Sweet and Tangy Braised Beef Brisket

Sweet and Tangy Braised Beef Brisket is a robust cut of beef that undergoes an intriguing change. Initially tough, it transforms into a luxurious and deeply satisfying dish through slow braising in a blend of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients. This recipe isn’t solely for special occasions or cozy dinners; it’s perfect for impressing guests with a flavorful comfort food classic infused with a hint of culinary magic.

The process starts with a simply seasoned brisket. Salt and black pepper are generously applied to both sides, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors during the slow-cooking process. The brisket is then placed into a roasting pan with a flavorful sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory. Made from brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, these ingredients work in harmony. The apple cider vinegar adds a sharp acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef, while the brown sugar and soy sauce provide a deep, caramelized sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick, giving the sauce a slight sharpness and enhancing the overall flavor.

Aromatics like onions, garlic, and a bay leaf are added to the roasting pan, where they simmer and soften in the sauce, infusing the brisket with their natural sweetness and earthy flavors. The brisket cooks low and slow at 275°F (135°C) for around 3 hours, allowing the tough connective tissue in the meat to break down gradually. As it braises, the beef absorbs the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and juicy. The long cooking time ensures the brisket remains moist while the sauce thickens and develops even deeper flavors.

After the initial braising, the brisket is transferred to a baking sheet and roasted at a higher temperature. This step is crucial as it caramelizes the exterior, adding a delightful texture contrast to the dish. The high-heat roasting creates a slightly crispy outer layer that pairs perfectly with the tender interior, enhancing the overall experience.

While the brisket finishes in the oven, the sauce from the roasting pan is transferred to a saucepan and reduced on the stovetop until it thickens into a luscious glaze. The reduction process intensifies the sauce’s flavor, turning it into a velvety, rich accompaniment to the brisket. Once the brisket has rested for about 10 minutes, it can be sliced and served with the reduced sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.

Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple side of rice, Sweet and Tangy Braised Beef Brisket is sure to impress. The rich, complex flavors of the sauce, combined with the fall-apart tenderness of the beef, make this recipe a comforting yet sophisticated option for any meal. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors and the caramelized exterior create a truly memorable dish that highlights the magic of slow cooking.

Sweet and Tangy Braised Beef Brisket

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: MainsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours 

30

minutes

Total time

4

hours 

Sweet and Tangy Braised Beef Brisket combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a flavorful sauce made from brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices. The brisket is braised until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, then caramelized for added texture and richness.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 4 cloves of garlic, smashed

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 cup tomato paste

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Preheat the Oven:
  Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This lower temperature will allow the brisket to cook slowly, ensuring it becomes tender without drying out.
• Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables:
  Whisk together the tomato paste, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cumin in a large bowl. Transfer to large roasting pan, along with the quartered onions, smashed garlic, and a bay leaf.
• Prepare the Brisket:
  Season the brisket all over with salt and ground black pepper. Place it in the pan with the sauce and aromatics.
• Cook the Brisket:
  Cover the pan tightly with foil. Cook in the preheated oven for 3 hours, or until the brisket is nearly fork-tender. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your brisket.
• Finish the Brisket:
  Once the brisket is tender, carefully remove it from the pan and sauce, and transfer it to a baking sheet. Increase the oven temperature to 450°. Roast 15-20 minutes, or until the exterior is slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Reduce the Sauce:
  While the brisket finishes cooking, pour the sauce from the roasting pan into a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, and let it reduce until it’s thickened, 8-10 minutes.
• Serve:
  Let the brisket rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing or chopping. Slice or chop the brisket and serve it with the reduced sauce spooned over the top or on the side for dipping.

Combining sweet and tangy beef brisket with kimchi coleslaw elevates it to new heights, creating an unforgettable sandwich. Luscious slices of brisket, rich with a balance of sweetness and tang, find their perfect match in the spicy and crunchy kimchi coleslaw. The combination is nestled between the halves of a soft ciabatta roll, introducing a symphony of flavors and textures. The tender and flavorful brisket perfectly complements the coleslaw’s vibrant zest, making every bite a delightful experience. This sandwich showcases the brisket freshly and innovatively and adds a punch of Korean flair, transforming a classic dish into a modern and gourmet treat.