
Tender & Flavorful Marinated Boiled Beef Brisket
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Beef brisket (preferably 1st or 2nd cut, with some fat marbling for tenderness)1.5 kg
- Soy sauce (choose naturally brewed for best flavor)100 ml
- Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled and minced)4 piece
- Onion (medium size, thinly sliced)1 piece
- Brown sugar (light or dark, to balance savory flavors)2 tbsp
- Black peppercorns (whole, for aroma)1 tsp
- Bay leaves (dry)2 piece
- Water (cold, enough to cover brisket in pot)2 liter
- Salt (to taste, for final seasoning)to taste n/a

This recipe will guide you through boiling marinated beef brisket to achieve tender, juicy meat infused with flavors. It’s a straightforward approach perfect for home cooks with basic kitchen tools. The brisket is first marinated to enhance taste, then slow-boiled to ensure tenderness. Total estimated cost of ingredients is approximately $15 (€14, £12, ₹1200). The whole dish contains roughly 350 calories per serving, packed with protein and moderate fat, well-suited for a balanced diet. The cooking process is simple, requires minimal prep, and takes about 3 hours, making it a medium-difficulty recipe due to the long cooking time and marinating step.
Preparation instructions
Marinate the beef brisket
1In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, sliced onion, and brown sugar. Mix well until sugar dissolves. Place the beef brisket in the marinade and rub it gently to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor penetration.
Prepare to boil the brisket
2Remove the marinated brisket from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature, which promotes even cooking.
Boil the brisket
3Place the brisket along with marinade into a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover the brisket completely. Add whole black peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover and let it cook slowly for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Check occasionally and skim off any foam or impurities from the surface to keep the broth clear.
Check for doneness
4Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket; it should reach at least 90°C (195°F) for optimal tenderness, as brisket is a tough cut that benefits from slow, prolonged cooking. The meat should be fork-tender and easy to slice.
Rest and slice the brisket
5Once done, carefully remove the brisket from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 15 minutes uncovered to allow juices to redistribute before slicing against the grain into thin slices.
Serve and enjoy
6Serve the sliced brisket warm with your choice of sides. Optionally, season lightly with salt if needed. Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and knives for raw meat and other ingredients.
2Ensure the meat reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 90°C (195°F) for brisket to be tender and safe to eat.
3If you prefer a richer flavor, you can boil the brisket in beef broth instead of water.
4Leftover brisket can be reheated gently in its cooking liquid or used in sandwiches and stews.
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap or airtight cover
- Large heavy-bottom pot with lid
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Grocery Shopping List:
- [ ] Beef brisket (1.5 kg) - Approx. $10. Choose brisket with some marbling for tenderness.
- [ ] Soy sauce (100 ml) - Approx. $1. Opt for naturally brewed for better taste.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - Approx. $0.50. Fresh and firm.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - Approx. $0.50. Choose firm and dry.
- [ ] Brown sugar (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.25. Light or dark both work.
- [ ] Black peppercorns (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.30. Whole peppercorns provide better flavor.
- [ ] Bay leaves (2 pieces) - Approx. $0.20. Dried and aromatic.
- [ ] Salt - Around $0.10 if not on hand.
- [ ] Water - from your tap or bottled.
Total estimated cost: $13-15
FAQ
Can I marinate the brisket overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors and make the brisket more flavorful.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
You can check doneness by piercing the meat with a fork or skewer; it should slide in easily and the meat should feel tender.
How do I store leftover brisket?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. They can be kept for up to 3 days.
Can I cook the brisket in a slow cooker?
Yes, marinate as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours until tender.