Description
This tender brisket with homemade barbecue sauce is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy nights in. With a smoky-sweet crust, fall-apart texture, and a bold homemade barbecue sauce, it’s ideal for dinner ideas, meal prepping, and gatherings. Whether you’re after an easy recipe for an impressive dinner or looking for hearty food ideas, this dish delivers big flavor and satisfying results.
Ingredients
4 to 5 pounds beef brisket
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil, then mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Massage the spice rub evenly over the entire surface of the meat.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until nicely browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). This step is optional but boosts flavor.
3. Place the brisket in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Cover tightly with foil or a lid. Roast in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
4. While the brisket cooks, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened and glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Once the brisket is done, remove it from the oven and uncover it. Brush it generously with the barbecue sauce and return to the oven uncovered for another 20–30 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.
6. Let the brisket rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
For extra tenderness, slice the brisket against the grain after resting.
Make the barbecue sauce ahead to save time—just refrigerate and reheat when needed.
Don’t skip resting the meat! It helps the juices redistribute for a juicier result.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (with sauce)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: brisket, barbecue, easy recipe, dinner ideas, food ideas, homemade sauce