Grandma Selma's Sweet & Spicy Brisket
Inspired by Russ Pillar's cherished family recipe, Grandma Selma's Sweet & Spicy Brisket combines the traditional flavors of brisket with a unique twist. This modern adaptation features a blend of spices, sweet ingredients like light brown sugar, and unlikely additions such as Coca-Cola and unsweetened cocoa powder. This mouthwatering dish is slow-braised to tender perfection, making it an excellent centerpiece for holiday gatherings and family dinners. Serve it with classic sides like potato kugel or crispy latkes for a truly unforgettable meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Light Brown Sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
Kosher Salt
2 tablespoons
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon
Sweet Paprika
1 teaspoon
Coarse Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Coriander
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Ground White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Beef Brisket (trimmed)
5 lbs ((first cut recommended))
Vegetable Oil
3 tablespoons
Large Onions
4 (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
Carrots
2 lbs (cut diagonally 1/8 inch thick)
Coca-Cola
2 cups
Crushed Tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
Ketchup
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes), sweet paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, cocoa powder, ground coriander, and white pepper. Blend well to create a spice rub.
2
Apply the spice rub generously over the beef brisket, ensuring it is well-coated. Place the brisket in a baking dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight to marinate.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket, fat side down. Sear the brisket until it is nicely browned, about 6 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer it to a plate.
5
Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions to the casserole. Stir well, cover, and cook until the onions soften, approximately 15 minutes.
6
Add the diagonally cut carrots to the softened onions. Cover and stir occasionally until the carrots start to soften, about 5 minutes. Once softened, transfer the mixture to a separate bowl.
7
Pour the Coca-Cola, crushed tomatoes, and ketchup into the same casserole, stirring to combine everything. Allow the mixture to heat gently over moderate heat.
8
Return the brisket and any accumulated juices to the casserole. Distribute the onion and carrot mixture around the brisket. If needed, add enough water to the pot to half-submerge the brisket in liquid.
9
Cover the pot tightly and braise in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours.
10
After 2.5 hours, remove the brisket and place it on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 30 minutes.
11
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
12
Slice the brisket against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Return the sliced brisket to the casserole, spooning the sauce over the meat.
13
Place the casserole back into the oven and cook uncovered for an additional 1 hour, or until the meat is fork-tender. Remember to check every 20 minutes, adding water if needed to keep the meat half-submerged.
14
Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Serve the brisket on a platter, draping the onions, carrots, and rich sauce over it. Complement the dish with potato kugel topped with fried shallots or crispy potato latkes and a side of caramelized broccoli with garlic.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What unique ingredients are in Grandma Selma's Sweet & Spicy Brisket?
This recipe features a unique blend of spices along with Coca-Cola and unsweetened cocoa powder to create a modern twist on traditional brisket.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 5 pounds of trimmed beef brisket, specifically the first cut.
How long should the brisket be marinated?
The brisket should be coated in the spice rub and refrigerated tightly covered with aluminum foil to marinate overnight.
What are the components of the spice rub?
The rub includes light brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, cocoa powder, ground coriander, and white pepper.
What is the initial oven temperature for cooking the brisket?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the first stage of braising.
How do you sear the brisket?
Heat vegetable oil in a large enameled cast-iron casserole over medium-high heat and sear the brisket fat side down for about 6 minutes per side.
How long should the onions be cooked?
The sliced onions should be cooked covered over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes until they soften.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The 2 pounds of carrots should be cut diagonally into 1/8-inch thick slices.
What liquids are used to make the braising sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of Coca-Cola, crushed tomatoes, and ketchup.
How much liquid should be in the pot during braising?
The brisket should be half-submerged in liquid; you can add water if needed to reach this level.
How long is the first braising session in the oven?
The covered brisket should braise in the oven for 2.5 hours.
Does the meat need to rest after the first cook?
Yes, let the brisket rest on a cutting board loosely covered with foil for 30 minutes after the initial braise.
What temperature is used for the second stage of cooking?
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the final stage.
How should the brisket be sliced before the final cook?
Slice the meat against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
Is the brisket covered during the final hour of cooking?
No, return the sliced meat to the casserole and cook it uncovered for an additional 1 hour.
How often should I check the meat during the final cooking stage?
Check the meat every 20 minutes, adding water if necessary to keep it half-submerged.
How long should the dish stand before serving?
Allow the casserole to stand for 15 minutes after taking it out of the oven.
What are the suggested side dishes for this brisket?
It is excellent served with potato kugel topped with fried shallots or crispy potato latkes.
What vegetable side is recommended?
A side of caramelized broccoli with garlic is suggested to complement the dish.
Can I substitute the cayenne pepper?
Yes, you can use crushed red pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper in the spice rub.
How many onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large onions, sliced 1/2 inch thick.
Is the cocoa powder used in the recipe sweetened?
No, the recipe specifically requires unsweetened cocoa powder.
How much Coca-Cola is required?
You will need 2 cups of Coca-Cola for the sauce mixture.
What type of canned tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes.
How much light brown sugar is in the spice rub?
The rub uses 1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar.
What is the purpose of searing the meat first?
Searing the brisket until browned helps develop flavor and texture before the slow-braising process.
How do I know when the brisket is finished cooking?
The meat should be fork-tender after the final hour of cooking at 425°F.
What makes this recipe appropriate for holidays?
Its slow-braised tender texture and traditional flavor profile make it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings and holiday dinners.
Who inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Russ Pillar's cherished family recipe.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large enameled cast-iron casserole is recommended for even heat distribution during the long braise.