe encounters resistance and feels like it’s going into a rubber band then your brisket needs to cook longer.

The Bend Test

With this test, you need to pick up the brisket with a pair of tongs and gently try to bend it.

You will know the brisket is done if you can bend it without it being too stiff – or without it breaking apart. If it does break and crack open than you have likely overcooked the brisket and should remove it from heat right away to salvage what you can.

If the brisket feels very tough – that is another sign it’s overcooked or not yet done.

The Appearance

A well-cooked brisket should have a deep rich color and a moist surface – basically it should look mouthwatering good, just use your best judgement. The fat cap on top of the brisket should also be rendered and starting to caramelize. The brisket needs to cook a bit longer if the surface of the brisket is dry or the fat cap is still firm.

Time

While time is not a foolproof indicator of whether your brisket is done or not –  it can give you a general idea.

A brisket can take anywhere from 12 to 16 hours to cook, depending on its size and the cooking method.

You should plan on cooking your brisket for about 1 hour per pound… use this only as a general guideline please.