Ultimate BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches
This Ultimate BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich recipe is a cherished family favorite I discovered in a local cookbook called 'Cornsilk' many years ago. It’s perfect for gatherings or casual get-togethers, allowing you to prepare a mouthwatering dish that can be easily reheated. The brisket, which can also be substituted with a boneless beef roast or a bottom round roast, becomes tender and flavorful through a slow-cooking method rich in savory barbecue flavors. The addition of sweet and tangy ingredients creates a luscious sauce that complements the beef beautifully. Serve this dish on warm hamburger buns for an unforgettable meal that freezes well, making it a convenient option for busy days.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef brisket
4-5 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
tomato sauce
3 (8 ounce) cans (no preparation needed)
water
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (no preparation needed)
honey
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
lemon
1 small (thinly sliced)
liquid smoke
1 dash (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the brisket generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2
Place the seasoned brisket in a covered roasting pan and cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart. Once done, let it cool slightly, then refrigerate to firm up for easier slicing.
3
While the brisket is cooling, combine the tomato sauce, water, chopped onion, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix well to create your barbecue sauce.
4
Once chilled, carefully trim off excess fat from the brisket, and slice the meat thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
5
In a 9 by 12-inch casserole dish, arrange the layers of sliced brisket, topping each layer generously with the prepared barbecue sauce. You should be able to create about two layers with a 5-pound brisket.
6
Finish by placing the thinly sliced lemon over the top layer of meat and cover the dish with foil.
7
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until heated through.
8
Before serving, remove the lemon slices to ensure a pure, rich flavor. Serve the barbecue beef brisket on soft hamburger buns for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cut of meat used in this recipe?
The primary cut used is a 4-5 lb beef brisket, though you can substitute it with a boneless beef roast or a bottom round roast.
Can I use a different type of beef for these sandwiches?
Yes, you can substitute the brisket with a boneless beef roast or a bottom round roast if preferred.
What is the initial roasting temperature for the brisket?
The brisket should be roasted initially at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How long should the brisket cook in the oven the first time?
It should cook in a covered roasting pan for about 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
Why is it recommended to refrigerate the meat before slicing?
Refrigerating the meat helps it firm up, which makes it much easier to slice thinly and precisely.
How should the beef be sliced for maximum tenderness?
The meat should be sliced thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
What are the components of the homemade BBQ sauce?
The sauce is made from tomato sauce, water, chopped onion, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, chili powder, and salt.
How much tomato sauce is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for three 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
Can these BBQ beef sandwiches be made in advance?
Yes, this dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time as it reheats beautifully and the flavors meld together during the process.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this brisket recipe freezes well, making it a convenient option for busy days or long-term meal planning.
What is the temperature for the second baking phase?
The second baking phase, after the meat is sliced and sauced, occurs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the sliced brisket need to bake in the final step?
The sliced and layered brisket should bake for approximately 1 hour or until it is thoroughly heated through.
What is the purpose of the lemon slices in this recipe?
Thinly sliced lemons are placed over the top layer of meat during the final bake to infuse the dish with a subtle, bright flavor.
Should the lemon slices be eaten with the sandwich?
No, the lemon slices should be removed before serving to ensure a pure, rich barbecue flavor in every bite.
What initial seasoning is used on the brisket before roasting?
The brisket is seasoned generously with salt and pepper on all sides before it is placed in the roasting pan.
What type of bread is recommended for serving these sandwiches?
The recipe specifically recommends serving the barbecue beef brisket on soft hamburger buns.
Is liquid smoke used in this recipe?
Yes, a dash of liquid smoke is included in the ingredient list to add a smoky depth to the meat.
What size casserole dish should I use for layering the meat?
A 9 by 12-inch casserole dish is the suggested size for arranging the layers of sliced beef and sauce.
How many layers of meat should I expect to make in the casserole dish?
For a 5-pound brisket, you should be able to create approximately two full layers of meat and sauce.
What sweeteners are used to balance the BBQ sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey as sweetening agents.
What ingredient provides the acidity in the sauce?
Red wine vinegar provides the primary acidic component, contributing to the tangy profile of the sauce.
How much onion is needed for the sauce mixture?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion to be mixed into the barbecue sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used in this brisket recipe?
You should use between 1 and 2 minced garlic cloves for the sauce.
Where did this specific brisket recipe originate?
The recipe was discovered in a local cookbook titled 'Cornsilk' many years ago.
Do I need to cover the brisket during the first roasting phase?
Yes, the seasoned brisket should be placed in a covered roasting pan for the initial 3 to 4 hour cook.
What is the recommended weight range for the beef brisket?
The recipe calls for a beef brisket weighing between 4 and 5 pounds.
When should I trim the excess fat off the brisket?
The excess fat should be carefully trimmed off after the brisket has been cooked and chilled, just before slicing.
Is this recipe good for feeding large groups?
Yes, it is described as an ideal meal for gatherings or casual get-togethers due to its ease of preparation and reheating.
Is there any spice or heat added to the barbecue sauce?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of chili powder is added to the sauce mixture to provide a mild spice and flavor depth.
Does the recipe require adding water to the sauce base?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is mixed with the tomato sauce and other ingredients to reach the desired consistency.