Grill Brisket On Gas Grill: Step-By-Step Guide

Grilling brisket on a gas grill may seem daunting at first, but fear not! I’m here to guide you through this flavorful journey. So, how exactly do you grill brisket on a gas grill? Well, the key lies in finding that perfect balance of low and slow cooking. By mastering the art of temperature control and infusing your brisket with tantalizing flavors, you’ll create a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. In this article, we’ll dive into the step-by-step process of grilling brisket on a gas grill, ensuring your next cookout is a sizzling success. Let’s get started!

How to Grill Brisket on Gas Grill

Grilling a brisket on a gas grill can be a mouthwatering experience. The smoky flavor and tender texture are enough to make anyone’s taste buds dance with joy. But grilling a brisket to perfection requires a little bit of know-how and a whole lot of patience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of grilling brisket on a gas grill, from selecting the right cut to carving and serving. So, let’s fire up the grill and get started on this delicious adventure!

Choosing the Right Brisket

Before you start grilling, it is essential to choose the right cut of brisket. Brisket is a tough and flavorful cut of meat that comes from the breast section of a cow. There are two main types of brisket: the flat cut (also known as the first cut) and the point cut (also known as the second cut). The flat cut is leaner and has less fat marbling, while the point cut has more fat, making it more flavorful.

When selecting a brisket, look for the following qualities:

• Size: Choose a brisket that fits well on your gas grill. A typical brisket weighs around 10-12 pounds, but you can find smaller or larger cuts depending on your preferences.
• Fat content: Look for a brisket with a good amount of fat marbling. This fat will render during the cooking process, keeping the meat moist and adding flavor.
• Thickness: Aim for a brisket that is evenly thick throughout. This ensures even cooking and prevents one part of the brisket from becoming overcooked while another remains undercooked.

Preparing the Brisket

Once you have selected the perfect brisket, it’s time to prepare it for the grill. Follow these steps to ensure your brisket is ready to be grilled to perfection:

1. Trimming excess fat: While fat is essential for flavor and moisture, you will want to trim any excessive fat from the brisket. Leave a thin layer of fat, around 1/4 inch, to enhance the flavor and protect the meat during cooking.
2. Tenderizing: Brisket can be a tough cut of meat, so tenderizing it before grilling is crucial. You can use a meat tenderizer tool or simply score the surface of the brisket with a sharp knife. This will help the marinade or rub penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender end product.
3. Marinating or applying a rub: Enhance the flavor of your brisket by marinating it or applying a rub. There are numerous marinade and rub recipes available, but a classic combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is always a great starting point. Allow the brisket to marinate for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible, to maximize flavor infusion.

Preparing the Gas Grill

Now that your brisket is prepped and ready, it’s time to prepare your gas grill. Follow these steps to ensure your grill is set up for success:

1. Cleaning the grill: Start by thoroughly cleaning your gas grill. Remove any leftover residue from previous grilling sessions and make sure the grates are clean. A clean grill will prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Preheating the grill: Preheat your gas grill to a temperature of around 225°F to 250°F. This low and slow cooking method is ideal for brisket, allowing the collagen to break down slowly and resulting in a tender and juicy end product.
3. Setting up indirect heat: Create a two-zone fire by turning off one or more burners on your gas grill. This will create an area with indirect heat where you can place the brisket. Indirect heat ensures slower and more even cooking, preventing the brisket from drying out.
4. Adding smoke flavor: If you want to add a smoky flavor to your brisket, consider using wood chips or chunks. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Place the smoke box or foil packet directly on the heat source of your gas grill to generate smoke.

Grilling the Brisket

With the grill prepped and the brisket marinated, it’s time to start grilling! Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked brisket:

1. Placing the brisket on the grill: Carefully place the brisket on the indirect heat side of the grill, with the fat side facing up. This allows the fat to render slowly, basting the meat throughout the cooking process.
2. Cooking low and slow: Close the lid of the grill and let the brisket cook for several hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your brisket, but as a general guideline, plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per pound of meat. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the brisket. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of around 195°F to 205°F for a tender and easily sliceable brisket.
3. Basting and flipping: Every hour or so, baste the brisket with a mop sauce or marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. Additionally, you may want to flip the brisket once during the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.
4. Resting the brisket: Once the brisket reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, loosely covered with aluminum foil. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy brisket.

Carving and Serving

The final step in this grilling adventure is carving and serving the brisket. Follow these steps to ensure perfect slices:

1. Identifying the grain: Before carving, identify the direction of the grain in the brisket. The grain refers to the muscle fibers running through the meat. Slicing against the grain will result in more tender pieces.
2. Slicing: Using a sharp carving knife, slice the brisket against the grain into thin slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. If you prefer a pulled or shredded brisket, use two forks or meat claws to separate the meat fibers.
3. Serving: Arrange the sliced brisket on a platter and serve it with your favorite barbecue sauce, pickles, and sides. Brisket pairs well with classic barbecue sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans.

Grilling brisket on a gas grill takes time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. Follow these steps, experiment with different flavors and techniques, and soon you’ll be impressing friends and family with your perfectly grilled brisket. So, fire up the gas grill, embrace the smoky aroma, and let the grilling adventure begin!

Beginner Smoked Brisket on a Gas Grill

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I set my gas grill to when grilling brisket?

Set your gas grill to a temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C) when grilling brisket. This low and slow cooking method allows the brisket to cook evenly and become tender.

How do I prepare the brisket before grilling it on a gas grill?

Before grilling the brisket, trim the excess fat from the surface, leaving about 1/4 inch. Season the brisket with your choice of dry rub or marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.

Should I use direct or indirect heat on a gas grill for brisket?

For grilling brisket on a gas grill, it is best to use indirect heat. This means setting up your gas grill with burners on only one side and placing the brisket on the opposite side. This allows for slow cooking and prevents the brisket from becoming charred or burnt.

How long does it take to grill a brisket on a gas grill?

The cooking time for grilling a brisket on a gas grill can vary depending on the size and thickness of the brisket. As a general guideline, it can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per pound of brisket. However, keep in mind that it’s important to cook based on the internal temperature rather than strictly relying on time.

Should I wrap the brisket in foil while grilling it on a gas grill?

Wrapping the brisket in foil, also known as the Texas crutch, is a popular technique used while grilling brisket. It helps to retain moisture and speed up the cooking process. After the brisket has reached an internal temperature of around 160-165°F (71-74°C), you can wrap it tightly in foil and continue grilling until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

How do I know when the brisket is done on a gas grill?

The best way to determine if the brisket is done is by checking its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. For a tender brisket, the internal temperature should reach around 195-205°F (90-96°C). Additionally, you can also check if the meat is fork-tender or if it easily pulls apart.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, grilling brisket on a gas grill is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. Start by seasoning the brisket with your favorite rub and letting it marinate for a few hours or overnight. Preheat the gas grill to a medium-low temperature and place the brisket on the grill, fat side up. Cook the brisket low and slow, maintaining a consistent temperature, until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F. Rest the brisket for about 15 minutes before slicing it against the grain. By following these steps, you can master the art of grilling brisket on a gas grill.

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