Freezing whole smoked brisket

[PamAndJim]

A guy that my wife works with wants me to smoke him a brisket for Thanksgiving. The issue is that with my wife's travel schedule, this weekend is the best time to smoke it and deliver it to him in time. The obvious wrinkle is that Thanksgiving is still a couple weeks away. So, I'm trying to figure out if he can freeze it whole and defrost/reheat on Thanksgiving. So, how would y'all handle this?

 

[jcam222]

I would vacuum seal it and optimally reheat via sous vide.

 

[PamAndJim]

As I do more research, it looks like vacuum sealing is preferred. However, I don't have a way to do that. Some folks say let it rest, wrap it (whole) with plastic wrap and then butcher/freezer paper. Others say slice it and put it in a foil pan and freeze. Thoughts on those methods?

 

[jcam222]

I would stick with freezing it whole. What type smoker are you using? Able to use a pan under the brisket?

 

[PamAndJim]

I'm definitely leaning toward keeping it whole. I'm smoking on a WSM.

 

[jcam222]

How to Reheat Brisket - Keeping it Moist, and None of That 'M' Word!

is there a way to reheat brisket so it's just as good as when it came off the smoker? No, there are in fact two, both inside this guide.

www.foodfirefriends.com

Tips on how to freeze without vac sealer. Also some tips for reheat.

 

[uncle eddie]

I think you have this answered above...

Be sure to ask Santa for a shrink-wrapper for Christmas. It is awesome when you make big smokes. Brisket, pulled pork, even turkey freeze/reheat incredibly well.

 

[PamAndJim]

This is why I love this place. Thanks for the help and pointing me in the right direction.

 

[gmc2003]

I would keep it whole. That way you loose less of the juices.

Chris