Description
Smoky bbq brisket emerges as a tender, mouthwatering centerpiece for family gatherings. Slow-cooked in a crockpot with rich spices and tangy sauce, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction for hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg) beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tbsps paprika
- 2 tbsps packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 2 tsps salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup seedless blackberry preserves
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup homemade barbecue sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp beef bouillon
- 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp reserved spice rub
- 1 tbsp mesquite liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Preparation and Searing: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F, line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Trim brisket’s excess fat, rinse, and pat dry, cutting to fit cooker if needed.
- Spice Infusion: Whisk dry spices in a bowl, reserving a tablespoon for sauce. Generously massage spice mixture over entire brisket surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Initial Roasting: Roast seasoned brisket uncovered for 30 minutes to develop a rich, flavorful exterior crust, creating depth of flavor and texture.
- Sauce Creation: Blend liquid and dry ingredients, including reserved spice rub, whisking until smooth. Separate ½ cup sauce for slow cooking process.
- Slow Cooking Process: Transfer seared brisket to slow cooker, pour in reserved sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef bouillon. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, rotating midway to ensure even tenderness and flavor distribution.
- Finishing and Glazing: Remove brisket, place on foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with additional barbecue sauce. Broil 5-10 minutes to create a caramelized, crispy exterior.
- Serving: Warm remaining sauce. Slice brisket against the grain or chop as desired. Serve with warm sauce, perfect for sandwiches or as a main course.
Notes
- Prep Searing Technique: Roasting brisket at high temperature before slow cooking creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep flavor and enhances overall meat texture.
- Spice Rub Mastery: Reserve a tablespoon of dry spice mixture for sauce development, ensuring consistent seasoning throughout the cooking process and maximizing flavor complexity.
- Moisture Management: Pat meat completely dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and promote optimal crust formation during initial high-heat roasting stage.
- Slow Cooking Precision: Rotate brisket midway through cooking to guarantee even tenderness and prevent potential dry or tough meat sections.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg