Mastering Brisket on a Kamado Joe: Your Ultimate Smoking Guide
Introduction to Kamado Joe Brisket Smoking
Smoking a perfect brisket on a Kamado Joe is an art form that combines precision, patience, and passion. Whether you’re a barbecue novice or a seasoned pitmaster, this guide will walk you through creating a mouth-watering brisket that will impress even the most discerning meat lovers. Here’s how to Master Brisket With Kamado Joe
Choosing the Right Brisket
Selecting Your Cut
- Opt for a whole brisket (5kg)
- Choose a Prime Cut for the best results
- Look for good marbling and consistent thickness
Preparation is Key
Trimming
- Trim excess fat, leaving about 0.5cm of fat
- Remove any hard fat and uneven edges
- Create a uniform shape for even cooking
Seasoning
Classic Brisket Rub:
- 60g of salt
- 60g of cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cayenne for heat
Pro Tip: Apply English mustard as a binder before adding the rub
Setting Up Your Kamado Joe
Fire and Fuel
- Use lump charcoal for best results
- Add 4-8 chunks of hickory or oak wood
- Aim for a stable temperature of 110-120 C
Smoking Brisket With Kamado Joe

Smoking Setup
- Use heat deflector plates
- Place a drip pan underneath the brisket
- Ensure proper airflow control
The Smoking Process For Mastering Brisket With Kamado Joe
Initial Smoking
- Place the brisket fat side up
- Use the heat deflector for even heat distribution
- Insert a meat thermometer
- Avoid opening the lid frequently
Monitoring and Spritzing
- Wait until bark is set before spritzing (around 4-5 hours)
- Spritz only dry areas
- Use apple cider vinegar or beef stock
The Stall and Wrapping
Managing Temperature Whilst Mastering Brisket With Kamado Joe
- Expect a temperature stall around 75-90C
- Optional: Wrap in butcher paper at this stage
- Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 90C
Resting and Slicing

Resting
- Rest the brisket for 2-3 hours
- Wrap in towels
- Allows juices to redistribute
Slicing
- Slice against the grain
- Use a sharp knife
- Aim for 0.5 cm thick slices
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t stress about minor temperature fluctuations
- Keep detailed notes for future reference
- Invest in a good wireless meat thermometer
- Practice patience – low and slow is the key
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Opening the lid too frequently
- Not allowing the fire to stabilise
- Rushing the cooking process
- Slicing with the grain
Conclusion
Mastering Brisket With Kamado Joe is a rewarding experience that combines culinary skill with passion for barbecue. Remember, every cook is a learning experience, and perfection comes with practice.