Are you looking for the perfect smoked brisket recipe? Smoking a brisket is an art form, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! The most important part of the process is understanding how long to smoke your meat. With this blog post we’ll review the basics of smoking a brisket at 225°F and discuss cooking times in detail so you can achieve deliciousness every time. Read on to learn how long to smoke a brisket at 225°F and get tips and tricks that will help you achieve success each and every time.
What is a brisket?
A brisket is the cut of beef from the breast or lower chest of a cow. It’s one of the most flavorful cuts due to its high-fat content and is often used for slow-smoked BBQ.
Trimming the Meat Side
The first step in smoking a brisket is to trim the fat off the meat side. Trimming properly will help keep your brisket nice and moist. Start by cutting away excess fat from the top of the brisket, then make small cuts around the edges to remove any large lumps or chunks of fat that may be left behind. Make sure to leave some fat on the meat side of your brisket, as this will help it stay moist during the smoking process.
How to Prep a Brisket for Smoking
Before you start smoking, it’s important to properly prepare the brisket. Trim any excess fat from the outside, and then season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then let the brisket sit at room temperature for an hour before smoking it.
What to Know About Brisket Smoking Time
When smoking a brisket, expect it to take anywhere from 8-12 hours at 225°F. How long the brisket takes will depend on its size and how tender you want it to be. Check the internal temperature of the meat with an instant-read thermometer periodically; when it reaches 185°F, remove the brisket from the heat and let it rest for at least an hour before slicing.
225 Degrees Fahrenheit Smoked Brisket Recipe
Step 1: Select the brisket size you want to smoke and prepare it for smoking (trim any excess fat, and season generously with salt, pepper, and spices).
Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
Step 3: Place the brisket directly on the smoker grate or in a roasting pan. Add wood chips or chunks to the smoker if desired.
Step 4: Smoke the brisket until the internal temperature reaches 185°F. This will take 8-12 hours, depending on the size of the brisket and how tender you want it to be.
Step 5: When done smoking, wrap the brisket in butcher paper or aluminum foil with a few tablespoons of beef broth or BBQ sauce.
Step 6: Let the wrapped brisket rest for an hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Smoking a brisket is surprisingly easy, and the results are always delicious! By following these steps and using your smoker at 225 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll be able to make the perfect smoked brisket every time. So go ahead and give it a try – your family will thank you!
Nutrition Information:
One 3-ounce serving of cooked brisket contains 190 calories, 11 grams of fat, and 18 grams of protein. It’s also a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
How to Wrap a Brisket
Wrapping your brisket in butcher paper or aluminum foil will help to keep it moist while smoking. Start by adding a few tablespoons of beef broth or BBQ sauce to the wrap before you seal it up tightly. This will help to add extra flavor and moisture, ensuring a juicy finished product. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the brisket periodically while it’s wrapped to ensure that you don’t overcook it.
Add Extra Flavor
Smoking a brisket is a great way to add flavor and tenderness, but you can also make it even more delicious by adding wood chips or chunks to the smoker. Hickory, oak, mesquite, applewood, and cherrywood all work well with beef. Add your favorite type of wood chips or chunks just before you start smoking the brisket, and it will add a rich smoky flavor.
How Can you Determine That Your Smoked Brisket is Done?
The best way to determine if your smoked brisket is done is by taking its internal temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to measure. When it reaches 185°F, it’s ready to come off the smoker and be rested for at least an hour before slicing.
How Long Should You Let Brisket Rest Before Slicing?
Once the brisket is done smoking, let it rest for at least an hour before slicing. The resting time will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful finished product. Don’t forget to wrap the brisket in butcher paper or aluminum foil while it’s resting – this will help to keep it warm and moist.
How to Reheat Brisket
If you have leftover brisket, it can be reheated in the oven or on the stove. To reheat in the oven, wrap the brisket in foil and place it in a 300°F preheated oven until heated through (this should take about an hour). For stovetop heating, simply heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Place the brisket in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until heated through.
Smoking Brisket at 250 vs 225 Degrees: Which is the Best?
The optimal temperature for smoking brisket is 225°F, as this temperature allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly. Cooking at higher temperatures (like 250°F) will result in a drier and tougher finished product. To get the juiciest and most tender brisket possible, stick with cooking at 225°F.
Can You Overcook Brisket at 225 Degrees?
Yes, it is possible to overcook brisket at 225°F. To prevent this from happening, keep an eye on the internal temperature of the meat and take it off the smoker once it reaches 185°F.
Is Choosing the low and slow cooking at 225 Degrees Safe?
Yes, smoking brisket at 225°F is safe. The key to making sure your brisket is cooked through and safe to eat is taking its internal temperature periodically while it’s cooking. When the thermometer reaches 185°F, the brisket should be done and ready to come off the smoker.
Smoked Brisket Recipe for Pellet Grills
For a delicious smoked brisket, try this recipe on your pellet grill:
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-pound) beef brisket
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– 2 teaspoons sea salt
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Wood chips or chunks (your choice)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the pellet grill to 225°F and add your favorite type of wood chips or chunks for smoking.
2. Mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl.
3. Rub the dry rub mixture all over the brisket, then cover with Worcestershire sauce and olive oil.
4. Place the brisket on the grill and cook for 8-10 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 185°F.
5. Let the brisket rest for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
Tips For Smoking Brisket:
– Pick a good cut of brisket – the better the quality, the better the flavor.
– Use your favorite type of wood for smoking. Oak, hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherrywood all work well with beef.
– Check the internal temperature of the meat periodically while it’s cooking to ensure it’s cooked through.
– Let the brisket rest for at least an hour before slicing and serving. This will help to keep it juicy and flavorful.
– Reheat leftover brisket gently, either in the oven or on the stovetop.
Maintaining the Smoker’s Temperature
When smoking a brisket, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature in your smoker. The optimal temperature for slow smoking is 225°F, so be sure to adjust the air dampers on your smoker accordingly. Adding more wood chips or chunks throughout the cooking process can also help to keep the heat at an even level and ensure you get that perfect smoked brisket.
Different smokers require different temperatures. Most pellet grills are designed to maintain consistent temperatures of 225°F or lower, so if you’re using a pellet grill for smoking your brisket, it should be easy to keep the heat at the optimal level. Charcoal and wood smokers will require more monitoring and adjusting throughout the cooking process.
FAQS of How Long to Smoke Brisket at 225
Can You Over Smoke a Brisket?
Yes, it is possible to over-smoke a brisket. To prevent this from happening, ensure the smoker’s temperature remains consistent and periodically check the internal temperature of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.
Why Did My Brisket Turn out Tough?
If your brisket came out tough, it could be because you cooked it at too high of a temperature. Smoking a brisket at 225°F is the best way to ensure a juicy, tender finished product.
Can I Cook My Brisket Faster?
No, cooking your brisket faster will result in a drier, tougher cut of meat. In order to get the best results with your brisket, it must be cooked low and slow at 225°F.
Do You Smoke a Brisket Fat Side Up Or Down?
When smoking a brisket, it should be placed in the smoker with the fat side up. This helps to baste the meat as it cooks and will ensure you get tender, juicy results each time.
How do I Choose the Best Brisket?
When selecting a brisket, look for one with a good marbling of fat throughout the meat. This will help to keep the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks. If possible, try to select a grass-fed or organic brisket for the best results.
Why do people wrap the brisket in foil?
Wrapping the brisket in foil is a popular method for keeping the meat moist and flavorful during smoking. Wrapping the brisket in foil also helps to speed up the cooking process and can help to ensure even doneness throughout the meat.
How long does a 3.5 kg brisket take to smoke?
On average, a 3.5 kg brisket will take between 8-10 hours to smoke at 225°F. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the type of smoker you are using and how often you are checking the internal temperature of the meat. To ensure that your brisket is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature periodically. The brisket should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F before it is ready to be served.
Can you smoke a brisket in 10 hours?
Yes, it is possible to smoke a brisket in 10 hours. However, it is best to cook the brisket at an even temperature of 225°F and periodically check the internal temperature of the meat with an instant-read thermometer. This will ensure that your brisket comes out tender and juicy each time.
What type of wood is best for smoking a brisket?
When smoking a brisket, it is best to choose woods that have milder flavors like hickory or oak. Stronger flavored woods like mesquite can overpower the flavor of the meat, so it’s important to stick with more subtle varieties. Additionally, be sure to soak the wood chips or chunks in water for at least 30 minutes prior to smoking. This will help to keep the smoke from becoming too intense.
Conclusion
Smoked brisket is a surefire way to impress your guests with its tenderness and juicy flavor. With the low-and-slow method of smoking your brisket at 225 degrees Fahrenheit, you can rest assured that you’ll have a restaurant quality smoked meal. Don’t forget to take into account the size of brisket when calculating the cook time; 8-10 hours is a good rule of thumb for a brisket cooked at this temperature. In addition, be sure to always use high-quality wood chips, seasonings, and BBQ sauce for an extra flavorful experience!
Now that you’re fully informed on how long to smoke a brisket at 225, why not challenge yourself and embark on this exciting journey of creating your own delicious smoked meat? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and wow your friends and family with some amazing smoked barbecue!

Robert Davison is a Grill Chef with over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton, The Dorchester Collection, and The Langham. His skills as a chef are only matched by his passion for grill/smoking, which he brings to alibis bar and grill. Robert’s mission is to serve up delicious food that everyone can enjoy, whether they’re a foodie or not. Alibis Bar & Grill is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great food with friends and family.