What are Burnt Ends?
This old-school BBQ joint recipe was thought to have first shown up in Kansas City barbecue restaurants as a way to use up (and serve) the tough ends of a smoked brisket. Little chunks of beefy goodness, braised in spicy-sweet barbecue sauce… What’s not to love? For this Burnt Ends recipe, you first need to make the beef brisket. You can use the ends from this classic Best Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe or Texas Style Oven Brisket Recipe. Both are fantastic! Then you simply cut off both the tough flat end and the fatty point to make burnt ends. Or you can buy a smaller piece of brisket specifically to make this burnt ends recipe. Below we show you how to do this in a smoker or in the oven. Continue reading for our complete start-to-finish Brisket Burnt Ends recipe!
Ingredients You Need
Here we are showing you how to make a complete Burnt Ends recipe, brisket, and all. So for this full dish, you’ll need:
Beef brisket – point end Seasonings – salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ancho chile powder Barbecue sauce – your favorite spicy-sweet brand Coca-Cola – or other similar cola you prefer
The point-end of a brisket is sometimes called the Deckle. This end is more tender and fatty than the flat end. However, a flat brisket can also be used if you cannot find a Deckle. When I make burnt ends from a whole brisket I use both! Whether you plan to smoke or roast the beef brisket, you want to first prepare the meat properly. Set out a rimmed baking sheet and place the brisket on it. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ancho chili. Rub the spice blend over the entire surface of the brisket.
How to Make a Beef Brisket in a Smoker
If you have a smoker, use it! How to smoke the brisket to make Burnt Ends: Place the brisket in a 225 degree F smoker. Insert a meat thermometer probe and smoke the brisket to 195 degrees F. You can wrap the brisket in foil or a piece of butcher paper once it hits 150 degrees F to keep the cooking process from stalling.
How to Make Brisket in the Oven
If you don’t have a smoker, preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Set the brisket in the oven, insert a meat thermometer probe, and bake to 195 degrees F. Whether on the smoker or in the oven, this usually takes 3 ½ – 5 hours, depending on the size and shape of the brisket.
How to Make Brisket Burnt Ends
Once the internal temperature of the brisket is around 190, prepare the sauce. Set out a 9 X 13 inch baking dish. Pour the barbecue sauce and Coca-Cola into the dish and whisk to combine. Once the brisket reaches 195 degrees, remove it from the heat. Use a serrated knife to cut the brisket into 1-inch chunks. Check out this post for tips on how to perfectly slice a beef brisket. As you cut them, quickly move them to the dish so that any juices that run out get mixed into the sauce. Once all the brisket is chopped, stir the pieces to coat in sauce. Now place the pan back in the oven (or on the smoker) and continue cooking for 1 hour, until the sauce thickens and the exposed pieces of brisket are crispy.
Suggestions for How to Serve Burnt Ends
At a bbq joint, burnt ends are usually served as an appetizer before the big meal gets going. Or it can be served as the main dish of a barbecue plate loaded with southern sides. Traditional side dishes include Bread and Butter Pickles, Baked Beans, Potato Salad and Collard Greens. And a slice of white bread, too, of course!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Burnt Ends are fantastic! They are delicious to eat cold or reheated, either as a main dish or even for a snack. Once the meat has cooled, store it in a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the smoked brisket for longer you can freeze for up to 3 months. Again, after it has cooled transfer the Burnt Ends to an airtight zipper bag or container and freeze. Defrost in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit more barbecue sauce.
Looking for More Classic Southern Recipes?
Coffee Brushed Barbecue Ribs Grilled Pork Chops + Carolina BBQ Sauce Crock Pot Brisket Sandwich Recipe Mind-Blowing Nashville Hot Chicken Grilled Ham Steaks with Southern Kale Salad
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