The secret to producing a great meal, not just making briskets, is not only in the cooking but also in the preparation and cleanup. After that, one of the best ways to ensure that you will appreciate prepared meat is to let it rest for a bit after it has been cooked.
This approach allows the flesh to cool, relax, and even cook a little longer, allowing you to appreciate your meat more. There are a variety of ways to rest your meat, but most people are familiar with utilizing a cooler.
We know a lot of people have questions about how long brisket should be kept in the refrigerator, so we conducted some research and came up with the following information.
It is recommended that you hold your brisket in a cooler for two to three hours; however, this is dependent entirely on the size of your brisket, the time it was done, and how hot it was when it was removed. It’s also a good idea to keep the brisket at 140 degrees F.
Tips to holding your smoked brisket in a cooler
There are several things to note about holding your brisket in a cooler. It is easy to get the process all wrong, hence we decided to help out.
- Remove your brisket from the heat, with the use of tongs. Place it on the cutting board and wrap it up with an aluminum foil, ensuring to cover all sides.
- When purchasing your cooler, it is advisable to purchase a small and more insulated cooler; the most important thing is for your brisket to be able to go in.
- Use a towel to fill the space left in the cooler, this will reduce the amount of air your brisket will receive and extend the amount of time the brisket can stay in the cooler.
- Close the cooler and let the meat stay in for 2 hours or more. Depending on when you need it.
If you will be holding your brisket for more than 4 to 5 hours, then you might want to add some hot water into the cooler, to help hold your brisket for a longer hour.
- Boil some water and pour it onto a pot, container, or pan.
- Fold a towel and place it neatly inside the cooler, to prevent the heat of the water from touching the cooler. Afterward, place the container with the hot water into the cooler.
- Place the wrapped brisket on the hot water and cover-up.
What Type Of Cooler Is Needed?
There isn’t a laid-down rule on the type of cooler to use for your brisket. Your cooler doesn’t have to be so special and you do not have to break the bank to get a cooler for your brisket.
You can make use of an ice chest, Styrofoam cooler, and just anything that can hold it in.
One important thing to take note of when choosing a cooler is that your cooler must be big enough to hold in your meat, it must also have insulation, so that the heat can stay trapped in. another thing to note when choosing the right cooler for your brisket is the number of hours.
A regular cooler can hold in your brisket for up to four hours, however, if you intend to keep your brisket in for more than four hours, then it is advised that you purchase a high-quality cooler.
- The Hopper Flip 12 has ColdCell Insulation, a closed-cell foam that offers superior cold-holding to ordinary soft coolers, with a capacity of up to 12 cans plus ice
- Features a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper and high-density fabric that withstands punctures and UV rays
- Its DryHide Shell is waterproof and resistant to punctures, and abrasions so it will hold its own when faced with the hazards of the wild
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Will Holding My Briskets Dry It Out?
It is a common concern that holding brisket in a cooler for a long time will dry it out, however, this is not true. Holding your brisket properly will not make it dry out, regardless of the number of hours. A dried brisket is a result of overcooking and placing in too high heat.
What Is The Difference Between Resting And Holding Brisket?
Resting and holding brisket mean the same thing and they can be used interchangeably. Resting for your brisket is a time when the meat is taken off the cooker and is allowed to cool down for a while before it is then consumed. Holding meat refers to keeping the meat at a steady temperature to be consumed later.
What Temperature Should I Cook Brisket At?
Although there have been various opinions on the right temperature to cook the brisket, however, we suggest you cook your brisket in temperatures between 225 and 275 degrees F.
Read: Is Brisket Done At 180 Degrees? Our Guide to Making The Perfect Briskets
Should I Wrap My Brisket?
Brisket can be cooked either wrapped or not. While some people enjoy cooking it wrapped, others don’t. However, one thing is common for both, and that is to wrap it after cooking for resting. You can try both methods and see which one works for you.
Can I Keep My Brisket Warm With An Oven?
Yes, you can keep your brisket warm with an oven. An oven is another means, apart from a cooler that can be used to keep your brisket warm. It will ensure your meat is at a stable temperature for a long period. You can keep your brisket in an oven and set the oven between 150 to 170 degrees F.
Do I Need A Fancy Cooler To Hold Briskets?
No, you do not need a fancy cooler to hold your brisket; you can make use of a regular cooler. This will help your brisket stay warm for 2 hours or more. However, if you need to hold it in for a longer time, then you should get a high-quality cooler.
How Can I Keep My Brisket Warm Overnight?
The best way to keep your brisket warm overnight is to make use of your oven; this is because the oven can hold the meat at a temperature indefinitely. You can also make use of the cooler, however, you be required to add heat, i.e., hot water.
What To Do If Your Brisket Is Done Too Early?
If your brisket gets done too early, then you can hold in it a cooler, by wrapping it up with aluminum foil and placing it in a cooler with a towel. This will keep your brisket warm for 2 hours and more.
Final Thoughts
You enjoy your meat best when it is allowed to rest after cooking.
Holding it in a cooler is one great way to ensure your meat is resting and stays warm. If you do not have a cooler, you can make use of an oven; this will keep it warm at a stable temperature for a long while.
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