Imagine a brisket that's tender, juicy, and infused with a sweet and smoky flavor. This Sweet and Smoky Oven Barbecued Brisket delivers all that goodness with a minimal hands-on time. Perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or a gathering with friends where you want a big payoff with little fuss.
First, let's talk about the star of the show, the beef brisket. It’s a cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking, which turns it tender and flavorful. The olive oil helps the spices adhere to the meat while adding a subtle richness. Brown sugar brings a caramel-like sweetness that balances the smoky heat from the smoked paprika. The garlic powder and onion powder add depth, while salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. For the sauce, barbecue sauce provides a robust base, while apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness with its acidity. Honey adds an extra layer of sweetness, and Worcestershire sauce brings umami notes. Lastly, a touch of liquid smoke gives that desired smokiness usually achieved through hours of grilling.
This brisket pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw or buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches on toasted buns with a bit of extra barbecue sauce.
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. This low temperature is key to achieving a tender brisket. While the oven heats, rub your brisket evenly with olive oil. This will help the spice mix stick and add a little richness to the meat.
Next, in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat the brisket with this spice mixture, pressing it into the meat to ensure it sticks.
Place your seasoned brisket in a roasting pan. In another bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Pour this sauce over the brisket, making sure it’s well-coated.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture and flavors, then bake in your preheated oven for 4 hours. This long, slow cook is what transforms the brisket into a tender masterpiece.
After 4 hours, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices. This step caramelizes the sauce and deepens the flavors. Once the brisket is tender and caramelized, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy.
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