What Are Burnt Ends? How to Make Burnt Ends Easily at Home

Burnt ends, often referred to as the pinnacle of BBQ cuisine, have won over the hearts of barbecue enthusiasts with their crispy exterior, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and rich, unforgettable flavor. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make burnt ends at home, along with tips to help you enjoy this dish with the same quality as a professional BBQ experience.

What are burnt ends?

Burnt ends are cuts of meat taken from brisket, specifically the point cut, which is rich in fat, making the meat tender and sweeter after cooking. Once the brisket is fully cooked, this section is cut into small cubes and grilled again with BBQ sauce until the outer layer caramelizes, creating a beautifully fragrant and flavorful finish.

Originally, burnt ends were considered leftovers in BBQ gatherings. However, their unique taste quickly turned them into a “star” dish, beloved at restaurants and BBQ events alike.

Ingredients 

To make delicious, authentic burnt ends, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Brisket (beef brisket): Opt for the point cut to ensure tenderness and richness.
• Dry rub: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own at home.
• Aluminum foil: For wrapping the meat during cooking.

Instructions for making burnt ends

1. Preparing the Brisket

• Rinse the brisket thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Evenly coat the entire surface of the meat with the dry rub mixture. Gently massage it in to help the flavors penetrate.
• Place the brisket in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight to allow the seasoning to fully absorb.

2. First cook of the brisket

• Preheat your oven or smoker to 120°C – 135°C (250°F – 275°F).
• Place the brisket on the grill rack with the fat side facing up.
• Smoking for about 5–6 hours or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 70°C (160°F).
• Remove the brisket, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, and continue cooking at a low temperature until the internal temperature reaches 90°C – 95°C (195°F – 203°F), which takes an additional 2–3 hours.

3. Cutting and re-cooking the burnt ends

• Let the brisket rest for about 15 minutes, then cut the point cut into small cubes (approximately 2.5 cm in size).

• Arrange the meat cubes on a baking tray and toss them with BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated.

• Smoke at 150°C (300°F) for 1 hour to allow the exterior to caramelize and become crispy.

Tips for perfect burnt ends

• Choose quality brisket: A brisket with an even layer of fat helps make the meat more tender and flavorful.
• Control the temperature: Slow cooking at low temperatures is key to achieving the best flavor.
• Be patient: Burnt ends take time to reach perfection, so don’t rush the process.
• Pick the right BBQ sauce: A mildly sweet BBQ sauce will highlight the distinctive flavor of the burnt ends.

How to enjoy burnt ends

Burnt ends can be paired with various side dishes to create a perfect meal:

• Salad: Helps balance the rich flavor of the meat.

• Mashed potatoes: A classic combination that never goes out of style

• Bread: Make a sandwich with burnt ends and vegetables for a change of flavor.

You can also use burnt ends as a topping for pizza, french fries, or as the main dish at a BBQ party.

Why burnt ends are the perfect BBQ dish

Burnt ends are not just a meal; they are a symbol of traditional BBQ. Each carefully prepared piece of meat offers a rich, tender flavor with a crispy exterior that everyone loves. It’s definitely a great choice to elevate your BBQ skills.

Conclusion

With the guide above, we hope you’ll be able to successfully make delicious, authentic burnt ends at home. Don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends, and get creative with how you enjoy this unique dish!