With a crockpot, baking pan, or slow cooker at your disposal, the possibilities for cooking tender and flavorful beef brisket are endless. This versatile cut of meat can be enhanced with an array of flavors, slathered in sweet and sticky glazes, or smoked to perfection and served alongside a rich barbecue sauce. The beauty of cooking beef brisket lies in its adaptability, allowing you to experiment with different rubs and marinades to create mouthwatering meals.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey by sharing 20 delectable beef brisket recipes, including a special section dedicated to holiday-inspired dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Texas Smoked Brisket
For a truly Texas-style brisket experience, aim for tender and juicy results by smoking it low and slow. Begin by trimming the brisket of any excess fat, then season with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cilantro, and smoky chipotle chili powder. Place the brisket in the smoker with the fatty side down, monitoring its internal temperature until it reaches 165°F.
Wrap it in butcher paper at this point to keep it moist, then continue smoking until the internal temperature hits a mouth-watering 203°F. Once done, let the brisket rest before slicing it against the grain for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Crockpot Brisket Sandwich
When hosting a barbecue, this Crockpot Brisket Sandwich recipe is sure to be a hit among your guests. To prepare it, start by mixing together a blend of paprika, brown sugar, salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice rub. Apply the mixture liberally to the brisket before slow cooking it until it reaches tender perfection. Once cooked, slice the brisket into strips and return it to the slow cooker with a tangy barbecue sauce.
Let it simmer for a few minutes until it’s ready to be piled high onto soft buns, making this an unforgettable addition to your gathering.
Brisket Sliders
Elevate your Brisket Sliders by pairing thinly sliced smoked brisket with Swiss cheese on the bottom of Hawaiian rolls placed on a baking sheet. Drizzle barbecue sauce over the top, followed by the roll tops. The real magic happens when you brush a mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion flakes, garlic, and black pepper onto the rolls before baking until toasted. Serve warm to bring out the full flavors and textures.
Brisket Tacos
Savory and adaptable, these Brisket Tacos can effortlessly transform into burritos or enchiladas. To create a richly flavored brisket, combine a quartered onion, roasted poblano chili, minced garlic, salt, cumin, oregano, cilantro, and bay leaves in a slow cooker. Then, pour in beef broth and allow the mixture to simmer until the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded.
Once cooked, carefully strain the juices, removing any excess fat before serving the brisket in tacos alongside grilled vegetables and drizzling with the reserved sauce.
Brisket Nachos
Indulge in a mouthwatering weekend treat by making these scrumptious Brisket Nachos. To start, place a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Next, layer on half of the shredded brisket, followed by corn kernels, diced red onion, jalapeño pepper, green onions, pinto beans, tomato, barbecue sauce, and shredded cheese. Repeat this process with more tortilla chips to create two layers, finishing with a layer of melted cheese on top.
Then, pop the baking sheet into the oven until the cheese is perfectly melted. Serve the nachos hot with a dollop of sour cream and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Coffee Rubbed Brisket
Indulge in a bold and savory Coffee Rubbed Brisket that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. To start, trim the brisket and coat it with a blend of ground coffee, garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, dry mustard, and Kosher salt. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Next, wrap the brisket in foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the rub to penetrate deep into the meat.
Then, slow cook the brisket with sliced onions, garlic, beef broth, coffee, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the brisket from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly across the grain. The result is a tender and juicy brisket that’s infused with the deep flavors of coffee and spices. It’s perfect for serving at your next gathering or special occasion.
Brisket With Bourbon Peach Glaze
Indulge in the sweet and spicy fusion of Brisket With Bourbon Peach Glaze at your next picnic or barbecue. To begin, prepare a savory rub by combining garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and dry mustard. Apply this aromatic blend to the brisket for added depth of flavor. Next, roast the brisket uncovered until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then reduce the temperature and add beef broth and water to create a rich, savory sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil to allow the flavors to meld together. For the glaze, combine peach preserves, bourbon, liquid from the roasting pan, and cayenne pepper. Reduce this mixture by half before pouring it over the brisket and finishing it under the broiler until crispy and caramelized. With its harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, this Brisket With Bourbon Peach Glaze is sure to impress your guests.
Sous Vide Smoked Brisket
Indulge in the rich flavors of a tender and juicy brisket by combining the precision of Sous Vide cooking with the depth of smoky flavor. Begin by setting your immersion circulator to 155°F, ensuring a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. To add complexity to the dish, mix together Kosher salt, pink curing salt, and black pepper to create a savory rub. Then, vacuum-seal the brisket and allow it to cook for an impressive 36 hours.
Once cooked, remove the brisket from its packaging and gently pat away any excess moisture. Finally, fire up your smoker and let the brisket develop a deep, caramelized bark. When the time is right, slice into the tender meat and serve with a tangy barbecue sauce.
Brisket With Pappardelle
Pairing brisket with cooked pasta creates a harmonious union of flavors. For this delightful combination, cook the pappardelle according to package instructions, then drain and return it to the pan. Toss the pasta with the heated-through brisket pieces until well combined. To add a tangy touch, sprinkle some grated pecorino cheese over the top. A pinch of pepper and a sprinkle of parsley as a garnish complete this satisfying dish. The perfect pairing is just a cook away!
BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends
The crowning jewel of a barbecue brisket is undoubtedly the burnt ends, a delectable morsel that’s sure to tantalize the taste buds. To achieve these tender, flavorful bites, start by trimming the brisket point and seasoning it with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Next, smoke the brisket until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, periodically adding beef broth to keep things moist and savory.
Once the meat thermometer reads 195°F, wrap the brisket in butcher paper and return it to the smoker for a final stretch. Then, cut the burnt ends into cubes and drain any excess liquid. To take them to the next level, combine the cubes with brown sugar and barbecue sauce in a pan, and smoke again until they’re nicely caramelized.
Beer Onion Brisket
The harmonious union of beer, onions, and brisket creates a satisfying meal experience. To achieve this culinary delight, start by caramelizing sliced red onions in butter with a touch of Kosher salt, then add a pungent hint of garlic and set the mixture aside for later use. Next, season the brisket with salt and pepper before browning it in a pan. Once browned, transfer the brisket to your slow cooker, topping it with the previously prepared onion mixture.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and beer to the mixture, then let the slow cooker do its magic until the brisket is tender and ready to be sliced against the grain.
Brisket With Vegetables
To create a rich and flavorful brisket recipe that’s packed with vegetables, start by combining salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and thyme to create a rub. Rub this mixture all over the brisket, then brown it in a pan until it’s nicely caramelized. Remove the browned brisket from the pan and set it aside on a platter. Next, add sliced onions to the same pan and cook them until they’re soft and translucent. Then, add chopped celery and carrots, cooking until they’re tender as well.
Finally, add some minced garlic to the pan, sautéing for just a minute or two. Once your aromatics are cooked, it’s time to build the sauce. Add a splash of beer to the pan, followed by crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and broth. Stir everything together to combine, then return the browned brisket to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and transfer it to the oven for a low-and-slow cook until the meat is tender.
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. Remove the vegetables from the pan and skim off any excess fat that’s risen to the surface. Remove the bay leaves as well, and use this flavorful liquid as a sauce to serve alongside your sliced brisket. Finally, garnish with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Korean Chile Braised Brisket
Transform your brisket game with this bold Korean Chile Braised Brisket recipe. Start by massaging the beef with a blend of paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper, allowing it to marinate for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Next, sear the brisket in a large skillet until nicely browned, then transfer it to a plate. In the same skillet, caramelize the onions before adding aromatics like fresh ginger and garlic.
Then, add a depth of flavor with beer, ketchup, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and fish sauce. Use a pressure cooker to cook the brisket low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finish by simmering the sauce and serving the dish with a refreshing side of kimchi coleslaw.
Smoked Brisket Chili
Experience the rich flavors of Smoked Brisket Chili, a filling meal that’s perfect for batch cooking and reheating later. Start by softening onions, bell peppers, and garlic with leftover brisket, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add a bottle of beer to deglaze the pan, allowing the alcohol to cook off as you introduce coffee, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, canned corn, green chili, and crispy bacon.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover it, and let it cook until thickened.
Kosher Holiday Brisket
As the festive seasons approach – whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Passover, or Rosh Hashanah – a mouth-watering Holiday Brisket recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. This savory and aromatic dish is sure to become a staple in your household. To begin, season the brisket with salt and pepper before browning it in a skillet. Meanwhile, blend canned tomatoes with brown sugar, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and broth, adding an extra pinch of seasoning for added depth.
Next, sauté sliced onions until they’re soft and translucent, then add chopped carrots and celery, cooking until the aromas meld together and remove from heat. Heat the tomato mixture with some additional broth to create a rich sauce. In a roasting pan, pour half of this sauce, followed by your brisket, along with the cooked vegetables and broth. Top it off with the remaining tomato mix and cover with aluminum foil.
Allow the brisket to roast undisturbed until tender, then let it rest before serving. To finish, reheat the sauce and accompanying vegetables, and slice the brisket against the grain for a tender and juicy final product.
Hanukkah Brisket
To prepare a delectable Hanukkah brisket, begin by applying a savory spice blend featuring sage, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Then, sear the brisket until nicely browned before setting it aside. Next, add sliced onions seasoned with salt to the roasting pan, allowing them to caramelize until dark and fragrant.
Once the onions are golden, introduce beef broth, red wine vinegar, garlic, tomato purée, black peppercorns, and a bay leaf into the pan, simmering until the liquid reaches a rich, velvety consistency. After this, readd the brisket to the pan and snuggle it among sliced fennel, covering with foil as you bake until the meat is tender beyond measure. Allow the brisket to rest before carving and serving alongside your choice of vegetables and succulent pan juices.
Brisket With Sweet And Sour Onions
To prepare this mouthwatering Brisket With Sweet And Sour Onions, gather just a few essential ingredients. Begin by seasoning the brisket, then layer it atop caramelized onions. A mixture of ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic adds depth to the dish. Next, cover and braise the brisket until it’s incredibly tender, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the meat is fall-apart, uncover the dish and let the sauce thicken slightly before serving.
Slice the brisket across the grain and spoon some of that rich, tangy sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added color and freshness.
Brisket With Apricots And Prunes
When it comes to pairing flavors, few combinations are as delightful as the union of fruit and meat. In this Brisket With Apricots And Prunes recipe, we take that idea to new heights by combining tender brisket with sweet apricots and prunes. To start, season the brisket liberally with salt and cook it in a cast-iron casserole dish until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pan, leaving its juices behind.
Next, add sliced onions to the same pan and cook them until they’re soft and translucent. Then, stir in minced garlic, along with thyme, tomato paste, cinnamon, and paprika. Let these aromatics simmer together for a few minutes before adding peeled tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then remove it from the heat and stir in the apricots and prunes. Finally, return the brisket and its juices to the dish, allowing it to cook until tender.
Discard the thyme sprigs and serve the brisket with the rich, fruity sauce spooned over the top.
Red-Wine Braised Beef Brisket
To elevate the classic combination of red wine and beef brisket, marinate the cut in a mixture of red wine, juniper berries, red wine vinegar, carrots, white peppercorns, garlic, celery, and thinly sliced onion for an extended period. After straining the marinade, pat dry the brisket and season it before browning it in a casserole dish. Once browned, transfer the brisket to a plate and set aside. In the same dish, cook finely diced apples and sliced onions until they’re tender.
Then, return the brisket to the dish and add aromatics like bay leaves, raisins, thyme, and the reserved marinade. Bring the mixture to a simmer and braise in the oven until the meat is fall-apart tender. Once cooked, remove the brisket from the dish and cover it. Strain the cooking liquid while wiping down the casserole dish. Combine the strained liquid with chicken broth, boil, then reduce and season for a rich sauce.
Finally, slice the brisket across the grain and serve it with the indulgent sauce.
Brisket With BBQ Sauce
To impress your guests at a large gathering, try whipping up this Brisket With BBQ Sauce that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. First, mix together a blend of spices including paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, then let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld. Next, combine garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a slow cooker.
Add your brisket to the mix and cook until tender, then reduce the cooking liquid until it reaches a syrupy consistency. Finally, roast the brisket in the oven with the BBQ sauce, basting every 10 minutes or so to ensure it’s fully coated in the rich flavors.
Baked Corned Beef Brisket
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Baked Corned Beef Brisket, boasting a flaky crust and succulent center. To prepare this mouthwatering dish, begin by rinsing the corned beef and pat it dry, carefully trimming the fat cap within an inch of the meat. Next, position the brisket on a grill grate placed atop a roasting pan, ensuring the grate is submerged in water that reaches the edge of the pan.
Sprinkle the seasoning packet evenly over the meat, then cover with aluminum foil and bake until tender. Once cooked through, use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 185°C, signifying doneness. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this Baked Corned Beef Brisket is sure to quickly become a beloved favorite.
Final Thoughts
Investing time into slow cooking a beef brisket is an excellent decision. The meat’s rich flavor and tender texture can be achieved through various methods, including slow cookers, sous vide, or traditional barbecue techniques. What’s more, the leftovers offer endless possibilities for creative reuse. Imagine turning yesterday’s brisket into a hearty chili, stuffing tacos with its savory goodness, or transforming it into a mouthwatering nacho topping.
The versatility of beef brisket is truly impressive, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to maximize their culinary potential.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.