Sweet And Sour Beef Brisket

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Cuisine: American

Sweet and tangy beef brisket slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce with onions, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions that call for rich, comforting flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 or 7 lb. beef brisket, well trimmed
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. pepper
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 4 Tbsp. vinegar

Instructions

  1. Rub the brisket with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the brisket in a roasting pan.
  3. Mix the brown sugar, vinegar, and catsup, then pour the mixture over the brisket.
  4. Arrange sliced onions on top of the brisket.
  5. Cover the roaster with foil.
  6. Bake in a 325°F oven for 2 hours or until it begins to feel tender.
  7. Allow the brisket to cool.
  8. Place the brisket and sauce in the refrigerator and let it sit for 7 to 10 days, turning over in the sauce every day or two.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the brisket in the sauce for a few hours before baking. If you're short on time, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. For a zesty kick, add a teaspoon of mustard to the sauce. Make sure to trim excess fat from the brisket to avoid greasiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet and sour beef brisket sliced, drizzled with the sauce. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad on the side. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented by American recipes like Jazzy Beef Bites.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through, or use a microwave in short bursts, ensuring the brisket remains moist. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Beef Brisket contains roughly 444 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2409mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

444 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.9g 30% DV
Total Fat 13.8g 18% DV
Carbs 60.7g 22% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 37.7g 75% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2409mg 100% DV
Potassium 558.4mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 36.9mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 5.7mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 77mg 6% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

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 use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chuck roast or flank steak, but cooking times may vary as these cuts have different fat content and tenderness. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for tenderness as you go.

How do I know when the brisket is done?

The brisket is done when it feels tender to the touch. You can also check its internal temperature; it should reach about 190°F for optimal tenderness. Allow it to rest after cooking for best results.

Can I freeze the brisket after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked brisket. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It should maintain its quality for up to three months.

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).

American recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →