Smoked brisket is a popular barbecue dish made from beef brisket that is seasoned with a dry rub, marinated, and then slow-cooked or smoked until it becomes tender and flavorful. Brisket is a cut of meat from the chest of the cow, known for its rich and beefy flavor. The cooking process for smoked brisket is often lengthy, as it requires low and slow heat to break down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent final product.
The smoking process involves cooking the brisket in a smoker, which is a specialized outdoor cooking apparatus designed for slow-cooking and imparting a smoky flavor to the meat. Wood chips or chunks are often used to generate the smoke, adding a distinctive taste to the brisket. Common wood choices for smoking brisket include hickory, mesquite, oak, and fruitwoods.
The final result is a delicious, smoky, and tender piece of meat with a flavorful bark (crust) on the outside.