Grilling Brisket on Charcoal: How to Keep It Tender and Juicy

Brisket is the ultimate signature dish—nothing beats its richness, texture, and sheer deliciousness. While braised brisket may already be a staple in your recipe collection, it’s time to learn how to grill it over charcoal to infuse that smoky flavor. While slow-cooked brisket can be irresistibly delicious, if the meat fibers don’t have enough time to break down on low heat, the brisket may turn out a bit tough. Luckily, with the right method and some know-how, you can turn your charcoal grill into the perfect brisket-smoking station.

How to Grill Brisket on a Charcoal Grill

Slow cookers and Dutch ovens are often popular tools for cooking brisket because they maintain low temperatures and allow the brisket to stew in its own juices for hours. A charcoal grill typically has a stronger heat source, and food tends to cook more quickly. So, when you learn how to cook brisket on the grill, you’re essentially transforming your charcoal grill into a smoker. A smoker uses indirect heat to cook the food, allowing smoke and heat to circulate around the food, giving it a slightly charred exterior without overcooking it.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Wood Chips
   Soak 1 to 2 cups of wood chips in water for at least an hour (the more wood chips, the stronger the smoky flavor). If you want to enhance the flavor, you can soak the wood chips in apple juice or beer instead of water.

2. Season the Brisket
   Season your brisket according to your preferred recipe. Then, place the coal in the grill, but make sure to position it around the drip pan. Pour an inch of hot water into the drip pan. Drain the wood chips and scatter them over the coal. You’ll be setting up for indirect heat, so check the temperature of the grill to make sure it’s at a medium-low heat.

3. Grill the Brisket
   Place the brisket, fat side down, on the grill over the drip pan. Cover the grill and let the brisket smoke. How long you smoke the brisket depends on the size of the cut and the grill temperature. If you’re following a specific recipe, stick to the timing guidelines. Otherwise, plan on smoking the brisket for about 4 to 5 hours, or until it becomes tender and the internal temperature reaches 185°F to 190°F on a meat thermometer.

   Important Tip: Flip the brisket once during the cooking process. Be sure to check the coal and water levels periodically and add more if needed to maintain the heat, humidity, and smoke. While it’s tempting to open the grill to check on the meat, try to resist the urge to lift the lid too often to maintain the temperature and smoke.

Flavor Variations:

Once you’ve mastered grilling brisket on a charcoal grill, you can start experimenting with different flavor combinations. Traditional BBQ flavors are always a hit, but you can also get creative with variations like beer-brisket or even blueberry brisket. Don’t be afraid to try out different seasonings and find your perfect combination!