Do you reheat brisket after resting?

The answer to this question is dependent upon personal preference. Some people believe that reheating brisket after it has rested will make the meat tougher, while others find that it allows the flavors to meld together more. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they want to reheat their brisket after resting. If you do choose to reheat, we recommend doing so at a low temperature to avoid drying out the meat.

What is brisket

Brisket is a portion of beef that comes off the well-exercised muscles of a cow. These include the lower breast or pectoral muscles. This meat selection is often more challenging and needs more time and attention for cooking. Since brisket is simmered, consumers often make it in large quantities, leaving room for leftovers. Storing and reheating this meat correctly will prevent it from losing its texture and flavor. 

Reheating Brisket after Resting

Consumers usually rest a brisket when they have finished cooking it ahead of time before it’s due to be served. This process involves removing it from the heat and wrapping it away safely to be consumed later. After being left like this for about one hour, the brisket must be reheated. There are several ways that brisket can be reheated as the process is not very complicated. Ideally, the main thing to avoid is putting the brisket in the microwave. This appliance will likely suck most of the moisture out of the brisket. The brisket will probably end up tasting dry and rubbery. 

Using the Oven to Reheat Brisket 

The oven is best for warming up large quantities of brisket. It can evenly warm up a large piece of brisket. This method will allow it to be served like it’s the first time.

1. Start by heating the oven to 325°F. This heat is appropriate enough to avoid the brisket losing its moisture. It is, therefore, best to avoid turning the heat up to reduce the reheating time. 
2. As the oven is preheating, the next step is to get the brisket to room temperature. Place the brisket in an oven-safe dish and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes after taking it out of the fridge. If the brisket is cold, it will likely not warm evenly. Cold centers on meat can be unpleasant for guests. 
3. Next, pour any reserved cooking juices over the top of the brisket. This task should help to make the brisket moist. Use one cup of beef stock instead if there aren’t any juices available.
4. Cover the brisket in a layer of aluminum foil. Ensure it is tight, as this will help the air warm up the brisket evenly. You can also poke holes to prevent the brisket from burning. 
5. It should take about one hour to reheat the brisket if it is a whole piece thoroughly. If you have sliced it up, it will likely take 20 minutes to preheat fully. An internal temperature of 145°F should indicate the meat is ready.  

Using the Sous Vide Machine to Reheat Brisket

This technique is best for pre-sliced brisket. Using this method will prevent the brisket from drying out. This machine is excellent for cooking/reheating brisket. You can expect the meat to come out juicy and tender after reheating. It takes longer than other methods but provides the best benefits. 

1. Start by bringing the brisket to room temperature by letting it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Fill a vacuum-sealed bag with reserved juices and soak the meat. 
3. To operate the sous vide basin, you must submerge the brisket bag entirely in water. A temperature of 150°F should be enough to luxuriate the brisket. 
4. Check the internal temperature of the meat; once it has reached 150°F, it is ready to be served. 
5. Reheating with this method takes time and will only be complete after about five hours. You can slice the brisket into smaller pieces to reduce the reheating time. 

Using the Slow Cooker to Reheat Brisket

The slow cooker is, as the name suggests, slow. This method heats on a low setting and should take four hours to reheat the brisket thoroughly. It is a convenient method for people that want to just set the brisket for reheating and forget about it. 

1. Place the brisket into a ceramic crockpot with some of the reserved meat juice. This liquid will help keep the moisture safe and prevent the meat from drying. Let it sit until the meat reaches room temperature. This task protects the flavor, and you can also substitute this with a stock cube. 
2. Turn on the slow cooker and place the brisket inside. You can slice the brisket into thick pieces to speed up the cooking process. A temperature of 185°F should be sufficient to reheat the brisket without drying it out. 
3. The brisket should be thoroughly reheated in four hours. Rest it for 10 minutes, and then serve. 

Using an Air Fryer to Reheat Briskets

If you want to reheat the briskets quickly, this is the best method. It will go great with some gravy to prevent the meat from drying. It heats brisket evenly and speedily when at the right temperature. Air fryers operate similarly to ovens; however, they are high-powered, which means they blow heat directly onto the food. If you can safely fit the slices of brisket into the air fryer, use this method. 

1. Ensure that the brisket has cooled down to room temperature before heating, and then set the Air Fryer to 350°F.
2. Wrap the sliced brisket in aluminum foil and add extra gravy, reserved juices, or meat broth. 
3. Reheat the brisket pack for about 35 minutes. You can stop at regular intervals to check on the texture of the meat.  

How Long Does Cooked Brisket Last in the Fridge?

It is recommended to keep brisket for a maximum of four days in the fridge. After this point, the brisket may become unappetizing. When the brisket is placed in the fridge dry without gravy, it can last longer than if there is gravy. The ingredients in the sauce will expire in two days. In the freezer, brisket can last up to three months. Always wrap the brisket well and place it in an airtight container when storing it in the fridge/freezer.