Caramelized Pulled Beef Brisket Recipe
This Caramelized Pulled Beef Brisket recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef brisket infused with a flavorful blend of spices, slow cooking liquids, and a sweet-savory caramelized finish. The brisket is cooked either in a slow cooker or oven until fork-tender, then shredded and caramelized in a buttery, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce glaze for a deliciously crispy edge. Perfect for sandwiches or hearty mains, this dish blends smoky, savory, and sweet flavors for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Brisket and Seasoning
- 3–4 lb beef brisket
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
Slow Cooking Liquid
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Caramelizing Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp beef drippings (from slow cooker or roasting pan)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Brisket: Pat the beef brisket dry and season it evenly on all sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder for a balanced flavor base.
- Sear the Brisket (Optional, But Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until a brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Slow Cook the Brisket: Choose between two cooking methods: for the slow cooker, place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom, set the brisket on top, then pour in beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until fork-tender. Alternatively, for oven method, preheat oven to 300°F (150°C), place onions and garlic in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven, set the brisket on top, add cooking liquids, cover tightly, and bake for 3-4 hours, basting hourly until tender.
- Shred the Brisket: Remove the brisket from the cooking liquid and let it rest briefly. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat if desired.
- Caramelize the Pulled Brisket: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons of reserved beef drippings from the cooker or roasting pan. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a glaze. Toss the shredded brisket into the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Allow the meat to cook and caramelize for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it turns deep golden and develops slightly crispy edges.
Notes
- Searing the brisket before slow cooking is optional but adds depth of flavor and a better crust.
- Beef drippings reserved for caramelizing can be skimmed from the cooking liquid or pan juices for an authentic flavor boost.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity based on your heat preference.
- Leftover caramelized brisket keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes well for future meals.
- Serve the caramelized pulled brisket on buns for sandwiches or alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner.
Keywords: pulled beef brisket, caramelized brisket, slow cooker brisket, oven-braised beef, barbecue beef brisket, tender beef brisket, caramelized meat, comfort food
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/caramelized-pulled-beef-brisket-recipe/
