Hutchins BBQ

Reheating Barbecued Brisket: An Easy Guide

Smoky, tender, flavorful, and delicious. Those are just a few words that describe barbecued brisket. This unique cut of beef has become an iconic cornerstone of Texas barbecue culture, so if you want to become a master smoker in the Lone Star State, you need to add brisket to your book of amazing recipes.

Still, one thing about barbecued brisket is that it can feed a crowd, and that has its advantages. But what happens when there are leftovers? Well, you get to enjoy them later, of course! Still, most people don’t like to eat cold brisket. That’s why it’s important to know how to reheat yours correctly, so it’s just as tasty as when you first cooked it. Read on to learn how to reheat your barbecued brisket in three different ways.

A Quick Primer on Brisket

Before we get into the details about reheating barbecued brisket, it first helps to know what brisket is. The brisket is a large cut of beef from the breast and chest area of the cow. Many people equate it to a chicken breast, although you’ll never hear a brisket called a beef breast. Given the workout the brisket receives as the cow moves around, the meat contains a lot of connective tissue and is naturally tougher. 

However, the toughness of brisket is nothing for Texas barbecue masters. Slow-smoking your brisket gives you a near-perfect way of creating a delicious and tender dish. And, of course, you want to maintain that tenderness as you reheat it.

Reheating meats can often cause them to toughen, which you don’t want to happen to your brisket. Below are a few recommendations for how to heat yours the next time you’re craving some leftovers.

Reheating Barbecued Brisket in the Oven

Oven-reheating is the most traditional way to reheat barbecued brisket, and many people consider it the simplest method. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F.
  • Cover a shallow baking dish with aluminum foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place the brisket in the dish, and spoon in some liquid or plain water to keep the meat from drying out.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil. 
  • Bake the brisket for 30-45 minutes or until heated through. Remember that the reheating time may vary depending on the size of your brisket leftovers.

Reheating Barbecued Brisket in the Microwave

Like with most meals, reheating barbecued brisket in the microwave can be a great option when you don’t have much time to spare. Place the brisket on a microwave-safe dish, and cover it with a damp paper towel (which helps keep the meat from drying out during the reheating process). Heat the brisket on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated throughout. If you like, you can also put a small amount of water in the bottom of the dish with the brisket before covering it with a damp paper towel.

Reheating Barbecued Brisket on the Stove

Reheating barbecued brisket on the stove is a third option, and you can use it regardless of whether you have a microwave or oven present. Find a pot that is large enough to accommodate your brisket, and place the meat in the pot with a small amount of liquid. One-quarter to half an inch of water in the bottom of the pan should work fine. Cover the pot with a lid and warm the brisket over medium heat until it is heated through, stirring occasionally. Depending on the size of the cut of meat, the reheating time will vary. However, ten minutes or so is a good rule of thumb for a single serving. Monitor the pot during the reheating to ensure the water doesn’t boil off.

Whatever method you choose, ensuring the brisket is wholly heated throughout before serving is essential. You don’t want to risk undercooking, overcooking or burning it. Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or just for yourself, knowing how to reheat barbecued brisket with delicious results is a handy skill to have. Don’t forget to use it when reheating your leftovers from Hutchins BBQ.