Description
Rich, tender slow-cooked brisket with homemade barbecue sauce delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort to hungry guests. Juicy meat infused with complex spices and tangy sauce promises a memorable meal that will satisfy deep cravings for authentic barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.3 kg) beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tbsps paprika
- 2 tbsps packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 2 tsps salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 1 tbsp beef bouillon
- 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup homemade barbecue sauce
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) ketchup
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) molasses
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (59 ml) seedless blackberry preserves
- ¼ cup (59 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp reserved spice rub
- 1 tbsp mesquite liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Coat slow cooker with non-stick spray and trim excess fat from brisket, then thoroughly rinse and pat dry.
- Spice Infusion: Prepare spice rub, reserving one tablespoon for barbecue sauce. Massage remaining spice mixture over entire brisket surface, allowing meat to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours for intensified flavor.
- Initial Roasting: Sear brisket uncovered in preheated oven for 30 minutes to develop a caramelized exterior and lock in rich flavors.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk barbecue sauce ingredients together, incorporating reserved spice rub. Pour 1/2 cup sauce into slow cooker, mixing with water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef bouillon.
- Slow Cooking: Gently transfer seared brisket into liquid, ensuring full submersion. Cook on LOW setting for 8-10 hours, rotating midway to ensure even tenderness and flavor distribution.
- Finishing Touch: Remove brisket to foil-lined baking sheet, generously coating with barbecue sauce. Broil for 5-10 minutes to create a glossy, slightly charred surface that enhances overall taste profile.
- Serving: Warm remaining barbecue sauce while brisket broils. Slice meat against the grain, brush with additional sauce, and plate with extra sauce on the side for an indulgent dining experience.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose a well-marbled beef brisket with a thick fat cap for maximum tenderness and rich flavor profile.
- Prepping Pro Tip: Pat the meat completely dry before applying spice rub to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and perfect caramelization.
- Flavor Layering Technique: Searing at high temperature before slow cooking creates a delicious crust and locks in deep, complex taste sensations.
- Slicing Strategy: Always cut brisket against the grain to guarantee maximum tenderness and easier chewing experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (plus 30 minutes for searing)
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg