how long to bake a brisket in the oven

The time it takes to bake a brisket in the oven depends on several factors, including the size and thickness of the brisket, the temperature of the oven, and the level of doneness desired. Here are some general guidelines for baking a brisket in the oven:

Low and Slow Method

• Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
• Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid.
• Add some liquid to the pot, such as beef broth or stock, to cover the bottom of the pot.
• Cover the pot with a lid and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is tender and falls apart easily.

Medium-High Heat Method

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brisket in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
• Rub the brisket with some oil, salt, and pepper, and add any other desired seasonings.
• Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the brisket is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

General Guidelines

• For a small brisket (2-3 pounds), bake for 2-3 hours at 275°F (135°C) or 1-2 hours at 350°F (175°C).
• For a medium brisket (4-5 pounds), bake for 3-4 hours at 275°F (135°C) or 2-3 hours at 350°F (175°C).
• For a large brisket (6-7 pounds), bake for 4-5 hours at 275°F (135°C) or 3-4 hours at 350°F (175°C).

Internal Temperature

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket.
• For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be at least 130°F (54°C).
• For medium, the internal temperature should be at least 140°F (60°C).
• For medium-well or well-done, the internal temperature should be at least 150°F (65°C) or 160°F (71°C), respectively.

Remember to let the brisket rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and the meat to stay tender.