In this complete guide, we will walk you through the process of smoking a delicious brisket on the Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker. If you’re new to smoking or an experienced pitmaster, our step-by-step instructions and tips will help you achieve tender and juicy brisket with mouth-watering smoke flavor. Get ready to fire up your smoker and impress your friends and family with a perfectly cooked brisket.
How to Smoke Brisket on the Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker – A Complete Guide
Introduction
Are you a barbecue enthusiast tired of cooking your brisket on the same old unit? Or are you just starting your journey of cooking brisket and looking for a new smoker to try? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to smoke a 15-pound USDA choice brisket on the Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker.
Preparing the Brisket
The first step in smoking a brisket is to prepare it. Start by trimming the brisket to remove any excess fat, leaving about ¼ inch of it. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
Next, prepare the Coffee Cocoa Rub. Mix brown sugar, coffee, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder together in a bowl. Cover the brisket in Worcestershire sauce before applying the rub. Ensure that the brisket is well-coated with the rub.
Cover the brisket and let it marinate for at least two hours. We recommend leaving it in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to soak in a bit more.
Setting up the Smoker
The Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker is a versatile smoker that can cook everything from brisket to chicken to ribs. Fill the smoker with hickory wood for added flavor.
To get the smoker started, light a fire in the chimney starter. Once it is ready, pour the hot coals into the smoker and place a few chunks of hickory wood on the coals.
Close the lid and allow the smoker to heat up to the desired temperature, which should be around 225°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Smoking the Brisket
Once the smoker has heated up, it is time to smoke the brisket. Place the brisket on the grate, fat side up, and close the lid. Smoke the brisket for approximately 6-8 hours, until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F.
Avoid opening the smoker too often as this can cause the temperature to drop. Sometimes it is necessary to flip the brisket over so that it will cook evenly. In that case just be gentle and use a large spatula.
Resting the Brisket
Once the brisket has reached the desired temperature, it is time to remove it from the smoker and let it rest. Wrap the brisket in aluminum foil and allow it to rest for at least one hour before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, giving you a much juicier and tender brisket.
Conclusion
Now that you have followed our step-by-step guide on how to smoke a brisket on the Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker, you are well-equipped to try it yourself. Be sure to try different types of wood to find what works best for you and your taste buds. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different rub recipe for my brisket?
A: Absolutely! There are plenty of great rub recipes on the internet that you can experiment with until you find one that you love.
Q: How long will the smoker stay hot?
A: It depends on the amount of coal and wood chunks you use, but usually, the smoker can maintain temperature for up to 8 hours.
Q: What is the benefit of trimming the brisket?
A: Trimming the brisket helps the flavors penetrate the meat and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
Q: Can I smoke a brisket on a gas grill?
A: Yes, you can smoke a brisket on a gas grill, but it may not achieve the same flavor as when you use a smoker.
Q: Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
A: Yes, the brisket can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.
