Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Brisket with BBQ Sauce is a classic dish that embodies the essence of slow-cooked, smoky, and savory goodness. This recipe features a large, marbled cut of beef brisket that’s seasoned with a flavorful dry rub and then slow-cooked until it becomes tender and juicy. During the cooking process, the brisket absorbs the rich and smoky flavors, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Finished with a generous coating of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy homemade BBQ sauce, this brisket is perfect for serving at family gatherings, barbecues, or any special occasion. Paired with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans, this dish offers a taste of comfort and warmth that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients:

For the Brisket:

• 1 (4-5 lb) beef brisket, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brisket:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the olive oil all over the brisket, then coat it evenly with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat to adhere. Wrap the brisket in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors penetrate.
2. Cook the Brisket:
   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the brisket on a large roasting pan or baking dish, fat side up. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 hours, or until the brisket is tender and a fork easily pierces through the meat.
3. Make the BBQ Sauce:
   • While the brisket is cooking, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Finish the Brisket:
   • Once the brisket is tender, remove it from the oven and carefully drain any excess fat. Brush a generous amount of the BBQ sauce over the top of the brisket. Return the brisket to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes to let the sauce set and caramelize slightly.
5. Rest and Slice:
   • Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and slice it thinly against the grain.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the sliced brisket with additional BBQ sauce on the side. Pair with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.

Brisket with BBQ Sauce is a flavorful, tender dish that captures the essence of traditional barbecue. The combination of a well-seasoned, slow-cooked brisket and a rich, homemade BBQ sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.