What to do with the fat on a Briskett?

Franco · September 2001

I'm cooking up my first briskett this weekend and am wondering, when you buy the 11 to 13LB briskett that is packaged and has the word "trimmed" on it; do you have the butcher trim the fat down more?[p]Thanks for your help as always, Frank

Mike Oelrich · September 2001

Franco,[p] NO! In fact, you want a brisket with a decent fat cap on it. It is this fat that bastes the brisket as it cooks (assuming you cook with the fatty side up) and keeps the meat juicy. I'm sure NatureBoy will chime in with his expert advice soon enough.[p]MikeO

TOROLNSTND · September 2001

Franco,
Whaddayado with the fat?!?! You cook it for 22 hours then you eat it!!

Zip · September 2001

Franco,[p]I would be careful when buying a trimmed brisket. If it is trimmed, try to get one that has about a half to one third inch fat cap. I like to get them in a packer cut cryovac and do the trimming myself. The fat you trim can be rendered over low heat in a pot and added to grease for frying. A little beef tallow makes for some great french fries.[p]Ashley

Painter · September 2001

Zip,
I heard McDonalds thinks it helps their fries also.
Painter

Nature Boy · September 2001

MikeO,
I've cooked a bunch of 'em, but would be in trouble if I considered myself an expert!
The advice already given is right on.
About time we hooked up for a few beers again.
NB

Zip · September 2001

Painter,[p]Yea, I guess old habits are hard to break. When they used said they switched to all veg oil, or reduced the ammount of tallow the fries were never the same. Even Julia Child liked their fries when they used the beef fat, but said she wouldn't eat them when they switched.[p]Ashley

Unknown · September 2001

Franco,[p]My only addition is that I score the fat so my rub can penetrate.[p]Jeff

What to do with the fat on a Briskett?

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