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Barbecue Recipes

Barbecue Brisket Slow Cooker – 2024 Recipe

barbecue brisket slow cooker

Barbecue brisket slow cooker is a classic dish known for its tender, flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. While traditional methods involve hours of smoking or grilling, using a slow cooker is a convenient alternative that still delivers delicious results.

Whether you’re a busy cook looking for an easy recipe or simply want to enjoy the rich taste of barbecue brisket without the hassle, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cooking barbecue brisket in a slow cooker.

Table of contents

Understanding the barbecue brisket slow cooker

Types of Brisket Cuts

Brisket comes from the lower chest or breast of the cow and is known for its rich, beefy flavor. It is a tough cut of meat that requires slow cooking to break down the connective tissues. There are two main cuts of brisket:

  1. Flat Cut (First Cut):
    • Leaner and more uniform
    • Easier to slice
    • Ideal for a neat presentation
  2. Point Cut (Second Cut):
    • Marbled with more fat
    • Juicier and more flavorful
    • Best for shredding and burnt ends

Choosing the Best Brisket

When selecting a brisket for slow cooking, look for:

  • Marbling: Good marbling indicates flavor and tenderness.
  • Flexibility: A fresh brisket should be flexible when you hold it.
  • Color: The meat should be bright red, indicating freshness.
  • Fat Cap: Look for a thick, even layer of fat on one side.

Essential Equipment and Tools for the barbecue brisket slow cooker

Choosing the Right Slow Cooker

A good slow cooker is key to achieving tender, flavorful brisket. Look for the following features:

  • Size: At least 6 quarts to accommodate a whole brisket.
  • Temperature Settings: Low, medium, and high settings for versatile cooking.
  • Timer: A built-in timer for precise cooking.

Thermometers and Temperature Control

A reliable thermometer is crucial for monitoring the internal temperature of the brisket. Digital probe thermometers are highly recommended.

Other Essential Tools

  • Sharp Knives: For trimming and slicing.
  • Cutting Board: A large, sturdy surface.
  • Foil or Butcher Paper: For wrapping the brisket if needed.
  • Basting Brush: For applying sauces.

Preparing the barbecue brisket slow cooker

Trimming the Brisket

Trimming is essential for even cooking and developing a good bark. Remove any excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch of the fat cap. Trim away any silver skin and hard fat.

Seasoning: The Perfect Rub

A good rub is the foundation of a flavorful brisket. It typically includes a balance of salt, pepper, sugar, and spices.

Marinating vs. Dry Rub

  • Marinating: Adds moisture and flavor but can dilute the smoke ring.
  • Dry Rub: This creates a flavorful crust and allows the smoke flavor to penetrate better.

The Best Barbecue Brisket Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredient List

  • 1 whole packer brisket (10-12 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup black pepper
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Trim the Brisket: Remove excess fat and silver skin.
  2. Apply the Rub: Combine all dry rub ingredients and generously apply to all sides of the brisket. Let sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.

Slow-cooking the Brisket on the barbecue

Setting Up Your Slow Cooker

  1. Prepare the Liquid: In the slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Place the Brisket: Position the brisket fat side up in the slow cooker. The liquid should cover the bottom of the cooker and come up about halfway up the sides of the brisket.

Cooking Process: Temperatures and Times

  1. Set the Temperature: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 195-205°F. Cooking on low ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out.
  2. Monitor the Temperature: Use a digital probe thermometer to keep an eye on the internal temperature without lifting the lid.

Adding Smoke Flavor

While a slow cooker won’t impart the same smoky flavor as a smoker, you can add liquid smoke to the cooking liquid or use smoked spices in your rub to mimic the effect.

Finishing Touches

Creating a Sauce

  1. Reduce the Liquid: Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces and thickens.
  2. Enhance the Flavor: Add additional barbecue sauce, spices, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the reduced liquid to enhance its flavor.

Basting and Caramelizing

  1. Baste the Brisket: Brush the reduced sauce over the brisket.
  2. Caramelize: For a caramelized crust, place the brisket under the broiler for a few minutes or sear it on a hot grill.

Serving the Brisket

How to Slice Brisket Properly

  1. Against the Grain: Always slice against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  2. Slice Thickness: Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.

Presentation Tips

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle with a little extra rub or coarse salt.
  2. Serving Platter: Use a wooden board or a rustic platter for a traditional look.

Accompaniment and Side Dishes

  • Classic BBQ Sides: Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans
  • Vegetables: Grilled corn, roasted potatoes, sautéed greens
  • Sauces: A simple BBQ sauce or a tangy vinegar-based sauce

Barbecue Brisket Slow Cooker Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dry Brisket

  • Causes: Overcooking, insufficient marbling, or not enough liquid.
  • Solutions: Choose a well-marbled brisket, monitor the internal temperature closely, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker.

Tough Brisket

  • Causes: Undercooking or slicing with the grain.
  • Solutions: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F, and always slice against the grain.

Uneven Cooking

  • Causes: Inconsistent slow cooker temperature or uneven brisket thickness.
  • Solutions: Ensure your slow cooker maintains a steady temperature, and trim the brisket to an even thickness.

Advanced Tips and Tricks for the barbecue brisket slow cooker

Experimenting with Rubs and Marinades

  • Try different spice blends, such as adding cocoa powder for a mole-inspired rub or coffee grounds for a deeper flavor.

Using Injections for Added Flavor

  • Inject a mixture of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter into the brisket before slow cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

Alternative Cooking Methods

  1. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 225°F and follow the same slow cooking and wrapping steps. Use liquid smoke for added flavor.
  2. Sous-Vide Method: Cook the brisket in a sous-vide water bath at 155°F for 24-36 hours, then finish in the slow cooker for a few hours to infuse it with flavor.

Conclusion

Mastering barbecue brisket slow cooker takes time, patience, and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. By understanding the basics, experimenting with flavors, and following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a slow cooker brisket that is tender, juicy, and full of barbecue flavor.

So fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most rewarding BBQ experiences. Happy cooking!