When I want a main course that’s impressive without a lot of effort, I make a whole roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, or this this simple yet totally satisfying BBQ style beef brisket.
Whenever I go to my local BBQ restaurant, I order the sliced beef brisket. I love the combination of the smoky, rich flavors paired with the tender meat. This oven version of brisket will give you flavors similar to what you’d get at a restaurant, without having to buy a smoker.
WHAT CUT OF MEAT IS BRISKET?
Brisket is a cut of meat that comes from the lower part of the chest of a cow. This is a naturally tough cut of meat because it contains a lot of muscle and connective tissue. Brisket needs to cook for hours over low heat to tenderize. It is absolutely worth the effort, as this is a very flavorful and juicy meat when cooked properly!
How do you cook beef brisket?
This recipe starts with a brisket rub, which takes just minutes to put together. Coat your meat with the spice rub, then add BBQ sauce all over the top. Place the meat in a pan, along with a little beef broth. Cover the pan, then bake for 4 hours or until meat is tender. After the meat is done, you can slice and serve it, or broil it first to create a caramelized layer over the top. Broiling the meat is an optional step but I highly recommend it!
Tips for the perfect beef brisket
I highly recommend making my homemade brisket rub. It takes just 5 minutes to put together and lasts for months. If you don’t want to make your own rub, you can use your favorite store bought spice blend instead. This dish can be prepared up to 2 days before you plan to serve it. Store the whole, cooked brisket covered in the fridge. Reheat the brisket in a covered pan until warmed through, then broil, slice and serve. Choose your favorite brand of BBQ sauce, or make my homemade version. Be sure to slice your brisket against the grain for the most tender meat. Cooked brisket can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a covered pan in the oven.
CAN YOU OVERCOOK BRISKET?
There is such a thing as overcooking a brisket. You want the meat to be tender, but not overly soft or mushy. The optimal amount of time to cook a brisket in the oven is about 3-4 hours, but this can vary depending on the size of your brisket, and which part of the brisket you’re using (point or flat cut).
Slow cooker beef brisket
This recipe can easily be made in the slow cooker. Simply coat your meat with the spice rub and BBQ sauce, then place in the slow cooker. Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth, then cook on low heat for 8 hours. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker, and broil the top in the oven if desired. Slice thinly against the grain, then serve and enjoy.
Instant pot beef brisket
Short on time? You can make this recipe in your pressure cooker without having to wait hours and hours for it to be finished. You may need to scale down to a smaller piece of meat to fit it into your Instant Pot. Coat the meat with the spice rub, the top with BBQ sauce. Add 3/4 cup beef broth to the bottom of the Instant Pot and place the meat on top. Cook on high pressure for one hour, then let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes has passed, use the valve to release the rest of the pressure. Broil in the oven if desired to caramelize the top. Slice, then serve.
There are numerous ways to achieve a juicy, tender beef brisket, and they all start with my homemade rub, as well as some BBQ sauce. Choose your preferred cooking method, then enjoy your success and watch the rave reviews pour in.
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