How To Reheat Brisket Without Drying It Out
There is just no reason it should become beef jerky.
Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS, MPA, RDN, LD, CLT
Brisket is a tough piece of beef, which is one reason some cooks shy away from it. But those of us who love it know that when cooked for a long time at low heat, the meat becomes meltingly tender and full of robust flavor (try this Slow-Cooker Texas Chili or this BBQ Brisket and you will be a true believer). If you happen to purchase a large brisket, you may be left wondering what to do with the leftovers. Follow one of these methods for the best ways to reheat brisket, and not an ounce of that delicious beef will go to waste.
How To Reheat Brisket In The Oven
When possible, food should always be reheated in the same manner it was cooked. If you can't put your brisket back on the smoker, then the best way to reheat your brisket is to use your oven. Remember that low and slow is key; don't think you can reheat the meat faster by using a super-hot oven. A higher temp sucks the moisture out of your brisket (before it is thoroughly heated) and will result in tough, chewy meat. While the oven preheats, take your leftover brisket out of the fridge, place it in a baking pan, and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This will ensure that it reheats evenly, so you won't have a warm exterior and a cold center. Follow these steps for the best results:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Set your brisket on the counter at room temperature while the oven heats.
If you have any leftover cooking juices, pour some over the brisket. You can use a cup of beef broth if you don't have cooking juices.
Cover the brisket in a double layer of foil and crimp the foil around the edges of the pan; you want a tight seal with no holes. Place your covered brisket in the oven and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, per U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines.
Let stand for 3 minutes. If your brisket has already been cut, it won't take as long as one that is still whole.
How To Reheat Brisket In The Slow Cooker
The convenience of a slow cooker comes into play when you want to use it to reheat a brisket. It might not be very quick, but nothing about a brisket was ever quick, right? You may need upwards of four hours, so plan accordingly. Here is what to do:
Let the meat rest on the countertop for about 20 minutes to reach room temperature.
Place the brisket in the pot. If the piece is oversized and won't fit into the slow cooker, slice it into thick pieces until it all fits.
Empty all of the reserved drippings and juices into the slow cooker—even the fatty, congealed blobs of flavor. If you don't have any drippings, use a cup of beef stock, barbecue sauce, etc.
Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for three to four hours, depending on the size of the brisket.
How To Reheat Brisket In A Smoker
If your brisket was originally smoked, reheating it on the smoker will yield the best results for keeping the smoky flavor. This method can take longer than others, so plan ahead.
Let the meat rest on the countertop for about 20 minutes so it can reach room temperature.
Heat the smoker to 225°F.
Wrap the meat and juices or a little broth in two layers of foil.
Place the meat in the smoker away from direct heat until an internal temperature reaches 165°F, which can take a few hours.
How To Reheat Brisket On The Stovetop
To reheat brisket on the stovetop, you’ll need a heavy, thick-bottomed pan. This will help avoid overcooking the meat. Reheat the meat low and slow to retain moisture. This method works well for sliced brisket.
Place brisket in the pan.
Cover the meat with a liquid, such as beef broth or barbecue sauce.
Cover the pan with a lid or foil and heat on low until the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Never Reheat Brisket In The Microwave
A microwave works by turning water molecules into steam, which means your brisket will steam all of its good moisture out and become dry, rubbery, and not very appealing. Other methods may take longer, but the microwave is not a good option for the brisket you worked so hard for.
How To Fix Dry Brisket
If your leftover brisket seems a bit dry, never fear. It can still be revived and no one will be the wiser. To moisten the meat, give it a marinade in some warm beef broth, and make sure to add broth when reheating. Another option is to use the meat in dishes where it can soak up a rich sauce. Add the cooked beef to Slow-Cooker Brisket Chili or Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew, where the juiciness isn't as necessary.
How To Store Brisket So It Stays Moist
Wrap whole or sliced leftover brisket and its juices in aluminum foil and store in a ziptop bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, according to the USDA. Whole pieces retain moisture better than slices, so wait until after reheating to slice the meat if possible. If storage is needed longer than four days, freezing is the best option. The USDA recommends wrapping the meat in aluminum foil and storing it in a ziptop bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw and reheat.
Brisket Recipes
Tender, moist leftover brisket starts with good brisket in the first place. For flavorful results, try one of these recipes that can easily be reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to reheat whole or sliced brisket?
Reheating brisket sliced or whole depends on how you plan to use it. For best results, slice only what you need when serving the first day and store leftover brisket as a whole piece. Warm the leftover brisket whole and slice before serving to keep it from drying out.
What liquids can you use when reheating brisket?
Moisture is key to reheating brisket, so you'll need to add some liquid to keep it from drying out. Reserved cooking juices, beef broth, and barbecue sauce are popular for reheating brisket. Other liquids that add flavor and moisture include apple juice, beer, and water.
How do you keep brisket warm without drying it out?
To keep brisket warm for serving without drying it out, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a warm oven set at warm or 170 degrees.
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Read the original article on Southern Living.