Smoky Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Coffee Glaze
Experience the ultimate in flavor with this Smoky Texas-Style Beef Brisket. This slow-cooked dish is crafted to perfection over a full day, giving the tough cut of brisket time to transform into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Infused with a robust mixture of strong black coffee and a tangy-sweet sauce featuring ketchup, cola, and a hint of liquid smoke, this recipe offers depth and a rich, smoky flavor that'll have your guests raving. Perfect for gatherings, this brisket serves 20, ensuring your next barbecue or family meal is truly unforgettable. With its bold flavors and tender texture, it’s a hearty dish that showcases the best of Southern cooking tradition.
N/A
Servings
216
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef brisket
8 lbs (untrimmed)
Strong black coffee
1 cup (brewed)
Ketchup
14 ounces (none)
Cola
12 fluid ounces (none)
Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Prepared yellow mustard
3 tablespoons (none)
Liquid smoke
2 tablespoons (none)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the untrimmed beef brisket into a large slow cooker, positioning it with the fat side facing up. This allows the fat to baste the meat as it cooks.
2
Pour the strong black coffee evenly over the brisket, ensuring it absorbs the rich flavors.
3
Set the slow cooker to low and let the brisket cook undisturbed for 24 hours. This slow cooking will break down the tough fibers, resulting in tender meat.
4
While the brisket cooks, combine the ketchup, cola, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, liquid smoke, and packed brown sugar in a medium bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
5
Cover the sauce and refrigerate until you're ready to use it.
6
Once the 24 hours of cooking is complete, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker. Discard any noticeable fat and allow it to cool slightly.
7
Using two forks, shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it remains moist and tender.
8
Return the shredded brisket to the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over the meat. Stir to coat the brisket evenly with the sauce.
9
Cover and cook for an additional hour on low, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.6g
Fat
12g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef brisket should I buy for this recipe?
You should use an 8-pound untrimmed beef brisket to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful during the long cooking process.
Should I trim the fat off the brisket before cooking?
No, the recipe recommends leaving the brisket untrimmed and placing it fat-side up so the fat can naturally baste the meat while it cooks.
What kind of coffee is best for the coffee glaze?
Use one cup of strong, brewed black coffee to provide a robust depth of flavor to the meat.
How long does this Texas-Style brisket take to cook?
The brisket requires a slow-cooking period of 24 hours on low, followed by an additional hour once the sauce is added.
What ingredients are in the smoky glaze?
The glaze is made from ketchup, cola, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, liquid smoke, and packed brown sugar.
Can I cook the brisket on a high setting to save time?
The recipe specifies a low setting for 24 hours to properly break down the tough fibers of the brisket for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed for large gatherings and serves approximately 20 people.
Is the liquid smoke necessary?
Yes, the liquid smoke is key to achieving the signature smoky Texas-style flavor without using an outdoor smoker.
How do I shred the brisket?
After the initial 24-hour cook, remove the brisket and use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
What do I do with the fat after the brisket is cooked?
Once the 24-hour cooking cycle is complete, you should discard any noticeable excess fat before shredding the meat.
Does the coffee make the brisket taste like coffee?
The coffee acts as a tenderizer and flavor enhancer, providing a rich, earthy depth rather than a distinct coffee taste.
Can I use diet cola for the sauce?
While you can use diet cola, regular cola is preferred as the sugars help create a thicker, more caramelized glaze.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 216 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving of this brisket provides about 17 grams of protein.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the ketchup, cola, mustard, and other sauce ingredients and keep them refrigerated until the meat is ready to be shredded.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Absolutely, it is tagged as an ideal party and gathering food due to its high yield and easy slow-cooker preparation.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A large slow cooker is necessary to accommodate an 8-pound brisket and the added liquids.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, decaf coffee will work just as well as regular coffee for providing flavor without the caffeine.
What should I serve with this brisket?
It pairs perfectly with traditional barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or on soft rolls for sandwiches.
Does this recipe contain a lot of fat?
Each serving has about 12.6g of fat, much of which is rendered off during the 24-hour cooking process.
Is there a lot of sugar in the glaze?
The glaze uses 2 tablespoons of brown sugar plus the sugar from the ketchup and cola, contributing to 12g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I ensure the brisket stays moist?
Shredding the meat and returning it to the slow cooker with the sauce for one final hour ensures every piece is well-coated and moist.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
The recipe calls for yellow mustard for a tangy finish, but you could substitute with Dijon for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe focuses on smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors rather than heat.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, cooked brisket freezes very well in an airtight container for future meals.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.
Can I cook this in the oven?
This specific recipe is designed for a slow cooker to maintain moisture over 24 hours, but a very low oven (225°F) in a covered Dutch oven could be an alternative.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
No additional salt is listed, as the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard usually provide enough sodium.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving in this recipe.
Why is it called Texas-style?
It is called Texas-style because it features a large beef brisket cooked slowly until tender, a staple of Texas barbecue tradition.