How do I modify cooking time/temp for a smaller piece of meat?

Question

I have a family recipe for beef brisket that calls for sealing it in aluminum foil with a marinade, then roasting it in the oven for 5 hours at 275 degrees.  However, I'm making it only for me instead of family, so have 2.5 lbs of brisket instead of 5lbs as the recipe calls for. 

How do I modify cooking this so that it is fully cooked and tender, as the recipe normally results?  Shorter time? Lower temperature?  I'm afraid that it'll be overdone if I follow the recipe -- or would this matter since the foil seals in the juices and it would just sit and get more tender?

Paul · Accepted Answer

It's a slab shape, and you probably have 1/2 of the brisket (either the flat cut or the triangle cut).

I would keep it at 275, and do it for 4 hours.

p.s.: With the way you're cooking it, it will be very hard to mess it up.  It's very similar to cooking in a crock pot.  The meat will just get more and more tender, the longer you cook it.

Jessica S · Answer

If you cook that small of a piece in marinade sealed for 5 hours it will fall apart, too moist. I would suggest limiting it to 3hours and you should be fin, keep the temp at 275.

Sugar Cookie · Answer

Shorter time or Lower Tempeture

whez38 · Answer

the best thing to do is get a meat thermometer 160 internal temp is what you are looking for. I don't thing a lesser time will work

ilovedenverbroncos · Answer

leave the temp as it is 275, but the cooking time should be cut in half due to the meat is half the amount of the original recipe. Your right if it is over cooked it will be dry and yough..good luck

Anonymous · Answer

use a cooking thermometer and use different cooking temps

J.B. Holiday · Answer

I don't know the answer but I wanna eat some of your cooking. Sounds damn good.

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How do I modify cooking time/temp for a smaller piece of meat?

7 Answers