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Caramelized Pulled Beef Brisket Recipe

Caramelized Pulled Beef Brisket Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

This Caramelized Pulled Beef Brisket recipe offers a tender, flavorful twist on classic brisket by slow cooking the beef to perfection and finishing it with a rich caramelized coating. Perfect for hearty dinners and sandwiches, this recipe combines smoky spices, a tangy barbecue sauce, and a sweet-savory caramelization step to enhance depth and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3–4 lb beef brisket
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)

Slow Cooking Ingredients

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Caramelizing Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp beef drippings (from slow cooker or roasting pan)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brisket: Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels and season it evenly on all sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder for heat. Allow the meat to rest at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Sear the Brisket (Optional, But Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the brisket on all sides until it develops a deep brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances flavor and locks in juices.
  3. Slow Cook the Brisket: For the slow cooker method, place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom. Set the brisket on top and pour beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar evenly over the meat. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until fork-tender. For the oven method, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place onions and garlic in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven. Set brisket on top, pour in the same liquid mixture, cover tightly with foil or lid, and bake for 3-4 hours, basting every hour, until fork-tender.
  4. Shred the Brisket: Once cooked, carefully remove the brisket from the cooker or oven and transfer to a large cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Caramelize the Pulled Brisket: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved beef drippings. Stir the mixture until it thickens slightly, creating a glossy caramel sauce. Add the shredded brisket and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the brisket caramelize for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly crispy on the edges for an irresistible texture and flavor boost.

Notes

  • To enhance flavor, do not skip searing the brisket before slow cooking.
  • Use a slow cooker or oven depending on convenience and preferred cooking setup.
  • Adjust the chili powder quantity according to your heat tolerance.
  • Reserve the beef drippings carefully after cooking as they add essential flavor during caramelization.
  • Letting the brisket rest after shredding helps retain juices and improves texture.
  • Serve with coleslaw or pickles for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled beef brisket, caramelized brisket, slow cooker brisket, barbecue brisket, caramelized meat, tender brisket recipe

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/caramelized-pulled-beef-brisket-recipe/