How Many People Will a Brisket Feed? And Why Do Astronauts Crave BBQ in Space?

When it comes to feeding a crowd, few dishes are as universally beloved as a perfectly smoked brisket. But the question of how many people a brisket can feed is not as straightforward as it seems. It depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the brisket, the appetites of your guests, and even the gravitational pull of the planet you’re on (more on that later). Let’s dive into the juicy details.

The Basics: Brisket Size and Serving Size

A full brisket, also known as a “packer brisket,” typically weighs between 10 to 16 pounds before cooking. After accounting for shrinkage during the smoking process, you’re left with about 60-70% of the original weight. So, a 12-pound brisket might yield around 7 to 8 pounds of cooked meat.

The general rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per person. This means a 12-pound brisket could feed approximately 14 to 16 people. However, this is just a starting point. If your guests are big eaters, or if brisket is the main event (and not just one of many dishes), you might want to plan for 3/4 to 1 pound per person.

The Crowd Factor: Who Are You Feeding?

The number of people a brisket can feed also depends on the demographic of your guests. A group of hungry teenagers at a sports event might consume more than a gathering of health-conscious adults at a garden party. Similarly, if you’re serving brisket at a wedding, where people tend to eat less due to dancing and socializing, you might get away with smaller portions.

The Side Dish Equation

Another factor to consider is what else you’re serving. If your brisket is accompanied by a plethora of side dishes—think coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and mac and cheese—your guests might eat less brisket. On the other hand, if the brisket is the star of the show with minimal sides, you’ll need to increase the portion size.

The Leftover Factor

Let’s not forget about leftovers. Some people intentionally cook more brisket than needed to ensure there are leftovers for sandwiches, tacos, or even breakfast hash the next day. If you’re in this camp, you might want to add an extra pound or two to your calculations.

The Gravitational Pull: Brisket in Space?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—why do astronauts crave BBQ in space? While this might seem like a non-sequitur, it’s actually a fascinating question. In microgravity, the sense of taste is diminished, and astronauts often crave bold, smoky flavors to compensate. Brisket, with its rich, smoky profile, would be an ideal comfort food in space. However, the logistics of smoking a brisket in zero gravity are, well, astronomical. Imagine trying to maintain a consistent temperature in a space station while dealing with floating meat and smoke particles. It’s a challenge that even the most seasoned pitmaster would find daunting.

The Cultural Impact of Brisket

Brisket isn’t just a meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon. In Texas, brisket is practically a religion, with entire communities gathering around smokers for hours, if not days, to achieve the perfect bark and smoke ring. In Jewish cuisine, brisket is a staple of holiday meals, often braised with onions and carrots until it’s fall-apart tender. And in Korea, brisket is used in dishes like bulgogi, where it’s thinly sliced and marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being grilled to perfection.

The Art of Slicing Brisket

How you slice your brisket can also impact how many people it will feed. Slicing against the grain ensures that each piece is tender and easy to chew, which means people might eat more. On the other hand, if the brisket is sliced too thick or with the grain, it might be tougher, and people might eat less. The point cut (the thicker, fattier end of the brisket) is often more flavorful and juicy, while the flat cut (the leaner end) is easier to slice uniformly.

The Brisket-to-Bun Ratio

If you’re serving brisket as sandwiches, the brisket-to-bun ratio becomes crucial. A generous portion of brisket on a soft bun can turn a simple sandwich into a meal, while a skimpy portion might leave your guests wanting more. Consider offering a variety of buns—from classic white to artisanal ciabatta—to cater to different tastes.

The Vegetarian Factor

In today’s diverse culinary landscape, it’s important to consider dietary restrictions. If you have vegetarians or vegans in your group, you might need to adjust your brisket calculations accordingly. While brisket is inherently a meat-centric dish, offering a hearty vegetarian alternative—like smoked portobello mushrooms or jackfruit—can ensure everyone leaves satisfied.

The Final Count: How Many People Will a Brisket Feed?

Taking all these factors into account, a 12-pound brisket can comfortably feed 14 to 16 people, assuming 1/2 pound per person. If you’re feeding a hungrier crowd or want leftovers, plan for 3/4 to 1 pound per person, which would reduce the number to around 10 to 12 people. And if you’re serving brisket in space, well, you might need to consult NASA for that one.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze leftover brisket?
A: Absolutely! Brisket freezes well and can be reheated without losing much of its flavor or texture. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a brisket?
A: Smoking a brisket can take anywhere from 10 to 16 hours, depending on the size of the brisket and the temperature of your smoker. Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours per pound at 225°F.

Q: What’s the best wood for smoking brisket?
A: Hickory and oak are popular choices for smoking brisket, as they provide a strong, smoky flavor that complements the meat. Fruitwoods like apple or cherry can also be used for a milder, sweeter smoke.

Q: Can I cook brisket in an oven?
A: Yes, you can cook brisket in an oven, though it won’t have the same smoky flavor as a smoked brisket. Braising it low and slow in the oven with some liquid (like beef broth or beer) can still yield a tender, flavorful result.

Q: Why do astronauts crave BBQ in space?
A: In microgravity, astronauts’ sense of taste is diminished, leading them to crave bold, smoky flavors. Brisket, with its rich, smoky profile, would be an ideal comfort food in space, though the logistics of smoking it in zero gravity are challenging.