Poor Man’s Burnt Ends: A Tasty and Budget-Friendly BBQ Treat

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When you think of burnt ends, you may imagine a high-end dish served at a fancy restaurant or a barbecue competition. But did you know that you can make a delicious version of burnt ends without breaking the bank? Poor Man’s Burnt Ends are a budget-friendly alternative that will satisfy your cravings for this indulgent BBQ treat.

The Basics of Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Traditionally, burnt ends are made from the point end of a brisket, which is slow-cooked until it’s tender and smoky. The fatty parts of the meat are trimmed off and cut into bite-sized pieces, then coated in a sweet and savory sauce before being cooked again until they’re caramelized and crispy.

To make Poor Man’s Burnt Ends, you’ll need to start with a beef chuck roast instead of a brisket. Chuck roast is a more affordable cut of meat, and it’s also more forgiving in the cooking process. You’ll cut the chuck roast into bite-sized cubes and coat them in a dry rub that’s similar to the one used for brisket. Then, you’ll smoke the cubes until they’re tender before tossing them in a tasty sauce and cooking them again until they’re caramelized and irresistible.

The Dry Rub

To make the dry rub, you’ll need:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, then coat the beef cubes generously with the spice mixture.

The Smoke

Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the seasoned beef cubes on a wire rack and smoke them for about 3-4 hours or until they’re tender. You can also use a charcoal grill set up for indirect heat if you don’t have a smoker.

The Sauce

For the sauce, you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

The Final Touches

Toss the smoked beef cubes in the sauce until they’re coated, then return them to the smoker or grill and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the cubes are crispy.

Serve Poor Man’s Burnt Ends on their own as a snack or appetizer, or pile them onto a bun with some coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.

Concluding Thoughts on Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends may not be made with the traditional brisket point, but they’re still a delicious and satisfying BBQ treat that won’t break the bank. And the best part? You can make them at home without a lot of fuss or special equipment. With a little bit of seasoning, smoking, and saucing, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

FAQs about Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

What’s the difference between Poor Man’s Burnt Ends and traditional burnt ends?

Traditional burnt ends are made from the point end of a brisket, while Poor Man’s Burnt Ends are made from a chuck roast. The cooking process and seasoning are similar, but the cuts of meat are different.

Can I use a different cut of meat for Poor Man’s Burnt Ends?

While chuck roast is a good choice for Poor Man’s Burnt Ends, you could also use other beef cuts such as short ribs or even pork belly.

What’s the best way to smoke the beef cubes?

You can use a smoker or a charcoal grill set up for indirect heat. Maintain a temperature of 225°F and smoke the beef cubes until they’re tender.

Can I store leftover Poor Man’s Burnt Ends?

Yes, you can store leftover Poor Man’s Burnt Ends in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill for best results.

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