If you’re a fan of tender and juicy BBQ beef brisket, then this easy recipe for brisket in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker is a must-try! Whether you enjoy it as a roast for dinner or use it in an array of leftover brisket recipes, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
These days, whenever I hear the word brisket, I can’t help but think of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. If you haven’t watched that show yet, do yourself a favor and get to it! It’s one of the funniest series out there, guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face after every episode.
Now, let’s dive into this Instant Pot beef brisket recipe. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quicker and easier than traditional methods. The Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker) works its magic on this tough piece of beef, resulting in tender, juicy, fall-apart brisket in a fraction of the time.
Key Takeaways
What is Beef Brisket?
Brisket is a large cut of beef from the breast/pectoral area of the cow. It’s usually separated into two cuts: the flat cut and the point cut. The flat cut, used in this recipe, has less fat and more meat compared to the point cut. Due to its location and heavy use by the cow, brisket is a tougher cut of meat with more connective tissue. However, it is also an economical choice.
How to Make Brisket in an Instant Pot
Using an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot makes cooking brisket a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Dry Rub
Start by combining the dry rub spices, including cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and ground mustard. Rub this mixture all over both sides of the brisket. The flavors in this rub give the brisket a subtle BBQ undertone.
Step 2: Sauté Onions & Garlic
Using the sauté function on the Instant Pot, cook the onions and garlic with some avocado oil (or other high heat oil) until they’re softened. This creates a flavorful bed for the brisket to sit upon while it pressure cooks.
Step 3: Add Brisket, Broth & BBQ Sauce
Cut the brisket if necessary to arrange it in a single layer on top of the cooked onions and garlic. Pour beef broth on the side, followed by BBQ sauce on top of the brisket.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Close the lid, turn the valve to the “sealing” position, and cook on the “Meat/Stew” mode on high pressure for 90 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid and transfer the pressure cooker beef brisket to a cutting board.
Step 5: Reduce Sauce (Optional)
For a thicker sauce, turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook the sauce, stirring frequently, for 5-10 minutes until reduced. You can also mix cornstarch with cold water to thicken the sauce even more.
Serving Instant Pot Beef Brisket
There are two ways to serve this mouth-watering brisket:
- Slice the brisket and place it on a serving platter. Spoon the reduced/thickened sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Shred the brisket using two forks. Return the shredded brisket to the Instant Pot with the sauce. Toss to coat all the meat and serve as desired.
For the sliced brisket approach, opt for easy sides like Candied Carrots, Roasted Pesto Potatoes, Roasted Peri Peri Potatoes, Roasted Radishes, or Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes. If you choose to shred the brisket, it pairs well with Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash, Roasted Parsnip Puree, Roasted Garlic Greek Yogurt Smashed Potatoes, or Goat Cheese and Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
FAQs
Q: What if my brisket is bigger or smaller?
A: Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your brisket. For a smaller brisket (2-3 pounds), cook for 75-80 minutes. For a larger brisket (5-6 pounds), cook for 100-110 minutes. Longer cooking times make the brisket easier to shred, while shorter cooking times result in a more sliceable brisket.
Q: What can I do with leftover brisket?
A: Leftover shredded brisket is perfect for creating delicious spinoff recipes, such as brisket quesadillas, brisket hash, brisket baked potatoes, brisket chili, or brisket nachos.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Brisket recipe offers a middle ground between traditional smoked BBQ Texas brisket and braised meat. It’s quicker, easier, and just as delicious. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy tender and flavorful brisket in a fraction of the time it takes to smoke or braise it.
If you’re a fan of savory recipes, this dish is sure to become a favorite. And for those who prefer slow cooking, be sure to check out Krista’s beer-braised slow cooker brisket recipe.
Ready to experience the mouthwatering flavors of this Instant Pot Brisket? Try this recipe today and bring the taste of tender, juicy BBQ beef brisket to your table.
