low-and-slow essentials: the ultimate brisket

14 Pinches 19 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Mar 6, 2025

I love a good brisket, but that cut of beef is expensive, so you want to make sure that your investment comes out perfectly. I love to use my smoker to make a brisket, but even with my experience, I will occasionally get one that is a bit dry, or stringy. I am not suggesting that you use this recipe exclusively; however, it does produce a wonderful, moist, and tender brisket. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 20 Min
cook time 8 Hr
method Slow Cooker Crock Pot
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 3 - 4 pounds beef brisket
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, or non-flavored variety
  • DRY RUB
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar*
  • 2 teaspoons paprika, mild, hot, or smoked*
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, kosher variety, fine grind
  • 1/2 teaspoon white or black pepper, freshly ground*
  • BBQ SAUCE
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup, homemade, if possible*
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar*
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons black or white pepper, freshly ground*
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

How To Make low-and-slow essentials: the ultimate brisket

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 3
    Add the Dry Rub ingredients together and thoroughly mix.
  • Step 4
    Combine the BBQ Sauce ingredients together and whisk to combine.
  • Step 5
    Coat the brisket with the oil, then completely cover the fat side of the brisket with the dry ingredients.
  • Step 6
    Add the brisket to the slow cooker, and then cover with the BBQ sauce.
  • Step 7
    Set the slow cooker to low and set the timer: • 8 hours: tender, but with still a bit of bite (great for slicing, or on a sandwich). • 10 hours: super tender, and cuts easily (great for shredding)
  • Step 8
    After the allotted time, turn the slow cooker off and let the brisket rest in the sauce for about 30 minutes.
  • Step 9
    Remove the brisket from the sauce, wrap in foil, and after it fully cools, place into the fridge overnight, 8 – 10 hours. It can stay in the fridge up to 24 hours.
  • Step 10
    Place the BBQ sauce in a non-reactive container, cover, then place in the fridge with the brisket.
  • Step 11
    When ready to reheat, remove the brisket from the fridge, and allow to sit on the countertop for an hour or so, to take the chill off. During this time, leave it wrapped.
  • Step 12
    Place the reserved BBQ sauce into a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Step 13
    Simmer until reduced by half, and it becomes nice and thick, about an hour.
  • Step 14
    Do not rush the sauce reduction; just slowly simmer, and let evaporation do its job. If you set the heat too high, you will burn the sauce, and we HATE it when that happens.
  • Step 15
    Place a rack in the middle position and set the temperature to 400f/205c.
  • Step 16
    Open up the brisket wrap, and place it into the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
  • Step 17
    Remove from the oven and slather it with a good amount of the sauce.
  • Step 18
    Return to the oven, on the opened wrapper (no need for a pan or tray), and bake until the sauce begins to caramelize and turn brown in spots, about 12 – 15 minutes.
  • Step 19
    When the caramelization happens, it will happen quick, so keep an eye on it, and take it out when ready. The difference between caramelized and burned is only a matter of about 60 seconds.
  • Step 20
    Allow to rest for about 5 – 7 minutes before slicing.
  • Step 21
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 22
    Slice or shred, up to you, and then serve. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    Step 23
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
  • Peace to all.
    Step 24
    Namaste’

Discover More

Category: Beef
Ingredient: Beef
Culture: American

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