Introduction
You’ve got a hankering for brisket, but you’re not sure how long it takes to cook. I hear ya. It’s one of the most popular cuts of meat out there (especially in Texas), but also one of the most difficult to prepare. You could be thinking “How long does it take to cook a brisket?” as you read this article and wondering if your oven is even capable of producing results like those at barbecue restaurants or competitions. The good news? Brisket is actually pretty easy to cook once you get the hang of it — and when you know how long it takes! So let’s dive into some tips for how long does it take to cook a brisket based on what kind of environment you’re cooking in:
What you’ll need
To cook a brisket, you’ll need:
- A smoker and wood chips (if you don’t have a smoker, see below)
- A meat thermometer (preferably digital)
How long does it take to cook a brisket in the oven?
The cooking time for a brisket in the oven depends on a couple of factors. First, the size of your brisket will affect how long it takes to cook through–a small brisket will need less time than a large one. Second, the amount you are cooking affects how long it takes as well; if you are making enough brisket for an army and not just yourself, then this too may lengthen your overall cooking time. Finally, temperature is important because high heat tends to dry out meats more quickly than low heat does (which is why we recommend using medium heat).
For example: let’s say that we want to cook two pounds of brisket at 350F for six hours so that our guests can enjoy some leftovers later in the week! We would set our timer for six hours when putting them into their pan and then check back every hour after that until they reach their desired doneness level–but remember: all ovens are different so always follow labels carefully before committing yourself!
How long does it take to cook a brisket on the smoker?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including:
- The temperature of your smoker. If it’s too low, it will take longer to cook than if it were hotter.
- The size of your brisket. A smaller brisket will cook faster than a larger one because more heat can get in contact with its surface area as well as penetrate deeper into its meat (more about this below).
- The thickness of your brisket. Thinner cuts will cook faster than thicker ones–but they also tend to dry out more quickly, so keep an eye on them!
- How much wood or other smoke-flavored fuels are added into the firebox during cooking time; some people prefer very little smoke while others like theirs smoky AF.*
When you know how long it takes to cook a brisket, you can plan your meals around it.
When you know how long it takes to cook a brisket, you can plan your meals around it. You’ll know when to start preparing other things for dinner and when to eat.
You can even use this information as an excuse for not cooking anything else! If your family or friends are over, just tell them that the brisket is still cooking and they’ll have to wait until later. This will give them time to relax and enjoy each other’s company while the meat slowly roasts in its own juices. And if someone asks where the vegetables are? Just tell them “Oh sorry, I forgot about those.”
Conclusion
So there you have it! The answer to How long does it take to cook a brisket? It depends on the method, but generally speaking, it should take about 8 hours if you’re cooking in an oven or smoker at 275 degrees. This means you can plan your meals around this delicious meat dish and have them ready when guests come over for dinner or family members visit from out-of-town.