Illinois-Style BBQ Brisket on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Experience the rich flavors of Illinois-style BBQ brisket, grilled to perfection over an open flame. The Arteflame grill's high heat sear locks in juices, creating a tender and flavorful brisket with a signature Chicago-style barbecue sauce. Follow this step-by-step guide for an unforgettable barbecue experience.

Ingredients

• 1 whole beef brisket (8-10 lbs)
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup Illinois-style barbecue sauce
• Hardwood firewood for grilling

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Brisket

1. Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat for flavor.
2. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
3. Rub the spice mixture generously over the entire surface of the brisket.
4. Let the brisket rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Sear the Brisket

1. Place the brisket on the center grill grate of the Arteflame grill.
2. Let it sear at 1,000°F for about 2-3 minutes on each side to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Slow Cook on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared brisket to the outer flat cooktop griddle where the heat is lower.
2. Add unsalted butter to the cooktop and place the brisket on top.
3. Cook slowly, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 200°F.

Step 5: Rest the Brisket

1. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
2. Wrap in butcher paper or foil and let it rest for 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Illinois-Style Barbecue Sauce

1. Slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.
2. Drizzle with Illinois-style barbecue sauce.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• Use hardwood firewood for the best smoky flavor.
• Monitor temperatures with a meat thermometer to get perfectly cooked brisket.
• Don’t rush the cook time—low and slow makes for the most tender meat.

Variations

1. Spicy Brisket: Add extra cayenne pepper and a spicy barbecue sauce.
2. Sweet and Smoky Brisket: Use a brown sugar rub with hickory-smoked barbecue sauce.
3. Garlic Butter Brisket: Infuse extra garlic flavor by basting with garlic butter.
4. Beer-Marinated Brisket: Marinate the brisket in dark beer overnight before grilling.
5. Bourbon-Glazed Brisket: Brush with a bourbon glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Grilling brisket on the Arteflame grill unlocks rich smoky flavors and a juicy, tender texture. Mastering this Illinois-style brisket will impress your guests and elevate your barbecue skills. Fire up your grill and give it a try!

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the Arteflame flat cooktop
• Buttery cast iron potatoes
• Coleslaw with tangy vinegar dressing
• Traditional cornbread
• A bold, smoky bourbon or cold craft beer