Should A Brisket Jiggle?

Have you ever heard the phrase “if it jiggles, it’s fat"? While this may be true, for a brisket, the fat is what is giving the brisket its flavor and keeping it moist.  How much jiggle is too much?  We want a healthy amount of fat, while not making our brisket heavy or greasy. . 

So, should a brisket jiggle?

Selecting A Cut Of Brisket

When choosing a cut of brisket, it's important to consider the cooking method and how long the meat will be cooked. A flat-cut brisket is usually best for slow cooking, as it has a higher concentration of fat throughout the muscle fibers. This fat helps keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process. Point-cut briskets are more suited for quick grilling or roasting, as they have less fat and can easily dry out if cooked at low temperatures.

When selecting a cut, look for one with good marbling throughout and an even thickness of fat on top - because we want our brisket to jiggle. The grain of the meat should run perpendicular to its length, so that when you cook it, you can slice it against the grain to make cutting easier.

The size of your cut should depend on how many people you need to feed as well as what type of dish you're making. If you're not sure how much to buy, err on the larger side for good measure.

Cooking Method For Brisket

Now that you've selected the perfect cut of brisket, it's time to start cooking.Smoking a brisket can deliver some great tasting meat. The key is to ensure the brisket is cooked slowly and at a low temperature so that it becomes nice and tender. It's best to start by preheating your smoker to 225°F.

Once the oven or smoker has reached its desired temperature, place the brisket in an aluminum pan with its fat side up. Then, liberally rub the entire surface with your favorite brisket rub then add some beef broth or apple juice to the bottom of the pan. Cover with aluminum foil and place it in the oven or smoker for about four hours. Check every hour or so and make sure there’s still liquid in the bottom of the pan.

When you can easily insert a fork into your brisket and it pulls apart easily, it means that your brisket is done cooking! Serve warm and enjoy!

What Is The Brisket Jiggle?

The brisket jiggle is what happens when a brisket is cooked perfectly, and the meat jiggles when you poke it or shake it.  The entire piece of meat is juicy and tender, and basically melts in your mouth.  The jiggle is where the magic happens.

Michael (Insta @foodwithbeaerhands) shows us how it's done:

What Makes A Brisket Moist

Now that we know what the brisket jiggle is, it's time to turn our attention to what makes a brisket moist. Moisture is key to creating a succulent and juicy end product. There are several factors that contribute to a moist brisket.

The first factor is the marinade or brine used for the meat. Brining helps lock moisture in, ensuring the meat stays juicy even after it has been cooked for hours. This can be done by soaking the meat in a solution of salt water, spices, and herbs overnight before cooking. Secondly, adding liquid during cooking helps keep moisture in as well. This can be done by basting with a marinade or adding some kind of stock or broth when braising or slow-cooking the brisket. Lastly, monitoring the temperature while cooking is very important to ensure you don’t overcook your brisket and dry it out. Use a thermometer like an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your brisket while it cooks and remove it from heat when it reaches around 170° F (77° C).

By following these steps you can guarantee that your brisket will be as moist and tender as possible!

Easy Brisket Recipe

Cooking a brisket can be quite intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. With the right ingredients, the best brisket recipe and a bit of patience, anyone can make a delicious and succulent brisket.

The first step is to select the right cut of meat. Look for one that’s well-marbled with fat throughout. This will ensure that your brisket will stay juicy during cooking. Trim any excess fat off before beginning the recipe.

Next, you'll want to season your brisket with salt and pepper. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the meat until fully covered. Then place the brisket in a roasting pan or baking dish with several tablespoons of water or beef broth. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and cook in an oven preheated to 350°F for about two hours or until fork tender when pierced through the center. The jiggly texture you're looking for should result from slow-cooking on low heat; if it's still firm after two hours, add more liquid and continue cooking until tender.

Enjoy your mouth watering succulent brisket!

Sides To Serve With Brisket

Now that you have the perfect brisket recipe, it's time to find some sides that will pair perfectly with it. The key when selecting sides is to look for recipes that will complement the flavor of the brisket. Dishes like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese are all great options.

Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, and squash can all be grilled with olive oil and spices to create a flavorful side dish. Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness while also providing a crunchy texture. Mashed potatoes are also a classic side to serve with brisket. To make them extra creamy and flavorful, use butter, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Macaroni and cheese is another popular option that goes well with brisket. This comforting dish is easy to make from scratch or can be purchased premade in stores. When making macaroni and cheese from scratch, use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. For added richness try stirring in Greek yogurt or cream cheese into the sauce before cooking it.

No matter what side dishes you choose to serve with your brisket dinner they will surely make it even more delicious! So don't forget to pick up some sides next time you're at the grocery store so you can enjoy a complete meal any night of the week.

Brisket Jiggle

It's clear that making a perfect brisket is an art form. From selecting the right cut of meat to understanding what makes a brisket moist, it takes skill and patience to create a delicious dish. However, one of the most important elements in making a successful brisket is the jiggle test. When your brisket passes the jiggle test, you know you've cooked it just right!

But remember, cooking a good brisket isn't just about mastering the jiggle test. It's also about finding the right recipe for you and your guests. Be sure to try out different recipes until you find one that works for you. And don't forget about the sides! Whether it's mashed potatoes or coleslaw, sides can make all the difference when serving up a hearty plate of succulent brisket.

So now that you know how to make a delicious and juicy cut of brisket, get out there and give it a try! With practice, you'll be able to master the jiggle test like a pro!