Figuring out how much brisket to buy for a group can be tricky. Brisket is a popular choice for feeding a crowd because it’s hearty, flavorful, and goes a long way. But you want to make sure you buy enough so everyone gets plenty to eat without having too much leftover. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy the right amount of brisket for 8 adults.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about brisket portions:
- For 8 adults, plan on buying 8-12 pounds of raw brisket.
- Aim for 3/4 pound to 1 pound of raw brisket per person.
- A whole untrimmed brisket typically weighs 12-16 pounds.
- After trimming and cooking, brisket loses about 40% of its raw weight.
- Leftover brisket keeps well refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
How Much Raw Brisket Per Person?
When planning brisket for a group, the general recommendation is 3/4 pound to 1 pound of raw brisket per person. Here are some guidelines based on serving size:
- For a 6-8 oz serving of cooked brisket, plan on 1/2 pound raw per person.
- For a 8-10 oz serving, plan on 3/4 pound raw per person.
- For a hearty 10-12 oz serving, plan on 1 pound raw per person.
Since brisket shrinks significantly when cooked, you need to account for loss of moisture when purchasing. An average whole brisket loses about 40% of its raw weight during cooking. So if you want 8 ounces of cooked brisket per person, you’ll need about 1/2 pound raw. For big Texas-sized portions, go with 1 pound raw per person.
How Many Pounds for 8 Adults?
For a group of 8 adults, you’ll want to purchase 8-12 pounds of raw brisket. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- For 6-8 oz servings, get 8 pounds brisket (1/2 pound raw per person).
- For 8-10 oz servings, get 10 pounds brisket (3/4 pound raw per person).
- For 10-12 oz servings, get 12 pounds brisket (1 pound raw per person).
Shoot for the middle ground by getting 1 brisket in the 10-12 pound range. This will give you flexibility to cut thicker or thinner slices at serving time. Any leftovers will make delicious sandwiches!
How Big is a Typical Brisket?
When purchasing a full brisket, here is what you can expect:
- A whole brisket consists of two muscles – the flat cut and the point cut.
- An untrimmed brisket weighs 12-16 pounds on average.
- A trimmed brisket ready for cooking is around 10-14 pounds.
For a group of 8, one full brisket is usually sufficient. Just make sure it’s a nice big one in the 12-14 pound range after trimming. Choosing USDA Prime or Choice grade brisket will ensure the most flavor and tenderness.
Should I Cook Extra?
It’s always a good idea to have extra brisket on hand. Here are some benefits of cooking more than you need:
- You’ll have leftovers to enjoy later in the week.
- It allows for people who want second helpings.
- You can send guests home with leftovers.
- It prevents you from running out of food during the meal.
For a group of 8 adults, cooking an extra 1-2 pounds of brisket is recommended. Then if anyone wants more, or to take some home, you’ll have plenty available.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Brisket
Brisket leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Here are some storage tips:
- Let brisket cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in a shallow airtight container.
- Keep brisket moist by adding beef broth or pan drippings.
- Use refrigerated brisket within 4-5 days.
For longer term storage, leftover brisket freezes well for 2-3 months. Here are some freezing tips:
- Portion brisket into freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Lay bags flat in the freezer to freeze quickly.
- Once frozen, bags can be stacked or stood upright.
- Label bags with date and contents.
- Use frozen brisket within 2-3 months for best quality.
Freezing in broth, sauce, or au jus helps keep brisket moist. Thaw frozen brisket overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Should I Cook Brisket Fat Side Up or Down?
There is debate whether to cook brisket fat side up or down. Here are some benefits of each method:
Fat Side Up
- Allows fat to naturally baste the brisket as it renders.
- Produces a moist brisket by preventing drying out.
- Easier to trim any excess fat after cooking.
- Traditional Texas style is fat side up.
Fat Side Down
- Allows fat to drip away from brisket as it cooks.
- Permits smoke and rub to better penetrate the meat.
- Creates a crusty bark because meat is closer to heat source.
- Some claim it cooks faster than fat side up.
Both methods have their merits. Fat side up is generally recommended for most evenly cooked brisket. But don’t be afraid to try fat side down and determine which you prefer.
How Long Does it Take to Smoke a Brisket?
Smoking a brisket takes patience! Here are some general timelines:
- 12-15 hours at 225°F-250°F for a full packer brisket.
- 1-1.5 hours per pound is a good rule of thumb.
- The brisket is done when it reaches 195°F-205°F internally.
- Resting for 1-2 hours after cooking allows juices to absorb.
The exact time will depend on the size of your brisket and variables like humidity and outdoor temperature. Use a probe thermometer to test doneness rather than relying on time alone. Resting is a crucial final step to ensure tender, juicy brisket.
Tips for Maximizing Leftover Brisket
Leftover brisket makes amazing second meals. Here are tips for using up extra brisket:
- Chop or slice brisket and add to baked beans, soups, nachos, potatoes, etc.
- Make sandwiches on buns or Texas toast with BBQ sauce.
- Try brisket hash with onions and bell peppers for breakfast.
- Serve brisket over rice with poached eggs for an easy dinner.
- Stir chopped brisket into pasta with veggies and cheese sauce.
- Layer brisket in tortillas or taco shells for an easy taco night.
Get creative with leftovers! Brisket’s rich flavor pairs well with many ingredients and styles of cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy for brisket to go wrong. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Having uneven thickness – try to buy a uniformly thick brisket.
- Letting temperature spike – maintain consistent low heat.
- Not resting before slicing – rest at least 1-2 hours.
- Cooking too fast – be patient and follow time guidelines.
- Removing too much fat – some fat helps keep brisket moist.
- Underseasoning – be generous with salt and pepper.
- Slicing against the grain – always slice perpendicular to meat fibers.
Follow these best practices and your brisket is sure to impress! Be careful not to oversmoke or dry out the meat. Melt-in-your-mouth tender brisket takes both skill and patience.
Conclusion
Figuring out brisket portions for a group doesn’t need to be complicated. For 8 adults, plan on purchasing a whole untrimmed brisket in the 12-14 pound range. Cook at low heat for 12-15 hours until tender and juice, allowing time to rest before serving. With 1 pound per person, you’ll have enough for seconds while avoiding large amounts of leftovers. Sliced against the grain, a properly smoked brisket will deliver mouthwatering, fall-apart texture. Your guests will be asking for your brisket recipe for years to come!