When it comes to smoking meats, there are few things more mouthwatering than a tender, flavorful plate of burnt ends. These crispy, caramelized morsels are the result of slow-cooking tougher cuts of meat, like brisket or pork belly, until they reach that perfect balance of tenderness and crunch. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out on your smoking journey, we’ve got you covered with these 19 mouthwatering burnt ends recipes to try. From classic beef brisket to sweet and smoky pork belly, spicy Korean-style to honey glazed chicken, there’s something for every palate and preference.
Classic Beef Brisket Burnt Ends
Burnt ends are a BBQ lover’s dream come true – tender, flavorful pieces of brisket that have been smoked to perfection. This recipe yields fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth burnt ends with a rich, caramelized crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Rub the dry rub all over the brisket, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the smoker and cook for 10 hours or until tender.
5. After 10 hours, increase temperature to 275°F and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing into burnt ends.
7. Brush with barbecue sauce (if using) and serve.
Cooking Time: Approximately 11-12 hours (including resting time)
Sweet and Smoky Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Sweet and Smoky Pork Belly Burnt Ends: Elevate your barbecue game with this sweet and smoky twist on classic burnt ends. This recipe combines the richness of pork belly with a deep, caramelized crust and a tangy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup sweet and smoky barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly cubes, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Grill the pork belly for 4-5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. During the last hour of cooking, brush the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce onto the pork belly cubes every 15 minutes.
6. Remove the pork belly from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Spicy Korean-Style Burnt Ends
This recipe puts a bold twist on traditional burnt ends by adding the bold flavors of Korea to the mix. Tender, fall-apart beef is tossed with a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce, then crisped up for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or burnt ends
– 2 tablespoons gochujang
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and Gochugaru.
3. Add the beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the beef from the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with garlic.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the beef is tender and caramelized.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Glazed Chicken Burnt Ends
Sweet and Savory Honey Glazed Chicken Burnt Ends Recipe
These sticky, sweet, and smoky burnt ends are a twist on traditional Kansas City-style barbecue. Perfect for game-day gatherings or casual weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Toss chicken wings with the glaze until well coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange wings on the sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until caramelized and crispy.
6. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Bourbon Burnt Ends
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these sweet and savory Maple Bourbon Burnt Ends, perfect for a crowd-pleasing gathering. A sweet and sticky glaze infused with bourbon and maple syrup adds depth to the tender, caramelized burnt ends.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket points (burnt ends)
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Brush the burnt ends with the glaze during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
4. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Texas-Style BBQ Burnt Ends
Texas-Style BBQ Burnt Ends Recipe
Get ready to dive into the rich flavors of Texas-style barbecue with these tender and delicious burnt ends. This recipe is a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes, beef broth, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the meat is well coated.
3. Place the meat mixture in the smoker and cook for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Remove the burnt ends from the smoker and let them rest for 15 minutes.
5. Serve the tender and flavorful burnt ends with your favorite BBQ sides.
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Garlic Butter Burnt Ends
Elevate your barbecue game with these succulent Garlic Butter Burnt Ends, perfect for any gathering. Rich garlic butter and crispy burnt ends come together in a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket or chuck ends
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the beef into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Place the beef cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
5. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef cubes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the beef is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Asian-Inspired Soy Ginger Burnt Ends
Elevate your burnt ends game by infusing them with the bold flavors of soy sauce and ginger. This sweet and savory recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or burnt ends, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the beef pieces and toss to coat.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish lined with parchment paper and cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake for 2 hours or until the meat is tender and caramelized.
5. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and the edges are crispy.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Smoked Turkey Burnt Ends
Elevate your barbecue game with this unique take on traditional burnt ends, substituting tender turkey for beef. These smoky, tangy morsels are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs smoked turkey (such as andouille or jalapeño-infused)
– 1/4 cup BBQ rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tbsp liquid smoke
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 275°F.
2. Slice the smoked turkey into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ rub, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and liquid smoke.
4. Pour the mixture over the turkey cubes and toss until evenly coated.
5. Place the coated turkey on the smoker racks, leaving some space between each piece.
6. Smoke for 2-3 hours or until the turkey is tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Cajun Spiced Burnt Ends
Get ready to level up your BBQ game with this bold and flavorful take on classic burnt ends! These spicy, smoky bites are perfect for snacking or serving at your next outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket points
– 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning blend
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning blend, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef brisket points, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the burnt ends in the smoker or grill and cook for 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush with apple cider vinegar to add a tangy glaze.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Brown Sugar Glazed Burnt Ends
Elevate your barbecue game with these sticky Brown Sugar Glazed Burnt Ends that are sure to impress. A perfect combination of sweet and savory, these tender and caramelized burnt ends are a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket points (burnt ends)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or smoker to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place burnt ends in a large bowl and brush with the glaze mixture until evenly coated.
4. Cook for 2-3 hours or until tender and caramelized.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Carolina Mustard BBQ Burnt Ends
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of North Carolina’s beloved burnt ends, elevated by a rich mustard-based barbecue sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket or arm butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style mustard (such as Duke’s)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup wood chips (optional, for smoking)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F or prepare grill with indirect heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add beef cubes to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove meat from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook meat in smoker or grill until tender and caramelized, about 2-3 hours.
6. Brush with additional mustard sauce during last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Jalapeño Pineapple Burnt Ends
Elevate your BBQ game with this unique fusion of flavors! Jalapeño Pineapple Burnt Ends combine the richness of burnt ends with the spicy-sweetness of jalapeños and pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or burnt ends
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the burnt ends.
4. Place burnt ends in the smoker or grill and cook for 4-5 hours, or until tender.
5. During the last hour of cooking, add pineapple chunks and sliced jalapeños to the smoker or grill.
6. Serve with additional pineapple and jalapeños, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Smoked Lamb Burnt Ends
Take your BBQ game to the next level with these Smoked Lamb Burnt Ends, infusing the rich flavor of lamb into the classic Kansas City-style burnt ends.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds lamb shoulder or neck bones
– 1 cup dry rub (equal parts brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper)
– 1 cup wood chips (post oak or a blend of post oak, hickory, and apple)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 275°F.
2. Season lamb with dry rub, making sure to coat evenly.
3. Smoke lamb for 4-5 hours or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. In a small bowl, mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Brush the mixture onto the lamb every hour during the last two hours of smoking.
5. Remove lamb from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into burnt ends.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Tangy Vinegar-Based Burnt Ends
Burnt ends are a staple of barbecue cuisine, and this recipe puts a tangy spin on the classic by incorporating vinegar into the sauce. The result is a sweet and sour flavor profile that complements the rich, tender texture of slow-cooked brisket.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket, cut into burnt end pieces (2-3 inches long)
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the burnt end pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the burnt ends on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
5. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Coffee-Rubbed Burnt Ends
Elevate your barbecue game with this unique twist on classic burnt ends: coffee-rubbed burnt ends. The rich flavor of coffee pairs perfectly with the tender, crispy edges of slow-cooked brisket point.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket point
– 1/4 cup coffee rub (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper
Coffee Rub:
– 2 tablespoons ground coffee
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together coffee rub ingredients.
3. Rub the coffee mixture all over the brisket point, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the smoker and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and falling apart.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Burnt Ends
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and savory twist on traditional burnt ends. Crunchy bacon and caramelized sugar balance the bold flavors of slow-cooked brisket.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket, sliced into 2-inch pieces
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Wrap each brisket piece with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. In a large bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the bacon-wrapped brisket pieces to the bowl and toss until coated evenly.
5. Place the burnt ends on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 2 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is tender.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Smoked Venison Burnt Ends
Elevate your tailgating game with these tender, smoky, and savory burnt ends made from venison. Perfect for a rugged outdoor gathering or a cozy backyard BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds venison brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup Smoked Paprika Rub (see below)
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of hickory, apple, or cherry)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Smoked Paprika Rub:
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Smoked Paprika Rub ingredients.
3. Toss venison cubes with the rub until evenly coated.
4. Smoke for 4 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
5. After 4 hours, increase heat to 275°F and add wood chips. Burnt ends should be nicely charred.
6. Brush with beef broth and brown sugar during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours total
Apple Cider Glazed Burnt Ends
Elevate your burnt ends game with this unique recipe that combines the richness of slow-cooked brisket with the warmth of apple cider. The result is a sweet and savory dish perfect for fall gatherings or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Place the beef pieces in a large Dutch oven or braising pan. Pour the glaze over the brisket, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and braise for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until tender.
5. Remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Summary
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering burnt ends recipes perfect for smokers! From classic beef brisket and pork belly to spicy Korean-style and tangy vinegar-based, there’s something for every palate. Try sweet and smoky honey glazed chicken or Texas-style BBQ burnt ends. Or go international with Asian-inspired soy ginger or Cajun spiced flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting out, these 19 recipes are sure to elevate your smoking game and impress your friends and family.
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