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Burnt ends, a Kansas City barbecue classic, come from the brisket’s fattier point cut, smoked twice for tender interiors and caramelised edges. Once off-cuts, they are now prized worldwide. At Red Dog Saloon, we feature them as a signature dish, showcasing authentic American BBQ tradition in the UK.
At Red Dog Saloon, we believe barbecue is a tradition, a craft, and an experience worth savouring. One of the most talked-about dishes on our menu is burnt ends, which is a smoky, tender delicacy that has earned legendary status among BBQ lovers.
Now, what are burnt ends in BBQ, and why do they have such a devoted following? Well, burnt ends originally come from the brisket, where the fattier, flavour-packed point cut is cooked low and slow until it develops a rich char on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness inside.
What started as an off-cut in Kansas City barbecue has grown into a signature dish celebrated worldwide. It’s loved for its deep, smoky flavour and caramelised edges.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the story of burnt ends, explaining what they are, how they’re prepared, and why they’ve become a must-try favourite at our American BBQ restaurants.
Burnt ends have their roots in American BBQ culture, particularly in Kansas City. Traditionally, they were made from the point end of a beef brisket, which is fattier and takes longer to cook.
When brisket was sliced for customers, the tougher, charred edges were often trimmed off and given away as little extras. These crispy bits quickly became a favourite among locals, who loved their bold flavour and tender texture.
Over time, what started as “scraps” turned into one of the most prized dishes in BBQ. Pitmasters began smoking the brisket point low and slow, letting the fat render down and the bark develop into caramelised, flavour-packed cubes of meat.
Kansas City barbecue joints soon made beef brisket burnt ends a signature offering, and their reputation spread across the United States. So, what are burnt ends in BBQ? Well, today, they’re considered a true delicacy and an unmissable dish for meat lovers everywhere.
The secret to perfect BBQ burnt ends lies in the cooking process. It all starts with the brisket, specifically the point cut, which has more fat and marbling than the leaner flat cut.
Pitmasters season the meat generously with a dry rub and then smoke it low and slow for several hours. This allows the fat to melt, the flavours to deepen, and the outer bark to form that signature smoky crust.
Once the brisket is cooked, the point is cut into cubes and returned to the smoker. At this stage, the meat absorbs even more smoke and develops caramelised edges that make burnt ends so addictive.
Some pitmasters even coat the cubes in more sauce or seasoning before the final smoke to add an extra layer of flavour. The result is tender brisket bites with a perfect balance of smokiness, sweetness, and crunch.
Want to try our BBQ burnt ends mash? Visit us in London (Hoxton or Soho), Nottingham, Southampton or Liverpool.
Burnt ends have a special place in the hearts of BBQ lovers. Each bite is smoky and packed with a rich beefiness that’s hard to match.
The caramelised char on the outside adds a slight crunch and sweetness, while the inside stays melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s this contrast in texture and flavour that makes burnt ends a dish that people keep coming back for.
Another reason they’re so loved is their versatility. Burnt ends can be enjoyed on their own as a meaty snack, piled high on a sandwich, or served with classic BBQ sides like potato mash, mac and cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.
Wherever they appear, they’re also usually the first dish to disappear. For many, trying burnt ends is a rite of passage in BBQ culture, and once you’ve had them, it’s easy to see why they’ve earned legendary status.
Now that you know what burnt ends are in BBQ, would you like to experience this delicacy in the UK? We’ve got the best burnt ends, coupled with mash on our menu!
At Red Dog Saloon, our menu boasts hickory-smoked meats, Nashville hot chicken, ground-in-house chuck burgers, craft beers and cocktails. Our award-winning smokers have been imported from the USA and are built to recreate the cooking process of those original fire pits.
With locations across the UK, each saloon is slightly different, but they all offer a laid-back vibe perfect for casual dining or private parties.
If you’re looking for the ultimate BBQ experience, book your table today!