Recipe: Smoked Moose Brisket

by
posted on March 9, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
smokedmoosebrisket_lead.jpg

It’s hard for meat eaters to not get excited when they hear the words “smoked brisket.” The flavors and textures send visions of meat with a tasty, long-grilled bark running through your head until you start to salivate.

A big old beef brisket will be thick, with a generous cap of fat to top it off. A brisket off a moose, elk or bison is lean in comparison to domestic versions, but cook up with an exciting flare that will tantalize anyone’s taste buds.

Brisket is cut off the sternum, or breastbone of a large animal. Because most hunters make their initial field incisions down the center of the chest, they cut right between the briskets that can be carefully removed from the animal. The brisket grows over the sternum and curves up around the bottom edge of the ribs. Make sure to keep it clean of debris and hair and don’t just add it to your burger meat.

Spice rubs work great on brisket to add depths of flavor when grilling. A crutch or some form of liquid is used to finish the brisket, wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. Brisket is easy to do; it just takes time. There are no shortcuts, so remember to go low and slow for best results.

Ingredients
• 1 moose brisket

Brad’s Brisket Rub
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon onion salt
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions
1. Trim the brisket of any heavy silvers and make sure it is clean.
2. Combine all the dry ingredients for the brisket rub and blend thoroughly.
3. Sprinkle generous amounts of the rub over the surface of the brisket and message in with your fingertips. Make sure to get the edges and any oddly shaped ends. Turn over and add the spice rub to the other side.
4. Place the brisket on a Camp Chef pellet grill (you can use any smoker or barbecue where you can control the temperature) and turn it to 250°F.
5. Monitor the internal temperature of the brisket until it reaches 180°F, then remove it from the grill and wrap it with aluminum foil.
6. Before sealing the foil, add some dark beer, apple juice, or a mop sauce, so the liquid comes halfway up the brisket edge. The liquid added will help hydrate the meat while it cooks to a higher temperature and ensures tenderness.
7. Place the wrapped brisket back on the grill for 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches between 190° and 205°F. Let brisket rest in aluminum foil for 1 hour in a cooler.
8. Slice the brisket thin for serving as an entrée or eaten in a sandwich.

*Moose briskets are much thinner than beef and will take less time to cook. When possible, rub all four sides of two briskets and stack them together when you put them on the grill. It will extend the time they are on the grill to develop that beautiful smoke ring.

Red Mop Sauce
Ingredients
• 1½ cups cider vinegar
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions
1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk to blend. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook on low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
2. Pour the sauce into a sealable jar to store it in the fridge.

Latest

Lead Photo H2H
Lead Photo H2H

Head to Head: The 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x74R

A battle of 9.3mms. While this particular caliber never really caught on here in the states, it may be time for this old safari favorite to find its way into a few more gunrooms. Check out more about them here.

RCBS Released 7mm Backcountry Reloading Die

RCBS has announced the launch of its new 7mm Backcountry Die Set. Engineered specifically to meet the demands of reloading this high-performance cartridge, the RCBS 7mm Backcountry Die Set is a unique three-die system that includes a neck sizer die, expander die and bullet seater die. The set delivers enhanced control, consistency and accuracy when reloading the 7mm BC and the patented Peak alloy cartridge case.

Hodgdon Launches Accurate High Country Powder for 7mm Backcountry

Hodgdon Powder Company have introduced Accurate High Country, an all-new spherical rifle propellant engineered for the performance demands of today's modern magnum cartridges, including Federal's new 7mm Backcountry.

IWC and Guidefitter Honor 2026 Game Warden of the Year

International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC), in partnership with Guidefitter, named Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game the recipient of the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award. Officer Roos received the award during International Wildlife Crimestoppers’ annual conference in July.

#SundayGunday: Chiappa USA Rhino 60DS

On this week's #SudnayGunday, we’re checking out the Chiappa Rhino 60 DS. All it takes is once glance to tell this is not your granddad’s revolver. Chiappa has flipped the script on wheelguns quite literally, aligning the barrel with the bottommost chamber of the cylinder, rather than the top. This low bore axis makes the gun recoil directly back into the hand, rather than pulling the muzzle up and away from your grip. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Shooting Close: How to Play the Short Game

The trend these days is to “go long” but the truth is, if you’re doing it right, most shots taken by hunters are anything but long range. You’re better off practicing your short game.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.