Pulled BBQ Brisket Slow Cooker Recipe

📝Shopping list

To make this amazing crock pot brisket recipe you these simple ingredients available in any grocery store:

Sauce Ingredients: 

• ketchup
• dark brown sugar
• apple cider vinegar
• molasses
• dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• garlic powder
• smoked paprika
• black pepper
• salt

Meat

• brisket - first or flat cut 

OPTIONAL

Optional

• liquid smoke - to taste

Best cut of beef

There are generally two cuts of brisket in most markets.  The first cut or "flat" and the second cut, or the "point".  The second cut will generally be a little less expensive because it contains much more connective tissues and fat marbling.  The second cut will also shred easier.  

If you prefer more meat, the first cut is the way to go.  If you like a fattier beef, the second cut is for you.  

🔪Instructions

This great recipe just involves a few simple steps:

Preparing your slow cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick coating.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cooking

🥩Add all ingredients, except brisket, into greased slow cooker

🥩Stir to thoroughly mix

🥩Place brisket into the sauce mixture.  Turning it to make sure it is fully coated in sauce.  It should ultimately sit with the fat side up. 

🥩Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.  

🥩When cooking is finished, remove the brisket from your slow cooker and allow it to rest for a few minutes.  It should shred relatively easily with two forks.  I prefer to discard most of the fat prior to shredding.  But you can decide to keep as much or as little as you like.

🥩Return shredded brisket to your slow cooker and allow it to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or so.  This will allow it to become even more tender and soak up the yummy sauce

🥩I like to add a few tablespoons of liquid smoke at this stage.  I recommend tasting the sauce and adding that to suit your preference.  

Have you served your slow cooker bbq brisket differently?  Please share it with us in the comment section below!

🔁Substitution ideas

Looking to switch this recipe up a bit?  Here are some alternatives:

• Swap out brisket for a large chuck roast.  The flavor of the meat will be different, but equally delicious!
• Add a tablespoon or two of chili powder to the bbq sauce to dial up the heat
• Add onion powder and soy sauce to the sauce to vary the flavor.

Storing

Store leftovers of your crockpot brisket recipe in an airtight container or bag.  It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months  in the freezer. 

For best results, allow frozen leftovers to defrost overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.  

😉Hints & hacks

1. Cooking brisket low and slow is what turns a tough cut of meat into a tender, juicy, delicious meal.  It will always turn out best when slowly cooking it all day on the low setting.  
2. This slow cooker brisket recipe assumes you want to make homemade barbecue sauce.  If you are crunched for time, you can use a bottle or two of store-bought sauce.  Just make sure you have enough sauce to cover about halfway up the sides of the brisket.  
3. I often use a slow cooker liner when making this dish. This is a fully optional step, but it makes clean up super fast and easy!.
4. This is a great dish if your people will be eating at different times. After the cooking time, turn your slow cooker to low and everyone can have a warm and filling meal, no matter what time they are ready to eat.
5. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
6. Always double check to make sure your slow cooker is on and plugged in!!! There is nothing worse than coming home to a slow cooker that was never properly turned on.😞