Poor man's burnt ends

The Best Recipe and Tips for Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

If you’re looking for an affordable and delicious way to enjoy burnt ends, look no further than this poor man’s burnt ends recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have tender and Smokey burnt ends that are perfect for any occasion.

Plus, we’ve got some handy tips to help you make the most of your smoked meat. So fire up the grill and get ready to feast!

What are burnt ends?

Burnt ends are cubes or chunks of meat cut from a smoked brisket’s burnt or crispy outer edge. The high concentration of fat and collagen in these burnt ends gives them an intense smoky flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. 

The history of burnt ends

When man first discovered fire, he likely cooked whatever was available on an open flame. Eventually, as culinary skills evolved, different cooking methods were developed – from roasting to boiling to grilling.

As the man continued to grill his meat, they often saved the crispy, well-charred ends as a tasty treat. This practice eventually made its way to Kansas City in the early 1900s, where barbecue restaurants began serving “burnt ends” as a specialty dish. 

Made from the pointed end of a brisket, burnt ends are traditionally smoked and then coated in a sweet and savory sauce before reapplying to the grill for extra flavor and texture.

Today, burnt ends are a beloved delicacy not just in Kansas City but all over the country – their hearty taste and smoky essence make them the ultimate barbecue indulgence.

So next time you bite into that crispy piece of BBQ perfection, remember its humble origins as man’s primitive yet delicious snack.

Roasting style Chuck Burnt Ends

Chuck roast burnt ends may not have the delicacy or finesse of traditional burnt ends made from brisket, but they have their unique charm. Though they require a little extra TLC to make them tender, the resulting chunks of smoky, charred meat pack a punch of flavor.

To create these poor man’s burnt ends, start by cutting your chuck roast into approximately one-inch cubes and seasoning it with your favorite BBQ rub. Then, smoke or grill on low heat until they are tender and caramelized on the outside.

Finally, toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce and continue cooking until it has thickened and coated each piece evenly. Serve as part of a delicious spread with all the fixings, or use it as the perfect topping for smash burgers or sandwiches. 

Who says burnt ends have to come from brisket? Give chuck roast burnt ends a try for a tasty twist on traditional BBQ fare.

Poor Man's Burnt Ends Recipe Card

What is different between Chuck roast’s Burnt Ends vs. poor man’s burnt ends 

While both Chuck roast Burnt Ends and poor man’s burnt ends are made by slow cooking a chuck roast until it is fall-apart tender, poor man’s burnt ends are known for being an inexpensive alternative to the traditional method. 

Poor man’s burnt ends use a combination of BBQ sauce and liquid smoke, while traditional burnt ends rely on the fat rendering from the meat itself for added flavor. However, poor man’s burnt ends still have a delicious smoky taste and can be cooked in a fraction of the time.

So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with tons of flavor, give poor man’s burnt ends a try. You won’t be disappointed.

How to make poor man burnt ends?

Poor Man's Burnt Ends Recipe

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends Recipe

In the barbecue world, burnt ends are a highly coveted cut of meat- but they usually come with a hefty price tag. But did you know you can make poor man burnt ends at home using just a few simple ingredients and some time on the grill?
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Burnt Ends, Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 972kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef brisket
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the brisket in a baking dish and coat it in olive oil.
  • In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined.
  • Pour the mixture over the brisket and spread it around to cover it evenly.
  • Bake for 1 hour or until the brisket is cooked through.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing into thin strips.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Poor Man's Burnt Ends Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
972
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
48
g
74
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Cholesterol
 
281
mg
94
%
Sodium
 
439
mg
19
%
Potassium
 
1570
mg
45
%
Carbohydrates
 
22
g
7
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
20
g
22
%
Protein
 
94
g
188
%
Vitamin A
 
251
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
33
mg
3
%
Iron
 
9
mg
50
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tools You need

Step 1

Trimming fat from brisket

Trim any excess fat from the brisket and cut it into 1-inch cubes. 

Step 2

Meat with barbecue sauce in plastic sealed bag

Toss the meat with barbecue sauce in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, then place on the grill over indirect heat.

Step 3 

Add some wood chips for a smoky flavor, and cook until the meat is tender and crispy on the edges.

Serving 

Serve with extra barbecue sauce for dipping, and enjoy your homemade poor man’s burnt ends!

The benefits of making your burnt ends

1. Inexpensive

One of the primary benefits of making burnt ends is that it is much less expensive than purchasing them from a restaurant. A typical serving of restaurant-style burnt ends can cost upwards of $15, while a homemade serving will only cost a fraction.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

Another benefit of making your burnt ends is that they are quick and easy. The entire process can be completed in less than an hour, and the results are just as good as what you would get from a restaurant.

3. You Know What’s Going Into Them

When you make your burnt ends, you know exactly what is going into them. It means that you can avoid any unwanted ingredients, such as fillers or preservatives.

Additionally, you can control the amount of fat and sodium that goes into them, which is essential for those watching their intake of these nutrients.

4. They Taste Better

Perhaps the most crucial benefit of making your burnt ends is that they taste better than those purchased from a restaurant. It is because you have complete control over the cooking process, which allows you to ensure that they are perfectly cooked.

Tips for making your burnt ends

  1. Cut the meat into even cubes.
  2. Season the meat with your favorite BBQ rub.
  3. Smoke the meat over low heat until it is cooked through.
  4. Remove the meat from the smoker and brush it with BBQ sauce.
  5. Return the meat to the smoker and cook until the sauce is caramelized.

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