What to Do with the Brisket Trimmings

What to Do with the Brisket Trimmings

Brisket trimmings are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be used for so many things. While many simply toss their trimmings aside, we suggest saving them and using them in a variety of recipes. From burgers to pure cooking tallow, brisket trim can add a world of flavor to your menu.

Smoking a brisket may seem like a daunting task. They are big, they are heavy, they are a time-commitment to cook, and, inevitably, there is a pile of trimmings you are left with. Many simply toss the trimmings out, but don’t let this be you.

Brisket trimmings are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be used for so many things. A full-sized whole brisket can weigh over 20 pounds. Depending on the level of trimming done prior to cooking, it is not uncommon to have 5 or more pounds of trimmings

Custom Burger blend 

The perfect burger is comprised of just the right fat to lean ratio when grinding. Brisket trimmings are the perfect addition to create an incredibly juicy and flavorful burger. Seasonings can be added after the burger has been ground, too. 

1. Make sure the meat is super cold. Place trimmings on a sheet pan in the freezer. Freeze until edges are solid but trimmings remain pliable.
2. For a burger blend, select a lean cut of beef such as chuck or round and cut into small pieces to add to the grinder/food processor with the chilled brisket trimmings. Add about 25% of the total weight in brisket fat. Example: For 1 pound of chuck, add 4 ounces (1/4 lb.) of brisket fat trimmings.
3. For a 100% brisket burger, cut trimmings into small pieces and add to the grinder. Make note to have approximately 25% of the total weight in fat.
4. Run cold trimmings and meat through a chilled meat grinder on the coarse setting. Run it through an additional time if you desire a finer grind.

 Beef Tallow AKA Liquid Gold 

Beef tallow (rendered beef fat) is by far one of the easiest and most desirable ingredients to garner from brisket trimmings. With minimal effort, the result is rich and savory tallow that can be used in place of oil or butter and boasts amazing flavor.

1. Make sure the meat is super cold. Place trimmings on a sheet pan in the freezer. Freeze until edges are solid but trimmings remain pliable.
2. Remove all meat from the trimmings and cut fat into approximately 1” pieces.
3. Add fat trimmings to a disposable aluminum sheet pan and place on smoker while brisket is cooking. Depending on the size of smoker, place beside or on the shelf under the brisket.
4. Cook for approximately 4 hours at 250°F or until fat has rendered into tallow, stirring occasionally to make sure not to burn.
5. Remove from smoker and strain. Straining is important! Strain first through a small mesh strainer followed by a second strain through a cheesecloth. Be sure to remove as many impurities as possible as these can cause the tallow to perish faster, as well as have a poor taste.
6. Place strained tallow in a glass container. Tallow can be used in liquid form immediately or will solidify upon cooling. Tallow can be safely stored in refrigeration for up to 3 months.

Take it to the Table 

Brisket trimmings can be safely sealed and saved in the freezer for later use in recipes. When you are ready to break out the slow cooker, they will come in handy for everything from tacos to chili and more. When utilizing brisket trimmings in recipe applications, make sure the trimmings are cold and remove a good portion of the fat from the meat. Cut trimmings into smaller pieces for use in recipes. Brisket trimmings cook best under a low and slow application with liquid added to assist in the rendering of trimmings, creating a tender flavorful bite.

Below are some great examples of recipes where brisket trimmings can be used in.

• Slow Cooked Brisket Chili (slow cooker, Dutch oven, etc.)
• Carne Guisada – Latin Beef Stew
• Brisket Smashburgers
• Brisket Pizza
• Braised Brisket Stew
• Brisket Nachos

Whether you’re grinding your own burgers or saving your trimmings for future recipes, there are so many uses for the trimmings that often get tossed out. Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding the perfect boost of savory flavor to your future dishes.