Smoking beef brisket is an American barbecue tradition that never fails to impress. The tender, juicy, smoky meat is a delight on its own or piled high on a sandwich. But smoking a brisket can be daunting. Fortunately, with the Ninja Woodfire Grill, it’s as simple as seasoning the meat and pressing a button.
What is Brisket?
Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the chest of a cow. It consists of two muscles: the flat and the point. Since cows frequently use these muscles, brisket can be quite tough. However, smoking it for several hours helps break down the tough muscle fibers, transforming it into one of the most desirable cuts of beef.
The flat meat is leaner, while the point meat is more fatty and tender. While brisket flats are more common, if you can get your hands on a point, give it a try – you won’t be disappointed. If you’re interested in a comprehensive guide on smoking brisket, I have an article covering everything from choosing the right brisket to the importance of the resting stage.
How to Smoke Brisket on the Ninja Woodfire Grill
Let’s get to the juicy part – the recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Brisket: Make sure the brisket fits the 15-inch Woodfire Grill Grate. A brisket under 10 pounds should work well. You can choose the flat, the point, or a combination of both.
- Brisket Rub: I highly recommend my award-winning Brisket Rub from Spiceology, perfect for all things beef, especially brisket.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: For added moisture and flavor, spritz the brisket every 1-2 hours with this fantastic enhancer.
Now, let’s get smoking!
- Trim and Season: Start by trimming down the thick layer of fat on the bottom or sides of the brisket. Trim it to about 1/4-inch thick. Liberally season the brisket with the Brisket Rub.
- Prepare the Grill: Fill the smoke box with pellets. Place the seasoned brisket on the Ninja Woodfire Grill. Set the grill to “smoker” mode at 225 degrees Fahrenheit and select the cooking time for 8 hours. The pellets will ignite as the grill heats up.
- Add Smoke: Depending on your preference for smoke flavor, you can add more pellets to the smoke box once you see the initial smoke start to fade. As the brisket smokes, a flavorful bark will begin to form.
- Spritz for Moisture: While the convection fan in the Ninja Woodfire Grill helps keep the brisket moist, you can also spritz it with a little water or apple cider vinegar every 1-2 hours. This will add an extra boost of moisture and flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Cook the brisket until it is “probe tender,” usually reaching an internal temperature of 200-210 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that different altitudes may affect the final temperature. If you have the Ninja Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill, you can rely on its built-in thermometer to monitor the cooking temperature for you.
- Rest and Serve: Once the brisket is done smoking, wrap it in plastic wrap, foil, or butcher paper. Allow it to rest in a cooler without ice for at least an hour. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute back into the meat.
How to Serve Smoked Brisket
After the brisket has rested, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a couple of serving options:
- Platter Presentation: Slice the brisket and serve it on a platter alongside smoked mac and cheese and some pickles.
- Brisket Sandwich: Pile the sliced brisket on white bread or buns to create mouthwatering brisket sandwiches.
The outer crust of the brisket, also known as the “bark,” may look blackened. Don’t worry, as this is completely normal and adds a delicious flavor to the smoked brisket. It’s the beautiful combination of seasonings and smoke that gives it that special touch.
Storage
If you happen to have leftover brisket, you can store it properly to enjoy it later:
- In the refrigerator: Place the brisket slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- In the freezer: To extend the storage time, you can freeze the brisket for up to six months.
- Reheating: You can reheat the slices in the microwave using a reduced-heat setting. Alternatively, warm the slices on the Ninja Griddle Plate. They also make a fantastic topping for loaded baked potatoes.
So, grab your Ninja Woodfire Grill and get ready to enjoy the tantalizing flavors of smoked brisket. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
To learn more about all things grilling and cooking, visit Ekilove. Happy smoking!
