Crispy Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket: Tender & Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat25gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Beef brisket (fresh, well-marbled)1.5 kg
- Salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)2 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Garlic powder1 tsp
- Onion powder1 tsp
- Brown sugar2 tbsp
- Vegetable oil (for searing)2 tbsp
- Beef broth (low sodium)250 ml
- Yellow onion (large, sliced)1 piece
- Fresh garlic cloves (minced)4 clove
This Crispy Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket recipe is the perfect blend of tender, juicy meat with a deliciously crispy crust. Using a slow cooker, it requires minimal active cooking time but delivers maximum flavor. Beef brisket is slowly cooked to a safe internal temperature of 90°C (195°F) for optimal tenderness, then finished with a quick broil for that irresistible crispy crust. Ingredients cost approximately $18 USD (~17€ / 15£ / 1500 INR). The dish yields about 6 servings with roughly 450 kcal per serving. It is a medium-difficulty recipe with about 20 minutes preparation and 6-8 hours cooking time. This recipe is suitable for a standard diet and is gluten-free. Proper handling and cooking ensure safe, delicious results every time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Brisket and Rub
1Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this helps the rub stick better. Mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar in a bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over the entire brisket. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Sear the Brisket
2Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the brisket on all sides carefully for 3-4 minutes each side until a brown crust forms. This step locks in juices and adds flavor. Transfer the brisket to a plate temporarily.
Prepare Slow Cooker Base
3Place the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour beef broth around the edges (not directly on the brisket) to maintain moisture during slow cooking and prevent the rub from washing off.
Slow Cook the Brisket
4Place the seared brisket on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 90°C (195°F), which ensures the meat is tender and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check temperature at the thickest part, avoiding bones or fat.
Rest the Brisket
5Once cooked, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board, covered loosely with foil, for 15 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute for moist, tender meat.
Crisp the Brisket Crust
6Preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the rested brisket on a baking sheet and broil for 4-6 minutes to crisp the surface. Watch closely to avoid burning; this step adds the delicious crispy texture to contrast the tender meat.
Slice and Serve
7Slice the brisket thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy this flavorful, safely cooked, and satisfying meal!
Cooking Tips
1Choose well-marbled brisket for the best tenderness and flavor.
2Patting the meat dry before applying the rub helps create a better crust.
3Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperatures.
4Avoid piercing the meat too often during cooking to keep juices inside.
5Store any leftovers promptly in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp chef's knife
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet (for broiling)
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Beef brisket (1.5 kg) (~$12): Choose fresh, well-marbled brisket for tenderness. Avoid pre-sliced for better results.
- [ ] Yellow onion (1 large) (~$0.50): Pick firm, unblemished onions.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (4 cloves) (~$0.30): Opt for firm cloves without mold.
- [ ] Dry spices: Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar (~$5 for all, most available in bulk or already in your pantry)
- [ ] Vegetable oil (~$0.50 for 2 tbsp): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- [ ] Beef broth, low sodium (250 ml) (~$1.50): Check labels for low sodium for better flavor control.
Total Estimated Cost: ~$18.00
Buying fresh brisket may be your most significant cost; prices may vary by location.
FAQ
How do I know when the brisket is fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket. It should reach 90°C (195°F) in the thickest part for tender, safe-to-eat meat.
Can I skip the searing step?
Searing adds flavor and helps develop a crust that enhances the texture. While you can skip it, searing improves the final taste and is recommended.
How do I avoid cross-contamination when handling raw brisket?
Always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw meat to prevent bacterial spread.
Can I cook this brisket in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can slow-cook the brisket in a covered roasting pan at 135°C (275°F) for about 5-6 hours until tender, but the slow cooker method requires less attention.