Beef brisket is a delicious cut of meat that is popular in many cuisines. When cooked low and slow, it becomes fall-apart tender and full of robust, beefy flavor. However, brisket is a large cut of meat, so you’ll likely have leftovers after cooking it. Knowing how to properly reheat beef brisket is key to maintaining its tender texture and avoiding dry, overcooked meat. In this article, I’ll explain the best methods for reheating leftover brisket so it remains moist and delicious.
Why Low and Slow Is Best for Reheating Brisket
Brisket needs to be cooked “low and slow” to break down the tough connective tissues in the meat. This same approach should be used when reheating leftover brisket. High heat can quickly dry out and toughen up brisket. The reheating method needs to gently warm up the meat without squeezing out all the flavorful juices. Low, even heat is the key.
When reheating brisket, the internal temperature should reach 165°F, according to USDA food safety guidelines However, you don’t want the meat to exceed this temp or it could become dry and overcooked. Heating the brisket low and slow ensures it reaches a safe internal temperature without becoming dried out.
Oven Method for Reheating Brisket
The best way to reheat brisket is in the oven This matches the original cooking method and helps maintain moisture Follow these steps
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Let the brisket sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before reheating. This helps it heat evenly.
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place brisket in an oven-safe pan and add a little beef broth or cooking liquid to the pan. This adds moisture.
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Cover pan tightly with foil.
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Heat until internal temp reaches 165°F, checking temperature periodically. This may take 1-2 hours.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Use a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is another excellent way to gently reheat brisket. Follow this method:
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Let brisket rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before reheating.
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Place brisket in slow cooker and add cooking juices or 1 cup beef broth.
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Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, until heated through.
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Check internal temp and cook longer if needed until 165°F.
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Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for Reheating Sliced Brisket
Leftover sliced brisket can dry out more easily than a whole brisket. Here are some tips:
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Place slices in an oven-safe dish in a single layer to promote even heating.
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Add barbecue sauce, beef broth, or cooking juices to add moisture.
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Cover dish tightly with foil and heat at 325°F until warmed through, 20-30 minutes.
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Stir halfway through to redistribute moisture.
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Add extra sauce after reheating if needed.
Things to Avoid When Reheating Brisket
There are a few common mistakes people make when trying to reheat leftover brisket:
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Microwaving – This often leads to dry, rubbery brisket. Microwaves cook unevenly and squeeze moisture out.
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High heat – Skillet, grill, or broiler can overcook outside before inside is heated through.
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No added moisture – Brisket needs moisture to reheat properly without drying out.
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Open container – Foil covering or lid on dish is important to keep moisture in.
Serving and Storing Reheated Brisket
Once reheated, leftover brisket should be consumed within 4 days for food safety. Here are some serving ideas:
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Chopped brisket sandwiches
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Brisket tacos or burritos
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Brisket hash with potatoes and peppers
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Brisket omelette or breakfast tacos
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Brisket shepherd’s pie or casserole
Store brisket in an airtight container. Freeze for longer storage up to 2-3 months. Refrigerate broth or sauce separately.
Achieving Brisket Perfection
With the proper reheating method, leftover brisket can be just as delicious as the original home-cooked meal. The keys are using gentle, even heat, keeping the meat moist, and avoiding overcooking. Oven and slow cooker methods produce the best results. In no time, you can enjoy fork-tender brisket again. Follow these guidelines for brisket perfection every time!
How do you reheat beef without drying it out?
“Low and slow” is your motto! If you zap your meat with super high heat (as might happen in the microwave), it could overcook and dry out. As we mentioned, to keep your brisket moist, you can also splash a little beef broth, cooking liquid, or water on it before you put it in the oven, and you can drizzle on some gravy or barbecue sauce once its heated to liven it up again.
What is the best way to reheat beef brisket?
There is one very important thing to remember about reheating beef brisket: Stay away from the microwave! Brisket is best reheated in the oven; the microwave will simply dry it out. Heres what wed recommend:
- First, remove your brisket from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Next, preheat your oven to 325˚and place your brisket in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle the meat with some of the original cooking liquid or a little beef broth, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Heat until the brisket is warmed through (cooking times will vary depending on whether your brisket is sliced or whole).
How to reheat Brisket
FAQ
How do you reheat brisket without drying it out?
Cover the brisket with slices of butter. This fat is your friend to provide much needed moisture when reheating.Sep 1, 2022
Can you reheat cooked beef brisket?
Like with most meals, reheating barbecued brisket in the microwave can be a great option when you don’t have much time to spare.
Can you cook a brisket the day before and reheat it?
In theory, you should be able to hold your brisket for up to a week if you were to vacuum seal it. Wrapped in foil, I would not leave it longer than 36 hours. This brisket is best if you reheat it within 24 hours.
How to warm up brisket without drying it out reddit?
The answer here is to keep it whole and vacuum seal it and then reheat via sous vide when you’re up there.