BBQ Brisket Sandwich: A Smoky Delight

The BBQ brisket sandwich is a perfect fusion of smoky, tender beef, savory sauce, and soft bread, making it a mouthwatering dish for any barbecue enthusiast. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a hearty, flavorful meal, this sandwich never disappoints. Here's how you can make the ultimate BBQ brisket sandwich at home, complete with slow-cooked brisket, tangy BBQ sauce, and all the right fixings.

Ingredients:

For the Brisket:

4-5 lb beef brisket (trimmed of excess fat)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 cup beef broth or water

1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Sandwich:

6-8 soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls work well)

Extra BBQ sauce for serving

Pickles (optional)

Sliced onions (optional)

Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

Rub the Brisket: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it's well-coated on all sides.

Sear the Brisket: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-duty pot over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for about 2-3 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms. This locks in the flavors and gives the brisket a deep, rich color.

Slow Cook: Transfer the brisket to a slow cooker or a large roasting pan. Add the beef broth or water to the bottom of the cooker or pan. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours (in a slow cooker) or in an oven set to 275°F (135°C) for 6-8 hours. The brisket is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

Shred the Brisket: Once the brisket is done, remove it from the cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If desired, mix the shredded brisket with a cup of BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns on a grill or in the oven until golden brown.

Layer the Sandwich: Start by adding a generous amount of shredded brisket to the bottom half of the bun. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for more flavor. If you like, add pickles, sliced onions, or a scoop of coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.

Serve: Top the sandwich with the other half of the bun and serve immediately while the brisket is warm and juicy. Pair it with sides like baked beans, cornbread, or potato salad to complete the meal.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Brisket Sandwich:

Make Ahead: The brisket can be cooked a day in advance and reheated in the slow cooker or oven with a little extra broth to keep it moist.

Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy, to match your taste preferences.

Coleslaw Twist: For a classic Southern-style sandwich, top it with coleslaw. The tangy crunch of the slaw complements the rich brisket beautifully.

Conclusion

The BBQ brisket sandwich is a perfect combination of slow-cooked tenderness and robust flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event. With this recipe, you'll master the art of brisket and elevate your sandwich game to a whole new level.