Emilie Meyer
Brisket is a notoriously tough cut of meat that typically takes hours to tenderize in the oven or slow cooker. However, cooking it in an Instant Pot can significantly reduce the cooking time, yielding tender, juicy meat in a fraction of the time. When preparing brisket in an Instant Pot, the amount of water required depends on the size of the cooker and whether the meat is cooked above or in the liquid. For a 6-quart pressure cooker, a three-pound brisket should fit without needing to be cut, but larger cuts may need to be sliced in half. For an 8-quart cooker, it is recommended to double the amount of liquid used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brisket weight | 6-7 pounds |
| Amount of water | 2 cups |
| Additional water for liquid smoke | 1/2 cup |
| Pressure cooking time | 70-110 minutes |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Marinating time | 2 hours minimum, overnight preferable |
| Sear time | 5-6 minutes per side |
| Onion sauté time | 4-6 minutes |
| Pressure | High |
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What You'll Learn
Amount of water needed for an 8-quart pressure cooker
When using an 8-quart pressure cooker, the amount of water needed can vary depending on the type of food being cooked and the specific model of the cooker. According to some sources, the minimum amount of water required for pressure cooking in an 8-quart Instant Pot is 2 cups of liquid. This recommendation has changed over time, with older models requiring less liquid.
It's important to note that the amount of liquid needed depends on the specific recipe and the type of food being cooked. For example, when cooking dried beans in an Instant Pot, it is recommended to soak 1 cup of beans in 2 to 3 cups of water for rehydration. However, when cooking the beans, only 1/2 to 3/4 cup of liquid is needed. Similarly, when cooking vegetables, using 1/2 cup of liquid is often sufficient, and even 1 cup may be too much.
The "Pot in Pot" method, where a trivet is placed in the pressure cooker with water added to the main vessel, can be used to avoid adding too much water directly to the food. This method is especially useful when reheating brisket, as it helps prevent the meat from drying out.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the liquid used in pressure cooking doesn't have to be water. Broth, juices, or other liquids can be used, and some foods, like chicken, release enough liquid during cooking to create their own steam.
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Marinating the brisket overnight
Marinating your brisket overnight is a great way to add flavour and keep the meat tender. There are several ways to marinate your brisket, but a common method involves combining meat tenderizer, celery salt, seasoned salt, and garlic salt in a small bowl. You can then rub these spices into the brisket.
After this, place the brisket in a large, heavy-duty Ziploc bag. Add liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce, seal the bag, and refrigerate it overnight. You can also add red wine to this mixture. It is important to use a non-reactive container for marinating, such as glass, ceramic, plastic, stainless steel, or enamel-lined containers.
Some people prefer to season the brisket with salt the night before and then add the rest of the spices the next day before cooking. This is because salt needs time to penetrate the meat, but too much salt will make the brisket overly salty.
If you are using an 8-quart pressure cooker, you will need to increase the amount of liquid. However, if you are pressure cooking, you will only need to add one cup of water to the pot when reheating the brisket.
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Sear brisket before pressure cooking
While searing the brisket before pressure cooking is not necessary, as the meat will not lose its juices in a pressure cooker, searing can add an extra depth of flavour and colour to the meat. This is especially true if you are using an expensive cut of brisket, as searing can help to ensure that your meat is as delicious as possible.
To sear your brisket before pressure cooking, start by coating all sides of the brisket with a rub of your choice. This could be a simple rub of salt and pepper, or something more complex, such as a mixture of meat tenderizer, celery salt, seasoned salt, and garlic salt. You could also try a beef rub, or a combination of BBQ seasoning and Montreal steak seasoning.
Once your meat is coated, add oil to your pressure cooker and set it to the highest sauté function. Use tongs to lower the brisket, fatty-side down, into the pot. Cook until the fat is a rich, dark brown colour, which should take around 6 minutes. Then, turn and sear the other side until browned, which will take another 6 minutes or so.
After searing, you can transfer the brisket to a plate and continue with your pressure cooker recipe as usual. Some recipes recommend adding onions, garlic, and salt to the pot after searing the meat, and then scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits before adding the brisket back in and proceeding with the recipe.
Remember, when pressure cooking brisket, it is important to allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking before slicing, and to use a sharp knife to slice against the grain for the best results.
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High pressure cooking time
The high-pressure cooking time for brisket in an Instant Pot varies depending on the weight of the meat. A 6-7 pound brisket should be cooked on high pressure for 105 to 110 minutes. A 3-pound brisket will take about 90 minutes of high-pressure cooking time.
It's important to note that the size of your Instant Pot will also determine how much water you need to add to the pot. For an 8-quart Instant Pot, you may need to double the amount of water used in the recipe. If your brisket doesn't fit in the pot, you can cut it in half and place the pieces side by side instead of stacking them.
Before pressure cooking, it is recommended to sear the brisket on the highest sauté function for 5 to 6 minutes per side until browned. You can then add other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and seasonings to the pot.
Additionally, it is suggested to let the brisket marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight before cooking to enhance the flavor.
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Reheating brisket
The best way to reheat brisket is to do it the same way it was cooked, whether that's in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a smoker. Brisket is a tough piece of meat, so it's best to avoid the microwave, which can make it dry and rubbery.
If you're reheating a lot of brisket in an Instapot, it's recommended to start with 5 minutes of cook time and adjust from there. You can cover the pan with foil, but this will require a longer cook time.
To ensure your brisket doesn't dry out, you can use the pot-in-pot method: place a trivet in the bottom of your pressure cooking pot, add 1 cup of water, and put a pan on top of the rack with the brisket.
If you're reheating sliced brisket on the stovetop, use a heavy, thick-bottomed pan and cover the meat with a liquid such as beef broth or barbecue sauce. Reheat on low heat to retain moisture.
Before reheating brisket in the oven, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325°F. If you have any leftover cooking juices, pour them over the brisket, or use a cup of beef broth if you don't. Cover the brisket in a double layer of foil, crimping the edges, and place it in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If your brisket was originally smoked, you can reheat it on the smoker to retain its smoky flavour. Heat the smoker to 225°F. Wrap the meat and juices or a little broth in two layers of foil and place it away from direct heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method can take a few hours.
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Frequently asked questions
A minimum of 2 cups of water is required to pressure cook brisket in an Instapot. You may need to add an additional 1/2 cup of water if you are using liquid smoke or if your brisket is too large and needs to be cut in half.
A 3-pound brisket should fit in a 6-quart pressure cooker. If you are using an 8-quart pressure cooker, you will need to double the amount of liquid used. A 6-7 pound brisket can be cooked in an Instapot.
It takes 70-90 minutes to pressure cook brisket in an Instapot. If you are cooking a larger cut of brisket, it may take up to 110 minutes. Always allow your brisket to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking before slicing.
