Brisket

• czas aktywny: 30-45 minutes day 1; 20-
• całkowity czas: 5-8 hours day 1; 1.5-3 h

Składniki

Brisket

1 whole brisket (3–6 lb), trimmed but with a thin fat cap (first cut only, less fat)

Seasoning — choose ONE

Option A:

1 packet Lipton onion soup mix (sifted or blended until fine)

Option B:

Kosher salt

Black pepper

Garlic powder

Mushroom powder

Liquid

Mushroom broth or beef broth (enough to come halfway up the brisket — do not exceed halfway)

Optional Flavor Boosters

Splash of red wine

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

1–2 Tbsp soy sauce (skip if using Lipton soup mix)

Vegetables

5 onions (white and/or yellow - I use 3 yellow, 2 white but use what ya got), thinly sliced

2–3 carrots, cut into large chunks

3–4 potatoes, cut into large pieces (Day 2)

Other

Olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 heaping spoon tomato paste

Wskazówki

Night before prep for the pros - can trim and season night before to make things easier and penetrate the flavor better but if you use onion soup mix, pat dry before starting cooking day because salt will draw out moisture

DAY 1 — LONG, SLOW BRAISE (5–8 HOURS)

1. Prep the Brisket

Bring brisket to room temp (30–45 minutes).

Trim excess fat, leaving a thin layer.

Season generously using your chosen method.

2. Sear & Build the Onion Base

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven.

Sear brisket on all sides (start fat-side down). Remove and set aside.

Add sliced onions to the same pan and cook low and slow until deeply caramelized.

Add a splash of broth to loosen brown bits.

Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Add tomato paste and brown it for 1–2 minutes until it turns brick red.

Add another splash of broth to fully deglaze.

3. Combine & Braise (5–8 hours)

Return brisket to the pot and mound onions on top.

Add broth until it reaches no higher than halfway up the brisket.

Add wine/Worcestershire/soy if using (no soy for onion soup method).

Add the carrots.

Cover tightly.

Cook at 275°F ish for 5–8 hours.

Check around hour 5:

Fork should go in easily

But NOT slide out on its own → not fully tender yet

If it needs more time, keep cooking.

4. Chill Overnight

Let brisket cool in its liquid, then refrigerate.

Skim fat the next day if ya fancy

DAY 2 — SLICE & FINISH (1.5–4 HOURS)

5. Slice

Remove brisket.

Slice against the grain into thin slices.

6. Reassemble

Place slices back into the pot, tucking onions between layers.

Add potatoes now.

Make sure slices stay mostly submerged in the liquid.

Cook at 275°F for 1.5–2.5 hours, covered.

Brisket is ready when:

Slices are tender and silky

Sauce is rich

Onions have melted into everything

7. Final Brightening Step

Right before serving, add:

a squeeze of lemon

Stir gently. This wakes up the flavor after the long cook.

Notatki

To Reheat a Single Portion (Microwave — safest method for juicy brisket)

Place slices in a bowl

Cover fully with gravy

Cover with a microwave-safe plate

Heat on 50% power for 2–4 minutes, checking halfway

Tip: Low power keeps it from tightening or drying out.

To Freeze Leftovers

Slice brisket

Submerge slices fully in gravy

Freeze in airtight portions

Thaw overnight in the fridge

Reheat using oven or low stovetop method