Barbecued Brisket

Prep: 720 min Cook: 360 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Tender and smoky barbecued brisket with rich flavors of liquid smoke, Worcestershire, and barbecue sauce. Perfect for weekend gatherings or family dinners, this slow-cooked dish offers melt-in-your-mouth meat with a savory, smoky glaze that appeals to BBQ lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 5 or 6 lb. beef brisket
  • 3 oz. bottle liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp. celery salt
  • 1 tsp. onion salt
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 oz. bottle barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Pour the 3 oz. bottle of liquid smoke over the beef in a baking pan.
  2. Sprinkle the beef with onion salt, celery salt, and garlic salt.
  3. Place the beef in the refrigerator overnight to marinate.
  4. Sprinkle both sides of the meat with salt and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 5 hours.
  6. Uncover the meat and pour barbecue sauce over it.
  7. Bake uncovered for an additional 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. If you don't have liquid smoke, try marinating the brisket in a mix of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for a different twist. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure perfect doneness, aiming for about 195°F (90°C) for tender results. This recipe is a great way to explore classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecued brisket sliced thin with additional barbecue sauce on the side. It pairs wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside the Simple Meat Loaf or with a fresh green salad for balance. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the brisket tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to keep it moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecued Brisket contains roughly 52 calories, with 3g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 989mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

52 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 3g 4% DV
Carbs 3.3g 1% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 989.2mg 43% DV
Potassium 235.2mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 10mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 4.3mg 5% DV
Calcium 31.9mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the brisket in a slow cooker instead?

Yes, you can definitely cook the brisket in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. Set it on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Just be sure to add the liquid smoke and spices as instructed to maintain the flavor profile. The result will be equally tender and delicious!

What can I do if my brisket is tough?

If your brisket turns out tough, it likely needs more cooking time. Low and slow is key for tenderizing the meat, so return it to the oven or slow cooker until fork-tender. Additionally, slicing against the grain can help make each bite more tender, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While brisket is traditional, you can substitute with cuts like chuck roast or round roast. These cuts may yield different textures but can still deliver great flavor when cooked properly. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may require longer or shorter cooking times.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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