Sticky BBQ Beef Brisket

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours 30 min
🍽 Serves: 10
★★★★★
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If you're a fan of tender, melt-in-your-mouth meats with a kick of smoky, tangy flavor, then this Sticky BBQ Beef Brisket is for you. Perfect for a cozy weekend meal or a lively summer barbecue, this dish is all about bold flavors and effortless cooking.

Ingredients for Sticky BBQ Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is the star of the show, known for its rich flavor and becoming incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. Barbecue sauce adds sweetness, tang, and a deep smoky flavor, while brown sugar enhances the caramelization process. Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness with acidity, and soy sauce contributes a savory umami depth. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder blend together for a robust seasoning, with a touch of salt and black pepper to round out the flavors. A hint of cayenne pepper introduces a subtle heat, and olive oil helps the rub adhere to the meat, while adding a layer of richness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smokier flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
  • Always slice the brisket against the grain for the most tender bite.
  • If you have leftovers, store them in their juices to keep them moist when reheating.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 195°F for maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

This brisket pairs wonderfully with creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. For a complete BBQ feast, serve alongside cornbread and grilled vegetables. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, try it in a sandwich with pickles and slaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat?
While brisket is ideal for this recipe due to its texture and flavor, you could use a chuck roast as a substitute, keeping in mind it might alter the final texture slightly.
How do I know when the brisket is done?
The meat should be fork-tender and have an internal temperature of around 195-205°F. If it’s not quite there, give it a bit more time in the oven.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which might even help the flavors meld together.

Sticky BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This slow-cooking temperature is key to breaking down the connective tissues in the brisket, making it tender and juicy. In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This will be your flavorful sauce that does most of the heavy lifting in this recipe.

Next, take your brisket and rub it all over with olive oil. This not only helps the spices adhere but also contributes to that luscious texture. Place the brisket in a baking dish or roasting pan, and pour half of your prepared sauce over it, ensuring it's well-coated. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake it in your preheated oven for four hours. About halfway through, baste the brisket with its own juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

After four hours, remove the foil and pour the remaining sauce over the brisket. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that sticky, caramelized finish on the outside of the brisket.

Once done, let the brisket rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This helps keep the slices tender and easy to chew.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with a simple marinade that packs a punch.
  • Slow-cooked to perfection for that fall-apart tenderness.
  • Sticky, caramelized finish that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.

Ingredients

5 lbs beef brisket
2 cups barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the sauce.
3. Rub the brisket with olive oil, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. Place the brisket in a baking dish or roasting pan and pour half of the barbecue sauce mixture over it, reserving the other half for later.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 4 hours, basting with juices halfway through.
6. Remove the foil and pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the brisket.
7. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
8. Let the brisket rest for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain to serve.

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