Sweet & Savory Caramelized Pulled Beef Brisket Recipe
This Sweet & Savory Caramelized Pulled Beef Brisket recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef combined with caramelized onions and a rich blend of spices and sauces. The brisket is infused with a balance of sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and tangy apple cider vinegar, making it a perfect main course for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Spice Rub
- 4-5 pounds beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Caramelized Onions and Sauce
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Prep the Brisket: Trim excess fat from the brisket and rub it thoroughly with the smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt to evenly coat the meat with the spice blend.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the caramelized onions and garlic into the bottom of a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Lay the seasoned brisket on top of the onions. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the brisket and onions.
- Cook the Brisket: For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low heat for 10 hours until the brisket is tender and easily shredded. For Dutch oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), cover the Dutch oven, and bake the brisket for 4 hours until tender.
- Shred the Brisket: Remove the cooked brisket from the heat and let it rest for 20 minutes. Then shred the meat using two forks and mix it thoroughly with the cooking liquid and caramelized onions to absorb all the flavors.
Notes
- Trimming excess fat helps prevent the dish from becoming too greasy but leaving a thin layer can enhance flavor.
- Use a heavy skillet to caramelize onions evenly and prevent burning.
- If using a slow cooker, layering ingredients properly ensures optimal flavor distribution.
- Allow resting time after cooking to help the meat retain its juices.
- For added depth, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked chipotle powder to the sauce.
