What Are Burnt Ends and Why Are They So Darn Delicious?
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Head over to any barbecue joint—particularly those Kansas City-style barbecue joints—and you'll likely come across a plate of burnt ends. The smoked brisket pieces were once considered scraps but today they're regarded as a pit masters favorite. So, what exactly are burnt ends and why are they so good? Let's take a lesson in barbecue and learn more about this crave-worthy snack.
If you've never had burnt ends before, you should know that the smoky cubes of meat aren't necessarily burnt in a bad way. Instead, they're caramelized and crisped for their signature flavor. Often served with white bread, pickles, or other BBQ sides, burnt ends will feel like a treat to those who eat them. But it didn't always start out this way! Burnt ends were originally tossed aside by pit masters until one restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri gained critical acclaim for their burnt ends back in 1972. It was journalist Calvin Trillin who shined a spotlight on Arthur Bryant's Barbecue. In particular, he highlighted their burnt ends, according to Feast Magazine, when he wrote, "The main course at Bryant's, as far as I'm concerned, is something that is given away free—the burned edges of the brisket." The rest as they say was barbecue history!
What kind of meat are burnt ends?
Burnt ends are often made from the trimmed off pieces of smoked beef brisket, although you might also find them made from pork belly or other parts of beef these days. Traditionally, the slow-cooked brisket is a labor of love that takes time and patience and ultimately results in the charred, tender ends of meat.
Why are burnt ends so good?
Burnt ends are often prized for their unique texture and flavor. They're both extra-crispy and juicy at the same time. Plus, they take on all the smoky flavor from the cooking process. On top of that, many people serve up burnt ends slathered in BBQ sauce so they're even harder to resist.
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