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Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket recipe


  • Author: Caroline

Ingredients

Scale

    • 3-4 lb Beef Brisket, Point Cut (or Packer Brisket): The star of the show! When choosing brisket, you have a couple of options:
        • Point Cut (Deckle): This cut is fattier and more marbled, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful brisket after slow roasting. It’s often preferred for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Look for a point cut that has a good amount of fat marbling throughout.

        • Packer Brisket (Whole Brisket): This is the entire brisket, including both the point and the flat. It’s larger and requires more trimming, but offers both the fatty point and the leaner flat for different textures. If using a packer brisket, you’ll need to trim some of the excess hard fat cap, leaving about ¼ inch of fat for rendering and flavor. For this recipe, a 3-4 lb point cut is ideal for ease and excellent results.

        • Flat Cut (Lean Cut): While technically brisket, the flat cut is leaner and can be drier when slow-roasted on its own. It’s best when cooked as part of a packer brisket or braised. For this slow-roasting method, the point cut or packer brisket (with the point) is recommended.

        • Quality Matters: Opt for a brisket with good marbling – those streaks of white fat within the meat. Marbling is key for tenderness and flavor as the fat renders during slow cooking, basting the meat and keeping it moist.

    • 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is crucial for seasoning and dry brining the brisket. Its larger crystals distribute evenly and penetrate the meat effectively. Avoid using table salt, which is finer and can be too salty.

    • 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper, Freshly Ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a robust and aromatic spice that complements the beef beautifully. Use coarsely ground black pepper for the best flavor and texture.

    • 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika provides a wonderful smoky depth and vibrant color to the brisket. It mimics the smoky flavor you’d get from traditional BBQ smoking methods, even when oven-roasting.

    • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic base to the rub. Use granulated garlic powder, not garlic salt.

    • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder: Onion powder complements the garlic and adds another layer of savory depth to the rub. Use granulated onion powder, not onion salt.

    • 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy and herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile.

    • 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano: Dried oregano contributes a slightly pungent and savory flavor that pairs well with beef and smoky notes.

    • 1 Large Onion, Quartered: Quartered onion placed in the roasting pan infuses the brisket with aromatic flavors as it cooks and creates a flavorful base for pan juices. Use a yellow or white onion.

    • 4 Cloves Garlic, Peeled and smashed: Smashed garlic cloves add a pungent and aromatic depth that complements the beef and vegetables. Smashing them releases their flavor without mincing them.

    • 2 Cups Beef Broth (Low Sodium): Beef broth provides moisture for braising and creates flavorful pan juices that can be used for basting and serving. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level. For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or a high-quality store-bought brand.

    • 1 Cup Dry Red Wine (Optional, but Recommended): Dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, adds depth, richness, and acidity to the braising liquid and brisket. It enhances the savory notes and creates a more complex flavor profile. If you prefer to omit wine, simply use an additional cup of beef broth.

    • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that tenderizes the brisket and balances the richness of the beef and fat. It also helps create a more complex flavor profile.

    • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami-rich depth of flavor that complements the beef and other seasonings. It enhances the overall complexity of the brisket.

    • Optional: BBQ Sauce for Serving: While the brisket is delicious on its own, serving it with your favorite BBQ sauce adds a classic touch and allows for customization. Choose a BBQ sauce that complements the smoky and savory flavors of the brisket.


Instructions

    1. Dry Brine the Brisket (Optional, but Highly Recommended): For extra tender and flavorful brisket, dry brining is highly recommended. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. This is your brisket rub. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated. Place the brisket in a large resealable plastic bag or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours). Dry brining allows the salt to penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor and moisture retention.

    1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Roasting Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is crucial for slow roasting and tenderizing the brisket. Place the quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves in the bottom of a large roasting pan with a rack. The rack elevates the brisket slightly, allowing for better air circulation and preventing it from simmering in the braising liquid.

    1. Sear the Brisket (Optional, for Enhanced Flavor): Searing is optional but adds a beautiful caramelized crust and deeper flavor to the brisket. Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Remove the brisket from the refrigerator and pat it dry again with paper towels. Sear the brisket on all sides, including the fat cap side, for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Searing creates the Maillard reaction, which develops complex flavors and aromas. If your roasting pan is oven-safe and can be used on the stovetop, you can sear the brisket directly in the roasting pan to minimize dishes.

    1. Place Brisket in Roasting Pan and Add Braising Liquid: Place the seared brisket (fat cap side up) on the rack in the prepared roasting pan, nestled on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the bottom of the roasting pan, around the brisket. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce into the braising liquid. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the brisket.

    1. Slow Roast the Brisket: Cover the roasting pan tightly with a lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring a good seal to trap the steam and braising liquid. Slow roast in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours. After 3-4 hours, check the brisket for tenderness. Carefully remove the lid or foil (be cautious of steam). The brisket should be starting to become tender when pierced with a fork.

    1. Continue Slow Roasting Until Fork-Tender: Continue to slow roast the brisket, covered, for another 2-4 hours, or until it is fork-tender. The total roasting time will depend on the size and thickness of the brisket, and your oven. The brisket is done when it is easily pierced with a fork with very little resistance, and the meat is pulling apart easily. Check for tenderness every hour after the initial 3-4 hours. The internal temperature of the brisket should reach around 200-205°F (93-96°C) for optimal tenderness, but fork-tenderness is a more reliable indicator.

    1. Rest the Brisket: Once the brisket is fork-tender, remove the roasting pan from the oven. Carefully transfer the brisket to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. Resting is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful brisket. Do not skip this step.

    1. Strain Pan Juices (Optional): While the brisket is resting, you can strain the pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve into a fat separator or bowl. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the juices. The strained pan juices can be used for serving alongside the brisket or reduced further to create a more concentrated sauce.

    1. Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. To identify the grain, look for the direction of the muscle fibers. Slice perpendicular to these fibers. Serve the sliced brisket immediately, drizzled with the pan juices (or BBQ sauce, if desired). Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly tender and flavorful Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 350-450
  • Sugar: 2-4 grams
  • Sodium:  400-600 mg
  • Fat: 20-30 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
  • Fiber:  1-2 grams
  • Protein: 30-40 grams
  • Cholesterol: 100-150 mg