The 5 Best Whole Muscles to Smoke & How to Do It Right

When it comes to barbecue, smoking whole cuts of beef is the ultimate way to achieve deep, rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. While brisket gets most of the attention, there are several whole muscles that shine when smoked properly. In this guide, we’ll cover the 5 best whole muscles to smoke—including brisket, beef ribs, whole tenderloin, whole New York striploin, and tri-tip—plus how to prepare, season, and cook them to perfection. We’ll also discuss the essential tools and devices you need to pull off a pro-level smoke session.

1. Brisket – The King of Low & Slow

Why It’s Great for Smoking:

Brisket is arguably the most famous cut in BBQ, known for its incredible marbling and deep beefy flavor. It benefits from long cook times at low temperatures, allowing the connective tissue to break down into buttery goodness.

How to Smoke It:

1. Trim the fat cap to about 1/4 inch to allow for better rendering.
2. Season heavily with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika.
3. Smoke at 225°F–250°F for 10–16 hours, depending on size.
4. Wrap in butcher paper or foil at around 165°F to push through the stall.
5. Finish at 200°F–205°F internal temperature and rest for at least 1 hour.

Best Tools for the Job:

• Offset smoker, pellet smoker, or charcoal smoker.
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Large cutting board for slicing against the grain.

2. Beef Ribs – The Ultimate Dinosaur Bones

Why It’s Great for Smoking:

Beef ribs are rich, fatty, and packed with deep, smoky flavor. When smoked properly, the meat pulls cleanly off the bone with a perfect bark.

How to Smoke It:

1. Trim excess fat but leave a good amount for moisture.
2. Season with coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Smoke at 250°F for 6–8 hours until probe-tender.
4. Spritz with apple cider vinegar or beef broth every hour.
5. Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Best Tools for the Job:

• Offset or pellet smoker for stable heat.
• Butcher paper for wrapping to preserve bark.
• Heavy-duty tongs to handle large bones.

3. Whole Tenderloin – The Luxury Cut

Why It’s Great for Smoking:

Beef tenderloin is incredibly tender with a mild flavor that benefits from a subtle smoke infusion. Unlike brisket, it’s a quicker smoke, making it a great option for special occasions.

How to Smoke It:

1. Trim the silver skin and excess fat.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme).
3. Smoke at 225°F–250°F until it reaches 120°F–125°F internal temp.
4. Reverse-sear over high heat (500°F) for a crisp crust.
5. Rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Best Tools for the Job:

• Pellet smoker or electric smoker for precision.
• Cast iron skillet for the reverse sear.
• Sharp slicing knife for clean cuts.

4. Whole New York Striploin – The Perfect Balance

Why It’s Great for Smoking:

New York striploin has great marbling, a robust beefy flavor, and a firmer texture than tenderloin, making it an ideal smoking candidate.

How to Smoke It:

1. Trim excess fat but leave some for moisture.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic butter.
3. Smoke at 225°F–250°F until it reaches 125°F internal temp.
4. Reverse-sear at high heat (500°F) for a flavorful crust.
5. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing into steaks.

Best Tools for the Job:

• Pellet smoker for consistent low temps.
• Meat probe thermometer to monitor doneness.
• Grill or cast iron for finishing the crust.

5. Tri-Tip – The Underrated Gem

Why It’s Great for Smoking:

Tri-tip is a California BBQ classic that’s lean but still incredibly flavorful when smoked properly. It takes on smoke well and finishes beautifully with a high-heat sear.

How to Smoke It:

1. Trim silver skin and excess fat.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and a Santa Maria-style rub (garlic, onion, paprika).
3. Smoke at 225°F until 120°F internal temp.
4. Sear over high heat (500°F) until 130°F for medium-rare.
5. Slice against the grain for the best texture.

Best Tools for the Job:

• Pellet or charcoal smoker for even cooking.
• Meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
• Cast iron skillet or grill for the final sear.

If you want to take your BBQ game to the next level, these five whole muscles are your best bet. Whether you’re going for the low-and-slow magic of brisket, the impressive size of beef ribs, or the steakhouse-quality tenderness of whole tenderloin and striploin, each cut brings something special to the smoker.

With the right tools, temperatures, and techniques, you’ll be serving up perfectly smoked beef every time. So fire up your smoker and start experimenting with the five best whole muscles to smoke!