You've probably heard of burnt ends, right? They're those mouthwatering chunks of smoked brisket that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If you're looking to impress your friends at the next barbecue, you're in luck! We've got five incredible recipes that will take your burnt ends to the next level. From sweet and sticky to spicy and bold, there's something for everyone. Ready to fire up that grill? Let's plunge into these delicious options!
Classic Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends
Classic smoked brisket burnt ends are a true barbecue delicacy that many enthusiasts crave. These tender, flavorful bites are made from the point cut of the brisket, which is marbled with fat that renders beautifully during the smoking process. The result is a smoky, sweet, and savory treat that's perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying on your own.
The key to perfect burnt ends lies in low and slow cooking, allowing the flavors to develop fully while achieving that mouthwatering caramelization on the outside.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lbs brisket point cut
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Cooking Instructions:
Start by preparing your smoker, preheating it to 225°F (107°C). While the smoker heats up, trim excess fat from the brisket point, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavor.
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a rub. Generously season the brisket with the rub, ensuring all sides are coated.
Once the smoker is ready, place the brisket on the smoker grates and smoke for approximately 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C).
Once done, remove the brisket and let it rest for about 30 minutes. After resting, cut the brisket into 1-inch cubes and place them in a foil pan.
Combine the barbecue sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl, then pour it over the burnt ends. Cover the pan with foil and return it to the smoker for an additional hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the burnt ends to caramelize.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the best flavor and texture, consider using a fruitwood like apple or cherry for smoking, as it complements the richness of the brisket beautifully.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add cayenne pepper to the rub or mix some hot sauce into the barbecue sauce.
Remember to monitor the temperature of your smoker throughout the cooking process, and be patient; great burnt ends take time to develop their signature taste.
Finally, for a touch of sweetness, you can experiment with different barbecue sauces to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Honey BBQ Burnt Ends
Honey BBQ burnt ends are a delightful twist on the classic BBQ dish, combining the rich, smoky flavor of tender beef with a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce. The key to achieving ideal burnt ends lies in slow-cooking the meat until it's tender and then caramelizing the sauce to create a sticky, mouthwatering finish.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, backyard barbecues, or simply for when you want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef brisket, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your smoker or oven to 225°F (107°C). In a large bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Season the brisket cubes generously with the spice mixture, ensuring they're evenly coated. Place the seasoned brisket on the smoker or a baking tray if using an oven. Smoke or bake for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
While the brisket is cooking, combine honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until well mixed.
After 3 hours, remove the brisket from the smoker or oven, and toss the cubes in the honey BBQ sauce mixture. Return the coated burnt ends to the smoker or oven for an additional 1-2 hours, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the burnt ends to develop a beautiful glaze.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use a high-quality beef brisket with good marbling, as this will keep the burnt ends juicy and flavorful.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper to the spice mix or using a spicier BBQ sauce in the glaze.
Keep an eye on the burnt ends during the last phase of cooking to prevent the sauce from burning.
Allow the burnt ends to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving, as this lets the juices redistribute for ideal tenderness.
Enjoy your delicious honey BBQ burnt ends!
Spicy Chipotle Burnt Ends
Spicy Chipotle Burnt Ends are a smoky, tender delight that will enhance any barbecue gathering. This recipe infuses succulent pieces of brisket with a spicy kick from chipotle peppers, creating a flavor explosion that's both sweet and savory.
The process involves slow-cooking the meat until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, followed by a caramelizing step that adds a crunchy texture and an irresistible glaze. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their barbecue, these burnt ends are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Rub the brisket with olive oil and generously coat it with the spice mixture made from smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Place the brisket in the smoker, close the lid, and let it cook for approximately 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C). Once done, remove the brisket and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Cut the brisket into 1-inch cubes and toss them in a mixture of minced chipotle peppers, barbecue sauce, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Place the cubes back in the smoker for an additional hour, allowing them to caramelize and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, choose a brisket with good marbling, as this will keep the meat moist during cooking. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your liking, or omit them altogether.
Additionally, consider adding a touch of honey to the barbecue sauce for a balanced sweetness that complements the spice. Finally, allow the burnt ends to rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices can redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Enjoy your spicy chipotle burnt ends at your next barbecue feast!
Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Burnt Ends
Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Burnt Ends are a delightful twist on the classic BBQ dish, infusing tender, smoky meat with a rich, sweet teriyaki glaze. This recipe is perfect for those who love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, bringing a unique Asian flair to the traditional burnt ends.
The key is to start with high-quality brisket, which, when cooked low and slow, develops a perfect bark and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Served as an appetizer or a main dish, these burnt ends are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds brisket point
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F. Trim excess fat from the brisket point and season it generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place the brisket in the smoker and cook for about 6 to 8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F. Once done, remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Cut the brisket into 1-inch cubes and toss them in a mixing bowl with teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Return the burnt ends to the smoker for an additional hour, allowing the glaze to caramelize and develop a sticky, flavorful coating.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use a quality wood for smoking, such as hickory or cherry, to complement the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze.
Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the brisket; it's better to rely on a meat thermometer than time alone. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the leftover teriyaki sauce on the stove until it reduces.
Finally, don't forget to garnish your teriyaki burnt ends with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and presentation!
Maple Bacon Burnt Ends
Maple Bacon Burnt Ends are a mouthwatering twist on the classic BBQ delicacy, combining tender chunks of brisket with the sweet and smoky flavors of maple syrup and bacon. This dish is perfect for gatherings or weekend cookouts, offering a caramelized exterior with a juicy interior that will leave your guests begging for more.
The sweet maple syrup balances beautifully with the savory elements, while the bacon adds an extra layer of richness that raises this dish to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of brisket, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brisket cubes with the chopped bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to verify that all the pieces are evenly coated.
Place the mixture into a smoker-safe pan and smoke for about 3 hours, or until the brisket is tender and has absorbed the smoky flavor.
Remove the pan from the smoker and transfer the burnt ends to a large bowl. Drizzle additional maple syrup over the top and toss to coat before returning them to the smoker for another 30 minutes to caramelize.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, choose a good-quality brisket with a decent amount of marbling, as this will guarantee the burnt ends stay juicy during cooking.
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or even add a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Additionally, using applewood or hickory for smoking will improve the flavor profile of your Maple Bacon Burnt Ends, giving them that irresistible smoky aroma.
Finally, let the burnt ends rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for even more flavor. Enjoy!