Description
This juicy brisket is slow-cooked in a bold, homemade barbecue sauce that’s rich with molasses, tangy vinegar, and a deep umami punch. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for easy dinners.
Ingredients
4 to 5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed with good marbling
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub all over the brisket and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
3. In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and liquid smoke (if using).
4. Pour the sauce over the seared brisket. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3.5 to 4 hours, basting once halfway through.
5. Let the brisket rest for 15 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve with sauce.
Notes
Letting the rub sit on the brisket before cooking allows deeper flavor penetration.
Basting the meat halfway through ensures maximum juiciness.
Always slice against the grain for the most tender bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-roasted
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 brisket
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: brisket, barbecue, beef, comfort food