Barbecue brisket sandwiches are a classic American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This mouth-watering dish features slow-cooked brisket, flavored with a rich and smoky barbecue sauce, served on a soft buttery bun.
The brisket is the star of the show in this dish, and it is important to choose a high-quality cut of meat to ensure the best flavor and tenderness. A brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the chest of the cow, and it is known for its tough texture. However, when it is cooked low and slow over a barbecue pit or in a smoker, it becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
How To Make:
To prepare the brisket for cooking, it is first rubbed with a flavorful dry rub made from a blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. The brisket is then placed on the smoker or barbecue pit and cooked for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of around 200°F. During the cooking process, the brisket is basted with a tangy and savory barbecue sauce to infuse it with flavor.
Once the brisket is cooked to perfection, it is sliced into thin pieces and piled high on a soft buttery bun. The barbecue sauce is then drizzled over the top, adding a deliciously sweet and smoky flavor to the sandwich. Some people also add coleslaw or pickles to their barbecue brisket sandwiches for added texture and flavor.
Barbecue brisket sandwiches are a favorite at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and local restaurants across the United States. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a novice cook, this classic dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich and delicious flavor.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Choose a good cut of brisket - Look for a brisket with good marbling and a thick flat. The marbling will help keep the meat moist and flavorful, while the thickness of the flat will ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.
Cook the brisket low and slow - Brisket is a tough cut of meat that requires a long, slow cook time to become tender and flavorful. Aim for a cooking temperature of around 225°F and plan for about 1 hour of cook time per pound of meat.
Use a flavorful rub - A good rub can enhance the flavor of the brisket and create a delicious bark on the outside. Try a combination of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Let the brisket rest before slicing - Once the brisket is finished cooking, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. By doing this, you'll be able to redistribute the liquids and keep the meat from drying out.
Variations:
Add slaw - For a tangy and refreshing addition to your sandwich, try adding a simple coleslaw. Shred some cabbage and carrots and toss with a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
Use different bread - Swap out the traditional hamburger bun for a different type of bread to switch things up. Try a crusty baguette, a soft brioche bun, or even a tortilla.
Experiment with sauces - BBQ sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try other sauces to change up the flavor. Try a spicy chipotle mayo, a tangy mustard sauce, or a sweet and savory hoisin sauce.
Add toppings - Customize your sandwich with toppings like sliced onions, pickles, avocado, or even fried onion rings for some extra crunch.
Make it a melt - Turn your BBQ brisket sandwich into a melty masterpiece by adding some cheese. Try cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bold flavor. Place the sandwich under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and create a deliciously gooey sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb beef brisket
- 1/4 cup BBQ rub (see Tips section for a suggested recipe)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, sliced onions, pickles, cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
Rub the brisket all over with the BBQ rub.
Place the brisket on the smoker or grill and cook for about 1 hour per pound of meat, or until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 195-205°F.
Remove the brisket from the smoker or grill and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Slice the brisket thinly against the grain.
Toss the sliced brisket with the BBQ sauce.
Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the oven.
Place the sliced brisket on the bottom half of each bun and top with any desired toppings.
After serving, top the bread with the top half.