Emilie Meyer
Brisket is a notoriously tough cut of meat that requires a long cooking time to tenderise. However, cooking it in a smart pot can significantly reduce the cooking time and still deliver tender, juicy, and delicious results. The smart pot, also known as an Instant Pot, is a multi-cooker that utilises pressure cooking to prepare brisket in about half the time it would take in a traditional oven or slow cooker. This guide will explore the process of cooking brisket in a smart pot, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | A fraction of the time it would take in the oven or slow cooker |
| Taste | Tender, juicy, buttery, sweet, tangy, savoury, smoky |
| Preparation | Cut brisket in half, add beef broth, add rub, seal lid, cook, release pressure, slice |
| Ingredients | Beef brisket, beef broth, red wine vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, dried herbs and spices, onion, garlic, maple syrup, honey, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, chicken stock, oil, salt, pepper |
| Nutritional Information | Calories: 415kcal (21%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 47g (94%) Fat: 20g (31%) Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) Cholesterol: 140mg (47%) Sodium: 899mg (39%) Potassium: 834mg (24%) Sugar: 4g (4%) Vitamin A: 715IU (14%) Vitamin C: 0.6mg (1%) Calcium: 31mg (3%) Iron: 5.1mg (28%) |
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What You'll Learn
How long does it take to cook brisket in a smart pot?
Yes, you can cook brisket in a smart pot!
Brisket is a notoriously tough cut of meat and is usually slow-cooked in an oven or slow cooker, which can take hours. However, cooking brisket in an Instant Pot or other smart pot is a great shortcut and alternative, as it takes a fraction of the time.
The time it takes to cook brisket in a smart pot depends on the size of the cut of meat and your desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend cooking brisket in a smart pot for around 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes under high pressure. This is followed by a natural release of pressure, which can take around 10 to 25 minutes.
- First, trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving a layer of fat of around 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the brisket in half so that it fits in the smart pot.
- Mix together a dry rub of spices such as salt, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
- Rub the spice mixture onto the brisket and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Add oil and garlic to the smart pot and saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the brisket in the smart pot and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, until browned.
- Pour in the liquid ingredients, such as beef broth, vinegar, and ketchup, around the meat.
- Lock the lid on and set the smart pot to cook under high pressure for 70-90 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-25 minutes.
- Carefully open the smart pot and transfer the brisket to a cutting board.
- Slice the brisket against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Serve the brisket with the gravy and your choice of sides, such as potatoes, carrots, or onions.
By following these steps, you can cook tender and juicy brisket in a smart pot in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven or slow cooker.
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What are the steps to prepare the brisket?
Brisket is a tough cut of meat, but when cooked properly, it can be tender and delicious. Here are the steps to prepare a juicy and flavourful brisket in a smart pot:
Prepare the Brisket
First, select a 3-5 pound brisket, preferably flat-cut. If your brisket has more than a 1/4-inch layer of fat, trim off the excess. You can leave the fat cap attached to protect the meat from drying during the cooking process, but ensure it faces up when placed in the pot.
Make the Dry Rub
In a bowl, mix your dry rub ingredients. A typical recipe includes garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Rub the mixture generously over the brisket, ensuring it is well coated. If you have time, wrap the brisket in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-24 hours to allow the flavours to develop.
Sear the Brisket
With your smart pot on its highest sauté function, sear the brisket until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side. Then, remove the brisket and set it aside.
Prepare the Cooking Liquid
In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they release their liquid and the onions begin to brown. Scrape up any browned bits left over from searing the brisket to add extra flavour. Add your cooking liquid of choice. You can use beef broth, apple juice, water, or a combination. For a tangy flavour, add red wine vinegar and ketchup. You can also add maple syrup, honey, and apple cider vinegar for extra sweetness.
Cook the Brisket
Return the brisket to the pot, ensuring the fat side is facing up. If your brisket is too large, cut it into two pieces so it fits comfortably in the pot. Lock the lid on and set the pot to cook under high pressure for 50-90 minutes, depending on the size of your brisket. It will take about 10 minutes for the pressure to build up, and then the cooking will begin.
Rest and Slice the Brisket
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 20 minutes. Carefully open the pot and transfer the brisket to a cutting board. Allow the brisket to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the brisket across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Make the Gravy
Use an immersion blender to blend the onions and garlic in the cooking liquid, creating a thick, rich gravy.
Your brisket is now ready to serve! Enjoy the tender, juicy, and flavourful brisket with your favourite sides.
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What ingredients are needed for the brisket rub?
A good brisket rub is essential to elevate the flavour of your meat. A simple brisket rub can be made with just salt and pepper, which is often called a Dalmatian rub by Texas pitmasters. However, if you want to get a little more adventurous, you can add onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander to the salt and pepper base. This will beautifully complement the richness of the beef without being too overpowering.
If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your rub, you can include brown sugar. You can also experiment with adding jalapeño powder, ancho chilli powder, or mustard powder to give your brisket a unique kick.
For a well-rounded, balanced rub, it is important to have a good base of salt and pepper, with earthy and aromatic elements like onion and garlic powder. The smoked paprika adds a kiss of colour and flavour, while coriander brings a bit of acidity and a citrusy taste.
You can make your rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to four weeks. This will allow the flavours to meld together and save you time when you're ready to cook your brisket.
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What ingredients are needed for the gravy?
Yes, you can cook brisket in a smart pot or instant pot. It takes a fraction of the time it would take in an oven or slow cooker. The secret to this is an overnight marinade that gives the brisket a smoky flavour.
Ingredients for the gravy
The ingredients needed for the gravy are:
- Brisket drippings
- All-purpose flour
- Reduced-sodium vegetable stock or bouillon
- Spices (optional)
The gravy will take on the flavour of the marinade, rub, or brine used on the brisket. For example, a spicy brown sugar rub will give the gravy a smoky, BBQ taste.
To make the gravy, heat the brisket drippings in a saucepan over low heat until melted. Slowly whisk in the flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the gravy reaches the desired thickness. If you need to add liquid to the gravy, add vegetable stock, one-quarter cup at a time.
For a smooth sauce, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. Return the onions and garlic to the instant pot, then pour the gravy back into the pot and blend until smooth.
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What ingredients are needed for the BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can cook brisket in a smart pot!
Now, for the ingredients needed for the BBQ sauce:
A good BBQ sauce is essential for a tasty brisket. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own homemade version. If you want to make your own, here are some common ingredients you will need:
- Olive oil or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil
- Ketchup, for sweetness and acidity
- Honey, for sweetness
- Maple syrup, for a unique flavour
- Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for tanginess
- Chicken or beef broth
- Spices such as cumin, chilli powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, oregano, and paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Liquid smoke, for a smokey flavour
You can also add minced garlic and onion to your sauce for extra flavour. If you're making a dry rub for your brisket, you can mix these spices together and rub them onto the meat before cooking.
Feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients to suit your taste preferences and create a BBQ sauce that's perfect for your brisket!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook brisket in a smart pot.
It takes about 70-90 minutes to cook brisket in a smart pot, which is a fraction of the time it would take in an oven or slow cooker.
You can prepare the brisket by trimming the excess fat, cutting it in half, and applying a dry rub. You can also marinate the brisket overnight for a smokier flavour.
You can use a combination of brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
You can use beef broth, apple juice, water, or a combination of these liquids.
