Should I cook brisket fat side up or down in a slow cooker?

For a Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket, it is best to cook it fat side up. This allows the fat to render and drip down through the meat, acting as a natural basting liquid that keeps the beef moist and flavorful during the long cooking process.

Why is my slow cooker brisket tough?

If your Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket is tough, it usually means it hasn't cooked long enough. Brisket is full of tough connective tissue that requires several hours at a low temperature to break down into gelatin. Give it more time on the 'Low' setting.

Do I need to sear the meat before slow cooking?

While not strictly mandatory for a Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket, searing the meat in a hot pan first creates a Maillard reaction, which adds a deeper, more complex savory flavor and better texture to the final dish.

Can I use the 'High' setting for brisket?

We highly recommend using the 'Low' setting for Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket. High heat can tighten the muscle fibers too quickly, resulting in meat that is dry or stringy rather than tender and succulent.

Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket: 7 Secrets for Tender Results

Name: Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 lb beef brisket (flat or point cut); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon liquid smoke

Description

An incredibly tender and smoky beef brisket cooked to perfection in a slow cooker with a sweet and savory BBQ glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

3-4 lb beef brisket (flat or point cut)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon liquid smoke

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Instructions

Step 1: Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.
Step 2: Rub the spice mixture onto all sides of the brisket, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Place the brisket in the slow cooker with the fat side facing up.
Step 4: Whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke, then pour around the meat.
Step 5: Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
Step 6: Remove the meat and let it rest on a cutting board for 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Slice against the grain and serve with the remaining sauce from the pot.

Notes

Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid in a pan on the stovetop after cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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