Where To Measure The Brisket Temp: Point Or Flat?

When it comes to probing the brisket, the grilling community is divided into two teams. 

So, when measuring thebrisket temp, point or flat, where do you probe?

When measuring the temperature of a brisket, it is generally recommended to probe the thickest part of the flat. The flat, being leaner than the point, provides a more accurate temperature reading. Additionally, the point tends to cook faster due to its higher fat content. This can lead to misjudging the overall cooking progress if probed. 

In the next sections, we will discuss more about the point and flat parts of the brisket.

Source: BarbecueFAQ

Where To Check Brisket Temp: Point Or Flat?

It is generally advised to take the temperature of brisket in the thickest section of the flat when measuring its temperature. The flat is the meatier section of the brisket and is known for being leaner compared to the point.  

The point tends to cook faster and can show a higher internal temperature than the leaner flat. In order to obtain the most accurate reading, place the thermometer probe closest to the point of the flat. 

Some pitmasters and grilling communities may disagree with it. But the general consensus is that measuring the flat temperature yields the most accurate results.

Why Should You Probe The Flat Rather Than Point?

You already know that probing the flat rather than the point is better. But why is that?  

That’s because the flat is a leaner muscle compared to the point, which contains more fat and connective tissue. This makes it more challenging to get an accurate temperature reading at the point. 

In addition to accuracy,brisket flat cooking is faster than the point. The point and the flat of the brisket cook at different rates. The point tends to cook faster than the flat due to its higher fat content.  

If we are being practical, there is a20-degree difference between point and flat.  

If you fail to measure the temp correctly, you won’t knowwhen you should pull the brisket. 

If you were to probe the point, you might misjudge the cooking progress of the overall brisket. Observing the flat, especially its thickest part, is a good way to gauge the progress of larger, slower-cooking muscles.

Where Is The Flat?

The flat is a muscle found on the bottom side of the brisket. It is a long, rectangular piece of meat that sits above the point or the fatty end of the brisket. 

It is the most commonly used cut of meat when it comes to brisket and this is where you probe the brisket.

Source: Oklahoma Joe

Where Is The Point?

The point is the thicker, more triangular muscle on a brisket. It is located on the top side of the brisket, above the flat. The point typically contains more fat and connective tissue compared to the leaner flat.

How To Probe A Brisket?

Probing a brisket accurately is crucial to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness and tenderness during the cooking process. When inserting the probe, it's important to follow a few key steps. 

Firstly, angle the probe across the grain of the meat. The grain refers to the direction in which the muscle fibers run in the brisket.  

You are more likely to get an accurate temperature reading if you angle the probe across the grain. This method allows the probe to measure the temperature across multiple muscle fibers.  

Secondly, insert the probe deep into the thickest part of the flat. It takes the longest to cook and requires the most attention. By inserting the probe deep into the meat, you ensure that the internal temperature is accurately measured at the center.  

Finally, when inserting the probe, it's best to approach from the side of the brisket rather than from the top. This helps avoid contact with any bones, which can give inaccurate temperature readings.  

Also, you must use a good thermometer probe, for an accurate result.Yummly, Meater, and MeatStickare some good options.

How To Probe For Tenderness?

Instead of relying solely on internal temperature readings, probing for tenderness allows you to gauge the doneness and texture of the brisket. 

To probe for tenderness, you want the probe to glide smoothly through all parts of the brisket. The most common guideline is that it should feel like the probe is sliding through soft butter. This means there should be no resistance or difficulty penetrating the meat with the probe. 

To better understand this concept, a video demonstration can be helpful.  

If the brisket is mostly probe tender but still has spots that feel slightly tight, there are ways to address this. One option is togive the brisket an extended rest or hold it overnight. 

You can place the brisket in an electric smoker at 145°F (63°C) for an overnight rest. This allows for carryover cooking to continue, further tenderizing those slightly tighter spots.

In any case, if all parts of the brisket feel probe tender, rest it for 2 hours until it reaches slicing temperature, usually 160°F (71°C). From there, you can proceed to slice the brisket or continue to hold it overnight at a lower temperature, such as 145°F (63°C).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is brisket OK at 160 degrees? 

Brisket cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is considered to be in the range of medium doneness. At this temperature, the brisket may still have some chewiness and toughness due to the connective tissues not fully breaking down. It is not the ideal temperature for a traditionally tender and melt-in-your-mouth brisket.

What is the 3 2 1 brisket method? 

The 3-2-1 brisket method is a popular smoking technique that involves cooking the brisket in three stages: 3 hours unwrapped, 2 hours wrapped in foil, and 1 hour unwrapped. The initial 3 hours allow the brisket to absorb smoky flavors and develop a crust.

What is the best brisket strategy? 

The best brisket strategy involves cooking the meat slowly at a low temperature to achieve tenderness. This technique is commonly referred to as "slow and low." It is best to start cooking the brisket well in advance, even firing up the smoker early in the morning. 

Conclusion

So, when probing forbrisket temp, point, or flat,which one should you go for? Now, you know the answer to this question. 

Along with this, knowing how to probe is also important as nothing is worse than an overcooked brisket. 

Happy grilling!