Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Ingredients

1.5 – 2 kg / 3 – 4 lb. beef brisket

1 tablespoon olive oil (or a neutral oil like vegetable, canola)

RUB:

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons paprika powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

3/4 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

BBQ SAUCE:

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup / 125 ml apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups / 375 ml ketchup

1/2 cup / 110g brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons EACH black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste re: spiciness)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

To make the rub combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin 3/4 teaspoon of mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, in a bowl.

Apply the rub over the beef brisket weighing around 1.5. 2 kilograms (3. 4 pounds) massaging it in for enhanced flavor if you have time.

For the BBQ sauce mix together minced cloves (2 in total), apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup), ketchup (1 ½ cups), brown sugar (1/2 cup), black pepper, (2 teaspoons each) onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper to taste (adjust as desired; start with about a teaspoon) and Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon) in your slow cooker.

Place the brisket in the slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low heat for approximately 8 to 10 hours.

After removing the brisket from the slow cooker let the sauce simmer until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.

To roast the brisket to perfection drizzle it with oil. Roast it at around 200°C (390°F) in an oven, for about 15 minutes until nicely browned.

Once removed from the oven generously baste the brisket with your sauce. Return it to heat for an additional 10 minutes until caramelized.

Finally, slice up your brisket and serve. Enjoy! Thinly slice the tender brisket, against the grain. Serve it alongside the remaining BBQ sauce. Indulge, in the adventure of Southern cuisine!

Notes

To confirm that this Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe is appropriate, for those on a gluten-free diet, it’s important to use ingredients that are approved gluten-free. Take a moment to check the labels of items like spices, Worcestershire, Ketchup, which may occasionally contain additives emanated from gluten or wheat. By opting for alternatives and guaranteeing their status you can relish in the deliciousness of this Southern classic without any worries, about gluten.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While beef brisket is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts of beef like chuck roast.

However, keep in mind that different cuts may require varying cooking times and could yield different results in terms of tenderness and flavor.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the BBQ sauce?

The spiciness of the BBQ sauce is determined by the cayenne pepper.

To control the heat level, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and taste the sauce.

Add more if you prefer it spicier, but be cautious not to overdo it, as cayenne pepper can be quite intense.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking.

After applying the rub and preparing the BBQ sauce, you can braise the brisket in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven at a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C) for several hours until tender.

Make sure to monitor it closely and keep it covered to retain moisture.

What are some ideal side dishes to serve with beef brisket?

Southern-style beef brisket pairs well with classic side dishes such as coleslaw, cornbread, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and baked beans.

These sides complement the rich, smoky flavors of the brisket.

Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the beef brisket in advance and reheat it when needed. In fact, many people find that the flavors improve when it’s allowed to sit and then reheated.

To do this, store the cooked brisket in the refrigerator and gently reheat it in the oven or slow cooker with the sauce until warmed through.

How long should I cook the beef brisket in the slow cooker?

For this recipe, you should cook the beef brisket in the slow cooker on low heat for approximately 8 to 10 hours.

Slow cooking allows the brisket to become tender and flavorful.

Can I use a different type of vinegar if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with other types of vinegar like white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.

Keep in mind that the choice of vinegar may slightly alter the flavor of the BBQ sauce.

Is it necessary to marinate the brisket with the rub for an extended period?

While marinating the brisket with the rub can enhance the flavor, it’s not necessary.

If you have time, you can apply the rub and let it sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor penetration.

However, if you’re short on time, you can proceed with the recipe immediately after applying the rub.

What is the best way to slice the cooked brisket?

To achieve tender and flavorful slices, it’s important to slice the brisket against the grain.

This means cutting perpendicular to the long muscle fibers.

Slicing against the grain helps ensure that each slice is tender and not tough.

Can I prepare the BBQ sauce separately and then combine it with the cooked brisket?

Yes, you can prepare the BBQ sauce separately and then pour it over the cooked brisket.

After removing the brisket from the slow cooker, let the sauce simmer and thicken to your desired consistency before serving.