Must-try Beef Brisket that really brings out the best in this cut of beef! This brisket is cooked in a simple homemade BBQ sauce until it’s very tender and full of great flavor. Serve with a side of Coleslaw or Macaroni Salad and steamed corn. Or pile high onto rolls and make sliders!.
I really am not a girls’ girl when it comes to food. I don’t gaze in wonder at stunningly decorated multi-tier cakes. I don’t ooh and aah over pretty little chocolates. I have no interest in learning how to make candy.
But I do go gah-gah over sights like this – a giant hunk of flavour loaded brisket.
Pork brisket is one of the most flavorful cuts of meat, but it can be tough and tricky to cook properly. That’s why using a slow cooker is the perfect way to make this cut melt-in-your-mouth tender while infusing it with smoky, sweet flavors. Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook delicious pork brisket in a slow cooker, along with tips for choosing the right cut and the best seasonings.
Choosing the Right Cut
When selecting a pork brisket for the slow cooker, you want to look for a well-marbled cut with a thick fat cap. The fat content helps keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking time. A bone-in brisket also adds extra flavor. Plan on about 1 pound of raw meat per person. A 3-4 pound brisket serves 4-6.
Some specific cuts to look for include:
- Boneless pork shoulder or Boston butt
- Bone-in pork picnic shoulder
- Fresh ham or pork leg
The pectoral muscle of the pig also sold as pork brisket bones by some butchers, has lots of connective tissue that breaks down into tender moist meat. It’s the perfect choice for slow cooking.
Trimming and Prepping the Meat
Before cooking your pork brisket, you’ll want to trim off any excess hard fat. Leave about 1⁄4 inch of the fat cap intact to keep the meat juicy. Also remove any silver skin or tough membranes. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
For extra flavor, rub the brisket all over with a dry seasoning blend. Try a simple mix of brown sugar, salt, pepper and dry mustard. Spicy dry rubs also pair well with pork. Rub the seasoning into the meaty side well so it adheres.
Slow Cooking Time and Temp
The relatively low temperature of a slow cooker gently breaks down the collagen in pork brisket into gelatin, keeping it incredibly moist and tender. Cooking time will vary based on the size and shape of your brisket. Plan on 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.
For food safety, always cook pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F as measured by a meat thermometer. For brisket, cook until it reaches 195°F for maximum tenderness. The meat should shred easily when poked with a fork at this temp.
Monitoring the Cook
During the long cooking time, check the brisket every few hours and add additional liquid to the slow cooker if needed to prevent drying out. Give the brisket a turn so it cooks evenly.
Resist opening the lid too frequently, which lets heat escape and can increase cook time. You can wrap the brisket in foil after 4-5 hours if the top is browning too quickly. This helps hold in moisture.
Finishing Touches
When the brisket is fully cooked you can add extra flavor and moisture by brushing on barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly.
Before serving, let the brisket rest 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. Slice the pork across the grain for tender pieces that are easy to chew. Serve warm with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips for Maximum Tenderness
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Cook the brisket slow and low. High heat will tighten the meat fibers.
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Allow plenty of time. Long cooking breaks down connective tissue.
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Keep the temp as consistent as possible and avoid peeking.
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Don’t skip resting time after cooking for juicy meat.
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Always slice brisket across the grain of the meat.
Seasoning and Flavoring Ideas
One of the best parts of cooking brisket in a slow cooker is that the meat soaks up the flavors of your seasonings and sauce. Get creative with different tastes!
Dry Rubs: Brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, mustard powder
Wet Marinades: Soy sauce, Worcestershire, balsamic vinegar, red wine
Sauces: Sweet and tangy barbecue, bold molasses sauce, spicy sriracha
Aromatics: Onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves
Smoky Flavors: Liquid smoke, smoked salt, wood chips
Recipe Inspiration
Now that you know the secrets to cooking tender, flavorful brisket in a slow cooker, try out some of these delicious recipe ideas:
- Texas-Style Smoked Brisket with Mesquite Rub
- Asian Hoisin Brisket with Ginger and Garlic
- Classic Barbecue Brisket with Homemade Sauce
- Coffee-Rubbed Brisket Tacos with Lime Crema
- Italian-Style Brisket with Tomatoes and Oregano
The options are endless for putting your own unique spin on brisket cooked low and slow. Monitor it occasionally, let it rest properly and slice correctly, and your brisket is sure to come out perfect every time. The intoxicating aroma and incredible flavors will make this an instant favorite meal.
So grab a nice marbled brisket, your favorite spices and sauces, and get ready to wow your family with the amazing pork brisket you can make in the slow cooker. Just follow this guide for tender, fall-apart meat that infused with your favorite flavors every time.
MORE GREAT THINGS TO PILE ONTO SLIDERS
What is beef brisket?
Brisket is a cut of beef made for slow cooking, not fast cooking. And it’s different from other slow-cooked beef cuts because it keeps its shape and can be sliced even after hours and hours of cooking.
Other slow-cooked beef cuts, like chuck (used in Beef Stew), gravy beef (an Australian cut), and short ribs, “fall apart easily because there are more connective tissues running through the meat that break down with slow cooking.”
However, as you can see in the photos in this post, brisket holds together and can be sliced. But the slices are ultra tender and could be shredded easily, see? .
It’s possible to shred brisket, but I like to use chuck beef or ribs for recipes like Shredded Beef Ragu, Shredded Beef Chili, and Shredded Mexican Beef.
Those cuts have more fat running through the meat and so the shredded pieces are nice and juicy. The outside of brisket has a layer of fat, but the meat itself doesn’t have much fat or connective tissue running through it. If you shred it, it’s pretty lean.
6-Step CROCKPOT BRAISED PORK BRISKET | Recipes.net
FAQ
Does brisket have to be covered in liquid in a slow cooker?
How long can you leave brisket in slow cooker?
Do you need to brown brisket before slow cooking?
Is brisket the same as pulled pork?
How do you cook brisket in a crock pot?
PUT IT IN. Place the brisket in the crock pot. Sprinkle the onion soup mix, garlic powder, and brown sugar over the top of the brisket, and massage gently into the meat. Pour the chili sauce over the top making sure to cover the meat completely. COOK. Turn on the slow cooker and cook the brisket on low heat for 8 – 10 hours.
How long do you cook pork brisket bones in a slow cooker?
b. If using a slow cooker: Place the pork brisket bones in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches 195°F. Wrap the pork brisket bones: When the internal temperature reaches 195°F, remove the pork brisket bones from the smoker or slow cooker.
Can you cook brisket in a slow cooker?
Brisket is a tough cut of beef. Perfect for a slow cooker recipe like this. Hours of slow cooking at a lower temperature turns a tough cut of meat into a tender, juicy, flavorful treat. There are generally two cuts of brisket in most markets. The first cut or “flat cut” and the second cut, or the “point”.
Can You overcook brisket in a crock pot?
Yes, it’s possible to overcook brisket in a Crock Pot, which results in dry, chewy meat. Since every slow cooker runs at a slightly different temperature, a meat thermometer is the best way to know when your brisket is done. Brisket will be tender and juicy when it reaches 195°F.