Tillie Doyle
Brisket is a notoriously intimidating meat to cook, but a slow cooker can make the process much easier and yield delicious results. The long cooking time required to break down the meat's fibres means that brisket is ideal for slow cooking, and it can be made in advance and reheated, making it a convenient choice for potlucks and dinner parties. This article will outline a simple method for cooking trimmed brisket in a crock pot, as well as some tips and tricks for achieving tender, juicy meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 6 to 10 hours |
| Meat weight | 15 lbs |
| Meat type | Brisket |
| Meat cut | Flat and point |
| Meat preparation | Trimmed fat, seasoned, seared |
| Meat placement | Fat side up |
| Temperature | High |
| Serving suggestion | With sides such as baked beans, cornbread, coleslaw, macaroni salad, mashed potato |
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What You'll Learn
Trimming the brisket
Some people prefer to leave some fat on the brisket, as it can add flavour and moisture to the dish. If you choose to leave some fat on, trim the fat side of the brisket until there is about 1/4 to 1/8 inch of fat remaining. This will ensure that the meat stays moist and juicy during the long cooking process.
Others may prefer to trim away all of the fat, especially if they are concerned about the appearance or texture of the cooked brisket. If you choose to remove all the fat, use a sharp knife to carefully trim it away, ensuring that you don't cut into the meat itself.
Once you have trimmed the brisket to your desired level of fat, it is a good idea to sear the meat before placing it in the crock pot. This will help to create a golden-brown crust and concentrate the flavour of the meat. Season the brisket with salt and pepper, or a spice rub of your choice, and then sear it over medium-high heat, flipping it once until both sides are browned.
After searing, allow the brisket to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before placing it in the crock pot. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and helps to prevent overcooking.
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Preparing a spice rub
Firstly, trim the fat cap on the brisket. Different recipes call for different amounts of fat to be left on the meat. Some recommend leaving about 1/4 inch of fat, while others suggest as little as 1/8 inch. This layer of fat will protect the meat from drying out during the long cooking process, so consider your preference for a leaner or more luxurious dish.
Next, mix your chosen spices in a small bowl. You can use a pre-made spice rub or create your own blend. A simple homemade rub might include salt, pepper, paprika, and chipotle, but feel free to experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme. You can also add a tablespoon of salt to a pre-made rub if you prefer a saltier flavour.
Once you have prepared your spice rub, evenly sprinkle it over all sides of the brisket. Gently pat and rub the spices into the meat to ensure a good coating. It is important to let the brisket rest at room temperature for around 30 minutes after applying the rub. This step helps the meat cook more evenly, ensuring a consistent texture and doneness throughout.
Finally, place your seasoned brisket into the crockpot with the fat side facing upward. This positioning will allow the juices and fat to seep down into the meat during the slow cooking process, keeping it moist and flavourful.
The spice rub is an essential step in preparing a mouth-watering crockpot brisket. By following these steps, you will create a juicy, tender, and flavourful dish that your family and friends will rave about!
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Searing the brisket
Once the meat has rested, heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan, such as avocado oil, which has a high smoke point. Place the brisket in the pan and sear for several minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Be careful not to burn the meat, and adjust the heat as needed.
For a thicker brisket, you may need to sear the meat in batches to ensure even cooking. Use tongs to hold the brisket steady and flip it over easily. Once the brisket is evenly seared, transfer it to the slow cooker, placing it fat side up.
The searing process should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For a deeper char, you can also use a blowtorch to char the surface of the meat before transferring it to the slow cooker.
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Cooking the brisket
First, trim the fat side of the brisket, leaving about 1/4 to 1/8 inch of fat remaining. Then, apply a spice rub of your choice to the brisket and let it rest for about 30 to 45 minutes. You can also sear the brisket over medium-high heat, flipping it once, until a golden-brown crust forms.
Next, place the brisket in the crock pot, fat side up. If you're using vegetables, stack the lean (flat) pieces at the bottom and the fatty (point) pieces on top. This way, the juices will fill the crock pot and submerge the flat pieces, while the point pieces will remain above the liquid and form a crust. You can add vegetables to the crock pot, such as onions, or other ingredients like garlic, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
Turn on the crock pot and cook the brisket for about 6 to 8 hours on the low setting. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For a more formal presentation, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time.
Once the brisket is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the crock pot and keep it warm. Use a turkey baster to remove excess oil and juices from the crock pot if needed. You can then add your vegetables to the crock pot and cook them for about an hour or until they reach your desired tenderness.
Finally, slice or shred the brisket and serve it with the vegetables and juices. Enjoy!
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Serving the brisket
Once your trimmed brisket is cooked, you can serve it in a variety of ways. You can slice the meat for a more formal presentation or shred it like pulled beef for a more informal meal. You can also place the sliced brisket back into the sauce and reheat it in the oven.
If you want to serve your brisket on a roll, budget for 250g/8oz of raw meat per person, which will shrink to about 200g/6.5oz once cooked. If you want to serve your brisket with sides, you can include homemade baked beans, cornbread, creamy corn casserole, coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad, or mashed potatoes.
You can also serve your brisket on pita bread with a small amount of garlic hummus. If you're serving a large crowd, you can place the brisket on sliders or sandwiches.
If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about an hour or until warmed through.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 10 hours to cook trimmed brisket in a crock pot on a low setting.
The brisket is done when it is very tender. You can poke it with a wooden skewer or fork to check.
You should trim the fat side of the brisket until 1/4 inch of fat remains. Then, apply a spice rub and let it rest for 30-45 minutes at room temperature.
Place the brisket fat side up in the crock pot. Add ingredients like garlic, onions, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Cook until tender.
Yes, you can make the trimmed brisket in a crock pot ahead of time and reheat it before serving. This can enhance the flavour as it allows the ingredients to combine.
