What to Do with Brisket Trimmings

At Black's Barbecue, we know that every part of a brisket can be used to create something delicious. Before a brisket is cooked, the raw trimmings might seem like waste, but they are actually a valuable resource. Whether you want to reduce waste, save money, or simply explore new recipes, brisket trimmings can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Here, we’ll share some fantastic recipes, tips, and tricks for using brisket trimmings.

 

What Are Brisket Trimmings?

Brisket trimmings are the pieces of raw beef that are trimmed off before the brisket is cooked. These trimmings often include fat and some meat, which can be repurposed in a variety of ways. By utilizing brisket trimmings, you can make everything from tallow to burgers, sausages, and even chili.

 

What Can You Do with Brisket Trimmings?

Make Tallow 

One of the most straightforward uses for brisket trimmings is to render them into tallow. Beef tallow is a type of rendered beef fat that can be used in place of butter or cooking oil. It’s perfect for frying, roasting, and even baking.

How to Make Beef Tallow from Brisket Trimmings

1. Prepare the Trimmings: Cut the brisket trimmings into small, uniform pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will render.
2. Render the Fat: Place the trimmings in a large pot over low heat. As the fat begins to melt, it will separate from the meat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Strain the Tallow: Once the fat has fully melted, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. This will remove any remaining meat pieces and impurities.
4. Cool and Store: Let the tallow cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will solidify and can be used as needed.

 

Make Brisket Burgers

Another fantastic use for brisket trimmings is to grind them into beef for burgers. Brisket has a great balance of meat and fat, which makes for juicy, flavorful burgers.

How to Make Brisket Burgers

1. Grind the Trimmings: Using a meat grinder or food processor, grind the brisket trimmings into a coarse ground beef.
2. Form Patties: Shape the ground brisket into patties, being careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
3. Season and Cook: Season the patties with salt and pepper, then cook them on a grill or stovetop to your desired doneness. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

 

Homemade Sausage

Brisket trimmings can also be used to make delicious homemade sausage. The combination of brisket meat and fat creates a rich and flavorful sausage perfect for breakfast or grilling.

How to Make Homemade Sausage

1. Grind the Trimmings: Grind the brisket trimmings in a meat grinder or food processor.
2. Season the Meat: Mix the ground brisket with your favorite sausage seasonings. Common spices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Stuff the Sausage: Using a sausage stuffer, fill casings with the seasoned meat mixture. If you don’t have a sausage stuffer, you can form the mixture into patties or links by hand.
4. Cook the Sausage: Cook the sausage on a grill, in a skillet, or in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

 

Make Texas Brisket Chili

Chopped brisket trimmings are a great addition to chili, adding a depth of flavor and richness that elevates the dish.

How to Use Brisket Trimmings in Chili

1. Prepare the Trimmings: Chop the brisket trimmings into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, brown the brisket trimmings over medium heat. This will render some of the fat and create a flavorful base for your chili.
3. Add Ingredients: Add your usual chili ingredients, such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, beans, and spices. Simmer until the flavors meld and the meat is tender.
4. Serve: Serve the chili with your favorite toppings, like cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

 

What Does Black's BBQ Do with Brisket Trimmings?

At Black's BBQ, we believe in using every part of the brisket to create something delicious. Here’s how we utilize our brisket trimmings:

Making Beef Tallow

We render our brisket trimmings into beef tallow, which we use in various cooking applications. Tallow is a great way to add flavor and richness to our dishes, and it’s a fantastic way to reduce waste.

Creating Brisket Burgers and Brisket Sausages

We grind brisket trimmings to make our juicy, flavorful brisket burgers and homemade sausages. The combination of meat and fat from the trimmings makes for a perfect burger blend and rich, tasty sausages that our customers love.

Incorporating into Dishes

Our chopped brisket trimmings are used in several dishes, such as our famous chili. The trimmings add a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

 

Tips and Tricks for Using Brisket Trimmings

Here are some additional tips and tricks for making the most out of your brisket trimmings:

1. Freeze for Later Use: If you don’t have time to use your brisket trimmings right away, freeze them. Simply place the trimmings in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
2. Blend with Other Meats: For a unique flavor profile, blend brisket trimmings with other meats, such as pork or chicken, when making burgers or sausages.
3. Use for Stock: Brisket trimmings, especially those with bones, can be used to make a rich beef stock. Simply simmer the trimmings with water, vegetables, and herbs for several hours to extract the flavors.
4. Add to Stews and Soups: Chopped brisket trimmings are a great addition to stews and soups, adding both flavor and texture.

Endless Culinary Possibilities with Brisket Trimmings

Brisket trimmings are a versatile and valuable resource in your kitchen. By turning them into tallow, burgers, sausages, chili, and more, you can reduce waste and create delicious dishes. At Black's BBQ, we utilize our brisket trimmings to enhance the flavor of our dishes and provide our customers with the best Texas BBQ experience. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover brisket trimmings, get creative and enjoy the endless possibilities they offer. Happy cooking!