How to Fix Undercooked Brisket

Undercooked brisket is a common problem, especially for first-time cooks or anyone who pulls brisket too early.

When brisket is undercooked, it will feel tight when probed and won’t slice cleanly. The good news is that undercooked brisket is usually fixable with a little more time and heat.

See the full Brisket Troubleshooting Guide

PRO TIP: For a moist brisket every time, follow all of the steps in my no-fail brisket recipe. 

How to Tell If Brisket Is Undercooked

An undercooked brisket hasn’t had enough time for collagen to fully break down.

Common signs include:

• The probe meets resistance when inserted
• Slices bend but do not pull apart easily
• The flat feels firm instead of relaxed
• The brisket looks cooked but eats chewy or tight

If the brisket doesn’t feel probe tender, it isn’t done yet, even if the internal temperature seems high enough.

Why Brisket Ends Up Undercooked

Most undercooked briskets are pulled too early.

This often happens when:

• The brisket is cooked strictly to time
• The brisket is cooked to a target temperature without checking tenderness
• Carryover cooking is overestimated
• The cook is rushed due to timing or hunger
• The brisket is sliced before it finishes resting

How to Fix Undercooked Brisket on the Smoker

If you realize the brisket is undercooked while it’s still hot, returning it to the smoker is the best option.

What to do:

• Wrap the brisket tightly in foil or butcher paper
• Return it to the smoker at 250F to 275F
• Continue cooking until it becomes probe tender

Wrapping helps retain moisture and pushes the brisket through the final breakdown phase without drying out the exterior.

How to Fix Undercooked Brisket in the Oven

If the smoker is no longer an option, the oven works just as well. And honestly, it’s not absorbing anymore smoke at this stage, so you simply need steady heat.

What to do:

• Wrap the brisket tightly in foil or butcher paper
• Place it in a preheated 275F oven
• Cook until the probe slides in with little resistance

The oven provides steady, even heat and is ideal for finishing an undercooked brisket.

What If the Brisket Has Already Been Sliced?

Once brisket is sliced, it becomes harder to fix, but not impossible.

If the brisket is slightly undercooked:

• Stack the slices back together
• Wrap tightly with foil
• Add a small splash of warm beef broth or rendered fat
• Heat gently in the oven until the meat softens

This won’t fully replicate a properly cooked brisket, but it can improve texture significantly.

You can also throw the slices in a slow cooker on low with a bit of broth. It will transform the slices into shredded meat that can be used in tacos or on sandwiches.

How Long Does It Take to Fix Undercooked Brisket?

There’s no exact timeline.

Some briskets need:

• An additional 30 minutes
• Others may need 1 to 2 more hours

The key is to keep checking for probe tenderness instead of watching the clock.

How to Prevent Undercooked Brisket Next Time

To avoid undercooked brisket:

• Don’t cook to time
• Use temperature as a guide, not a finish line
• Probe multiple spots in the flat and the point
• Account for carryover cooking, but don’t rely on it
• Rest the brisket long enough before slicing

When the probe glides in easily, the brisket is ready.

Brisket Guides

This BBQ Tip is part of my Ultimate Brisket Guide, which breaks down every step from anatomy to trimming to cooking.

Explore more brisket fundamentals:

For a full overview:

My Go-To Brisket Rub for Building Flavor and Bark

I use Girls Can Grill Brisket Rub on all of my briskets. This blend layers salt, pepper, garlic and savory spices to highlight the natural beef flavor while helping the bark develop evenly.