How to smoke a brisket like a pitmaster

Smoking brisket is the ultimate test of BBQ prowess. Transform this tough cut into melt-in-your-mouth perfection with our pitmaster-worthy guide, featuring the finest British beef cuts and expert techniques.

Selecting the perfect brisket

Start with quality British beef from Farmfetch, where you'll find ethically raised, heritage breed cattle with superior marbling. Look for briskets with good fat distribution and consistent thickness. Our recommendation here at Farmfetch is the Smoking Brisket from Farm Butchers, Kent.

Preparation is key

Trimming

- Remove the brisket from refrigeration one hour before trimming
- Trim fat cap to ¼ inch thickness
- Remove hard fat and silver skin
- Round off corners to prevent burning

Seasoning

Apply BOHNS Texas Rub, available on Farmfetch, to enhance your British BBQ meat. This Derbyshire-crafted spice blend offers the perfect balance of traditional Texan flavours without overpowering the natural quality of your brisket. For best results:

- Apply a thin layer of mustard as a binder (optional)
- Coat generously with BOHNS Texas Rub
- Allow to rest at room temperature for one hour

The smoking process

1. Preheat your smoker to 110-120°C (225-250°F)
2. Place brisket with fat-side positioned according to your smoker's heat source
3. Maintain consistent temperature and resist frequent peeking
4. Spritz with water or beef broth hourly after the first 3 hours
5. Be patient during "the stall" around 65-70°C (150-160°F)
6. Wrap in butcher paper when the internal temperature reaches 75-80°C (165-170°F)
7. Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 93-96°C (200-205°F)
8. Test for doneness by inserting a probe - it should slide through like warm butter

The essential rest

After removing from the smoker, keep your brisket wrapped and place it in a cool box lined with towels for at least 1-2 hours. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Slicing for success

- Separate the point from the flat if desired
- Slice the flat against the grain at pencil thickness
- For the point, rotate 90 degrees and slice against its grain
- Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment

The sustainable approach to BBQ

By choosing premium British beef cuts for BBQ through Farmfetch, you're embracing the "buy less but better" philosophy. This approach not only delivers superior flavour but also supports:

- British farmers maintaining traditional husbandry
- Reduced food miles and carbon footprint
- Higher animal welfare standards

Ready to impress at your next BBQ? Visit Farmfetch.co to discover the finest British brisket and rubs, delivered direct from producers to your door. From premium BBQ meat boxes UK-wide to speciality rubs, Farmfetch is your one-stop shop for creating authentic pitmaster-quality brisket at home.

Happy smoking!