Instant Pot Brisket: A Delicious Meal in Under 2 Hours
Why This Recipe is Great
Instant Pot brisket is a savory, tender dish that offers a perfect blend of smoky and rich flavors. Utilizing an electric pressure cooker, this recipe enhances the traditional cooking of brisket, allowing you to enjoy such a mouthwatering meal in a fraction of the time typically required. Instead of hours in the oven or a slow cooker, you can have a juicy, well-cooked brisket ready in just about two hours. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this brisket promises to impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick Cooking Time: Traditional brisket can take hours to prepare, but with the Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy it in about 90 minutes.
- Tender and Flavorful: The pressure cooking helps the brisket become super tender and allows flavors to infuse beautifully.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is, or dress it up with your favorite BBQ sauce. You can also use leftovers in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb beef brisket, flat or point, trimmed
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1.5 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup BBQ sauce for serving (optional)
Substitutions & Key Variations
- Instead of brisket, you can use chuck roast or another cut of beef, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
- For a spicy kick, add a little cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rub.
- If you prefer fresh herbs, rosemary or thyme can add delicious flavor when added to the broth during cooking.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
Begin by patting the brisket dry. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the brisket evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Brisket
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add the oil. Once hot, sear the brisket for a few minutes on each side until browned. Once seared, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the sliced onion and smashed garlic into the pot. Sauté them for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar into the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. This adds a ton of flavor!
Step 5: Cook the Brisket
Return the brisket to the pot, placing it fat side up. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the weight of your brisket.
Step 6: Release the Pressure
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing against the grain or shredding it.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like, change the Instant Pot back to Sauté and let the cooking liquid simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken it up. You may spoon this sauce over the sliced brisket, and add BBQ sauce if desired.
Success Tips
- Temperature: Make sure to use a meat thermometer; brisket is best served when it reaches a temperature of at least 190°F for optimal tenderness.
- Texture: Avoid overcooking, or the brisket may become dry. Follow the cooking times closely based on weight.
- Common Mistakes: Skipping the natural pressure release can result in a less tender brisket, so be patient!
How to Serve
Serve your Instant Pot brisket sliced or shredded, topped with the thickened sauce. It goes great with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For a unique twist, use the brisket in sandwiches or tacos with fresh toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. For more juicy leftovers, add a splash of beef broth when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook frozen brisket in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen brisket, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes per pound.
2. What is the best way to slice brisket?
Always slice brisket against the grain for the most tender pieces.
3. Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! Chuck roast works well too; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. How do I know when the brisket is done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend. Brisket should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F to be tender.
5. Can I put the leftovers in a freezer?
Absolutely! Cooked brisket freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
Brisket is a rich source of protein while also containing fats. Pair it with leaner sides for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Now that you have mastered the Instant Pot brisket, it’s time to enjoy this delicious meal! Perfect for special occasions or simply a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to delight any palate. Give it a try and taste the difference pressure cooking brings!
Links to Related Recipes
Instant Pot Brisket
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb beef brisket, flat or point, trimmed
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oil for searing
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1.5 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ to ½ cup BBQ sauce for serving (optional) optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by patting the brisket dry.
- In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the brisket evenly.
Searing
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add the oil.
- Once hot, sear the brisket for a few minutes on each side until browned.
- Once seared, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a plate.
Cooking
- Add the sliced onion and smashed garlic into the pot. Sauté them for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar into the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
- Return the brisket to the pot, placing it fat side up. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on High Pressure for 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the weight of your brisket.
After Cooking
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing against the grain or shredding it.
- If you like, change the Instant Pot back to Sauté and let the cooking liquid simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken it up.
- You may spoon this sauce over the sliced brisket, and add BBQ sauce if desired.