I’m always surprised at how many readers have never had Burnt Ends but then when I think back, we never had them til we moved to Missouri and I heard about them because, being so close to Kansas City and their BBQ fame, everyone in our area (except us) knew about Burnt Ends.
I use the fatty point end of the brisket . . most of which I had thrown out prior to making burnt ends. This recipe is close to how I make mine and there’s a lot of info in that post but I take the fatty end and cut off a lot of the fat but I don’t do a super close job of trimming it. The brisket has already been seasoned and smoked. Most recipes will say to cook the burnt ends while they’re still warm but heck, we have a whole brisket to eat so I usually save the fatty pieces for cooking another day.
I put the chunked up pieces, add more salt, black pepper onion pepper, a bit of BBQ sauce that isn’t too sweet, then add brown sugar to taste. I don’t usually add beef broth but will mix about 1/4 cup of water or even wine in there. Mix that up really well with the meat. Since I’m using a pan to cook these in the smoker, I wrap the bottom and sides of the pan in foil so it isn’t so hard to clean. A 1-1/2 to 2 ounce piece of fruit wood (apple, cherry, pear) is my preference and set the smoker to 225° and leave it alone for about two hours. The fat in the meat will mostly render and make it tender and juicy.
Burnt Ends
I had already flipped these over in the pan so the caramelized, dark edges are on the bottom. These are so good! If I wasn’t on a diet, serve these with a baked potato and a salad . . yum! We did have pinto beans, which technically isn’t on the diet but there’s a lot of fiber. Don’t do as I do! 🙂
vivoaks says
You’re right…I’ve never heard of burnt ends. Sounds great, but I don’t get to smoke much meat. If I had an electric smoker I’d probably do a lot more, but the only thing we have is a big smoker/grill combo, and it takes a lot of work to keep the temperature where it needs to be. I LOVE smoked meats!!!
Sandy says
I’ve never heard of burnt ends either, but in the photo they look yummy!
Joyce says
A little family owned restaurant one town over has burnt ends on their menu. (Of course I’m in Missouri!) They only do BBQ sandwiches, but you can have them for your sandwich. There is a (when available) warning on the menu…burnt ends go fast! I have had them before—yum!
Nelle Coursey says
I had never heard of them until you started talking about them.
Ruth says
Burnt Ends taste SO delicious! That flavor is what you eat brisket FOR! Yum! It takes so long, though….
annie says
We have them here in Maine, sounds like they are beginning to spread out around the country.
dezertsuz says
Sounds delicious. I don’t know where I first had them, but several good bbq places out west do serve them, and I love them, too.