Memphis Style BBQ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cubed beef brisket burnt ends caramelized in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, delivering a rich and tender bite. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 590 minutes pairs beef brisket flat, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 50 min Cook: 540 min Serves 6 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl to make the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Trim excess fat from the 4 lbs beef brisket flat, then evenly apply the dry rub all over. Let it rest at room temperature for 45 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked apple wood chips.
  4. Step 4: Place the brisket on the smoker fat side up and smoke for about 6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 1 cup Memphis-style barbecue sauce, then return to the smoker in a foil pan.
  6. Step 6: Smoke the sauced cubes for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours until the sauce is sticky and caramelized on the burnt ends.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot as a rich, smoky appetizer or main dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Memphis Style BBQ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends take to make?

Total time is about 590 minutes (50 min prep + 540 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Memphis Style BBQ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef brisket flat from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Memphis Style BBQ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Memphis Style BBQ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Memphis Style BBQ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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