How to Baste Brisket With Beer

Opt for an amber beer, which will impart less bitterness in your brisket than a lager.

A brisket is the cut of meat that is taken from the lower chest or breast of any four-legged animal, though usually from a pig or cow . Because of its location, this cut is exceedingly tough and therefore very well suited for slow cooking, which will break down muscle sinews, resulting in a tender cut of meat. In addition to a marinade or rub that you use for the brisket, you can baste the brisket with your favorite beer to impart flavor and moistness in the finished meat.

Things You'll Need

• Brisket
• Knife
• Salt
• Pepper
• Amber beer
• Dark brown sugar
• Star anise
• Cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Roasting pan
• Basting brush

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven, slow cooker or smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit or medium low .

2. Season your brisket with whatever seasonings suit your tastes, such as those from a spice rub. You may also just want to season simply with salt and pepper.

3. Lay the brisket fat-side down in the roasting pan.

4. Prepare the basting sauce. In a small saucepan add 12 oz of amber ale, 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar, 1 cup star anise, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce. You can add additional ingredients or remove certain ingredients to suit your tastes. Heat the sauce but do not bring it to a boil, which could cause the beer to become bitter.

5. Cook or grill the brisket for four to eight hours, depend on the size. It should take approximately 90 minutes per pound. After two hours, dip a basting brush into the beer basting sauce and baste the brisket.

6. Baste the brisket every hour afterwards until the brisket is completely cooked. It will be done when the internal temperature reaches approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Yum Sugar: Brisket
• One Tasty Place: Beer Basted Beef Brisket
• Virtual Weber Bullet: Brisket Selection and Preparation