Get ready to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Brisket! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this dish brings together the sweet and savory in a way that’s just plain irresistible.
The star of the show is the beef brisket, a cut known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the meat perfectly, while low-sodium soy sauce gives it a savory depth. Apple cider vinegar provides just the right amount of tang to balance the flavors. You’ll need plenty of garlic — six cloves, minced — to infuse the dish with its aromatic goodness. Onion not only adds flavor but also helps keep the brisket moist during cooking. For spices, we’ve got smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness, black pepper for a bit of heat, and salt to enhance all those flavors. If you like a bit more kick, toss in some chili flakes. Finally, a bit of water ensures there’s enough liquid for that long, slow cook, and you can use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if you like it a bit more velvety.
This brisket pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. And don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up that delicious sauce!
Start by making your sauce. In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir in the smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until it’s all well mixed. Set this aside for a moment.
Next, slice up your onion and lay the slices at the bottom of your slow cooker. This not only adds flavor but also acts as a bed for the brisket, keeping it from sticking.
Now, take your brisket and rub it with the sauce mixture. Make sure to coat all sides thoroughly so every bite is packed with flavor. Place the brisket on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
Pour any remaining sauce over the brisket, and add the water. This will help create steam, keeping everything moist and tender. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the brisket is fork-tender.
If you like a thicker sauce, you can mix the cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the slow cooker juices. Cook on high for another 15 minutes to thicken up.