What is BBQ Phosphate Injection?

You have heard about BBQ phosphate injection, but you are not sure what it is. It is a technique pitmasters use to inject meat to enhance moisture retention to keep meat from drying out.

BBQ Phosphate Injection – How It Works

BBQ phosphate injection is a type of salt in a powder form. When mixed with water, it creates an injection. This phosphate injection will bind to water molecules to muscle cells in the meat. The muscle fibers will then expand, allowing the meat to hold more water.

Using a phosphate injection for brisket, for example,  reduces the dryness when smoking a brisket for 12-18 hours.

Improves Tenderness

We all know the ultimate goal of BBQ is to have juicy, tender, delicious meat. In addition to moisture retention, Butcher BBQ Phosphate will improve the tenderness of the meat as well.

The phosphates play an additional role as a tenderizer. As the injection does its thing, it will also break down tough muscle fibers and connective tissue.

However, make sure not to add too much injection! Adding too much phosphate will result in a “mushy” texture. This will not be good for the judges or your family!

BBQ Phosphate Injection – How to Use It

Using a BBQ phosphate injection is very easy. All you need is some water and a bag of Butcher BBQ Phosphate.

1. Blend ¼ cup of Butcher BBQ Phosphate with 2 cups of water.
2. You can use a whisk, but we would suggest an immersion blender.

Pro Tip – Add the phosphate slowly to your water and mix as you add. If you dump the ¼ cup into the water, it will clump, forming hard pieces very quickly! This will not result in the injection you are anticipating.

Mix with Other Ingredients

This is the fun part of BBQ, experimentation! Whatever your flavor profile, add other ingredients to your barbecue phosphate injection.

If you are smoking a pork butt, use some Butcher BBQ Pork Injection. Smoking a brisket, add some Butcher BBQ Prime Brisket Injection to your phosphate injection for brisket.

If you want it to be sweeter, also add some apple juice or honey into the BBQ phosphate injection. It’s all about adding layers of flavor!

Inject the Meat

Use a BBQ Injector to distribute the BBQ phosphate injection into your meat. We suggest using a checkerboard pattern, rotating 90 degrees until the meat will not take any more injections.

Now your meat is ready for the smoker!

In Conclusion

Now you know what a BBQ phosphate injection is. Be sure to follow the instructions and look for a high-quality product, like Butcher BBQ Phosphate. This is definitely a pitmaster essential!

Now it’s time to start experimenting, so let’s get that pit fired up and start cooking!