Smoky Maple Brisket

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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The Smoky Maple Brisket is your go-to for a rich, flavorful meal that effortlessly combines sweetness and smokiness. It’s perfect for any backyard gathering or a cozy family dinner. This recipe brings out the best in brisket, making it tender, juicy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients for Smoky Maple Brisket

Let's break down what makes each ingredient shine. The star of the show is the beef brisket, which is known for its rich and hearty flavor. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the smokiness perfectly. Smoked paprika brings depth with its earthy notes, while garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall flavor. Don't overlook the salt and black pepper; they’re essential for seasoning. Beef broth keeps the brisket moist, and apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Lastly, olive oil helps the spices adhere to the meat, and the onion adds sweetness and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always slice the brisket against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  • Maintain a consistent temperature in the smoker for even cooking.
  • If you don’t have a smoker, an oven with a smoke box can be a good alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This brisket pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw or buttery cornbread. For a fresh twist, serve it alongside a zesty cucumber salad. You can also use the leftovers in sandwiches or tacos for a quick lunch the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Brisket is ideal for this recipe due to its fat content and tenderness when slow-cooked. However, you could try a chuck roast if brisket isn’t available.
Is there an alternative to maple syrup?
Honey or brown sugar can be used, but each will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How can I tell if the brisket is done?
The brisket is done when it's fork-tender and can be easily pulled apart.

Smoky Maple Brisket Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F. It’s crucial to maintain this temperature for consistent cooking. Next, grab a small bowl and mix together your spice blend: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, rub the brisket with olive oil — this will help the spices cling to the meat.

Coat the brisket evenly with your spice mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered for the best flavor. Place the brisket on the grill, close it up, and let it smoke for 4 hours. Keep an eye on the temperature to ensure it stays steady.

While the brisket is smoking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Bring this to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce slightly. This will concentrate the flavors.

After 4 hours, transfer the brisket to a roasting pan. Pour your maple glaze over the brisket, making sure it's well coated. Cover the pan tightly with foil to lock in moisture. Continue cooking in your smoker or oven at 225°F for another 2-3 hours. The brisket is done when it's fork-tender.

Once cooked, remove the brisket from the heat and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for keeping the meat juicy. Finally, slice the brisket against the grain for the most tender bites.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet maple syrup with smoky paprika for a unique flavor profile.
  • Slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth brisket.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch, perfect for impressing guests.
  • Versatile enough to be served year-round, at barbecues or holiday dinners.

Ingredients

5 lbs beef brisket
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the brisket with olive oil and evenly coat with the spice mixture.
4. Place the brisket on the grill and smoke for 4 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature.
5. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly.
6. After 4 hours, place the brisket in a roasting pan, pour the maple mixture over it, and cover tightly with foil.
7. Continue cooking in the smoker or oven at 225°F for another 2-3 hours until fork-tender.
8. Remove from heat and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain.

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