Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook a delicious beef brisket?
Look no further than the Orion Cooker!
This innovative cooking device promises to cook your meat to perfection in record time.
But how long should you actually cook your brisket in the Orion Cooker?
In this article, we’ll explore the ideal cooking time and temperature for a mouth-watering beef brisket.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Beef Brisket In Orion Cooker?
The Orion Cooker is known for its ability to cook meat quickly and efficiently. When it comes to beef brisket, the recommended cooking time is 25-30 minutes per pound.
However, many users have reported cooking their brisket in as little as 2-3 hours using the Orion Cooker. This is due to the unique design of the cooker, which uses convection and steam to cook the meat at a high temperature.
To ensure that your brisket is cooked to perfection, it’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. The ideal temperature for a beef brisket is between 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Understanding The Orion Cooker
The Orion Cooker is a charcoal-fired, stainless steel convection oven that uses indirect heat, convection, steam, and smoke to cook meat. The cooking chamber is completely enclosed, separating the flame from the food. The charcoal is placed on the outside of the cooker, while the food is placed inside a sealed chamber. This design causes convection currents to swirl around the inside of the chamber, cooking the meat quickly and efficiently.
To use the Orion Cooker, simply add charcoal to the outer lower ring and to the top, and add wood chips on the inside next to the drip pan around the outer edge of the cooking chamber for smoke flavor. Once you have placed your food on the inside and closed the lid, light it up and set your timer. It’s important to leave the lid on for the entire cooking time recommended for your meat. Opening the lid drastically drops the temperature and pressure inside, affecting cooking times.
One of the main advantages of using the Orion Cooker is that it keeps meat moist and tender due to its ability to seal in moisture and steam. However, because of its moist cooking environment, it may not produce crispy skin on chicken or turkey or a good crust on pork. It’s also important to note that the Orion Cooker can be a charcoal hog, burning through up to 15 pounds per cook.
Preparing Your Beef Brisket
Before you start cooking your beef brisket in the Orion Cooker, it’s important to prepare the meat properly. First, trim any excess fat from the brisket. Many people choose to leave a thin layer of fat on top of the brisket to help keep it moist during cooking, but this is a personal preference.
Next, season your brisket with a dry rub of your choice. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is a classic choice, but you can experiment with different flavors to find what you like best. Apply the rub generously to all sides of the brisket and let it sit for at least an hour before cooking.
When you’re ready to cook your brisket in the Orion Cooker, fill the cooker with charcoal and light it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the charcoal is hot, add your wood chips and place the brisket on the cooking grate.
Cook the brisket for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in several places to ensure that it’s cooked evenly.
Once your brisket is cooked, remove it from the Orion Cooker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender and flavorful. Enjoy your perfectly cooked beef brisket!
Setting The Temperature And Time On The Orion Cooker
Setting the temperature and time on the Orion Cooker is a simple process. As mentioned earlier, the cookbook that comes with the cooker provides all the necessary cook times for different types of meat, including beef brisket.
To begin, fill the bottom of the cooker with charcoal and light it up. Once the charcoal is hot, add wood chips to the cooking chamber to provide smoke flavor. Then, place the brisket on one of the cooking grates and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.
Next, set the timer on the Orion Cooker based on the weight of your brisket and the recommended cook time from the cookbook. For example, if you have a 10-pound brisket, set the timer for 4-5 hours.
Finally, adjust the air vent on the cooker to control the temperature. The vent should be open if you want a higher temperature and closed if you want a lower temperature. The ideal temperature for beef brisket is around 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the timer goes off and the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the cooker and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Your Beef Brisket In The Orion Cooker
To cook your beef brisket in the Orion Cooker, start by preparing the meat. Trim any excess fat, and poke holes in the brisket with a meat tenderizer. Then, create a marinade by mixing together a 3-1 ratio of Dr. Pepper to Apple Cider Vinegar, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Place the brisket in a zip-lock bag with the marinade, making sure to cover the meat completely. Refrigerate the bag for 4-5 days, flipping it occasionally.
When you’re ready to cook the brisket, take it out of the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for 45 minutes. Add hickory wood chips between the drip pan and the inside wall of the cooking cylinder. Fill the drip pan with about 28 ounces of water. Place the brisket on the middle rack of the Orion Cooker, fat side up. Add bacon strips on top of the brisket.
Cook the brisket for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take around 2-3 hours in the Orion Cooker. When you take the brisket out of the cooker, double wrap it in aluminum foil and let it rest for 90 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
The Orion Cooker provides a quick and efficient way to cook beef brisket without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. By following these steps and monitoring the internal temperature of your meat, you can achieve a perfectly cooked beef brisket every time.
Checking For Doneness And Resting Your Brisket
There are several ways to check if your brisket is done cooking. One popular method is the “feel test.” This involves putting your hands under the cooked meat and lifting it. If it feels wobbly and like a piece of gelatin, it is done. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid getting burned.
Another method is the “probe test.” Simply poke your meat with a knife or another sharp object. If you get basically no resistance, your brisket is done. However, use some moderation with this test as you don’t want to let out too much heat from your smoker, oven or grill.
It’s important to reserve these tests for the later stages of cooking so that your brisket gets as much undisturbed cooking time as possible. Poking meat doesn’t impact the flavor, so feel free to test it for yourself by buying two briskets and performing the fork test on one and leaving the other undisturbed.
Once you have determined that your brisket is done, it’s time to let it rest. Resting allows the meat to tenderize and retain its juices. You can rest your brisket in butcher paper directly when removed from the smoker or oven.
To rest your brisket, wrap it in butcher paper, aluminum foil, and a towel, respectively. Place it in a slightly warmer place in your kitchen for at least 2 hours. You can let it rest until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
When resting a brisket, temperature is key. If you allow the internal temperature of the brisket to drop too low (below 140°F) while resting, it will become dry and overcooked. To maintain an optimal rest temperature, use an insulated cooler or container with a lid to rest the brisket. This will help retain more heat and keep the brisket at a consistent temperature.
Place your cooking thermometer into the center of the brisket before you start resting it. This will allow you to monitor the internal temperature of the brisket while it’s resting. Keep a spray bottle filled with warm water nearby when resting the brisket. If you notice that the internal temperature of the brisket is dropping, a few spritzes of warm water over the top can help raise it back up.
Only slice or serve your brisket when it has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F. This will ensure that the brisket stays juicy and tender. By following these tips, you can cook and rest your beef brisket in the Orion Cooker to perfection every time.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Beef Brisket
After your beef brisket has finished cooking in the Orion Cooker, it’s important to let it rest for at least an hour before serving. This allows the hot juices to distribute within the meat, making it more tender and juicy.
When you’re ready to serve, slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can use a sharp knife or an electric knife for this task. It’s important to slice against the grain to prevent the meat from being tough and chewy.
To complement your delicious beef brisket, consider serving it with some flavorful side dishes. You can choose from fresh salads or cooked and baked dishes that are equally flavorful and filling. Some great options include steamed asparagus, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even mac and cheese.
If you have any leftover brisket, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. When reheating, make sure to do so slowly over low heat to prevent the meat from becoming dry and tough.