This Instant Pot Pulled Beef Brisket is a true crowd-pleaser! It’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor, thanks to the quick cooking in your trusty Instant Pot. Perfect for sandwiches or on its own!
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself while you catch up on your favorite show? I often whip this up for family gatherings, and it always disappears fast. Trust me, it’s that good!
With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. I like to serve mine with some coleslaw for a tasty combo. You’ll definitely want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Brisket: A juicy brisket is the star of this dish, providing rich flavor. If you can’t find brisket, chuck roast or plate cuts can be good substitutes. Just make sure they are well-marbled for tenderness.
Barbecue Sauce: The type of barbecue sauce you use can significantly influence the flavor. If you want a spicier kick, opt for a hot sauce or switch to a spicy barbecue sauce. Homemade sauce can be a fun alternative, too!
Onion and Garlic: Yellow onions are perfect here as they soften and sweeten with cooking. If unavailable, feel free to use red onions, but they might add a little more bite. Shallots work well for a milder taste. You can also use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t on hand.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the richness of the brisket. For a similar taste, white vinegar or lemon juice can be used instead. I prefer the flavor that apple cider brings!
Coleslaw Mix: If you don’t have coleslaw mix, shredded cabbage and carrots work just as well. You can even add some sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Searing Brisket?
Searing the brisket is key for packed flavor. It creates a delicious crust that adds depth to your dish. Follow these simple steps for perfect searing:
- Pat the brisket dry to avoid steaming it—moisture is the enemy of a good sear!
- Heat the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add olive oil until it shimmers.
- Carefully place the brisket in the pot. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until you see a nice brown color. Don’t rush this step!
- Remove the brisket and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help keep it juicy after shredding.
Taking these moments for searing can lead to a major taste upgrade in your pulled beef brisket sandwiches. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Beef Brisket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brisket:
- 2 to 3 pounds beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, and then you’ll need to cook it for 60 minutes in the Instant Pot, plus an additional 15 minutes for natural pressure release. Total time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but most of that is hands-off while the brisket cooks and builds flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Brisket:
Start by patting the beef brisket dry with paper towels. This helps it sear better! Next, season both sides of the brisket generously with salt and pepper. You want to flavor the meat well!
2. Sear the Brisket:
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil. Carefully place the brisket in the pot and sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. When done, remove the brisket and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s nice and fragrant. This will add great flavor to your dish!
4. Add the Liquid:
Now, pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits stuck there.
5. Add Seasonings:
Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and add any extra salt and pepper if you like. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors!
6. Return the Brisket:
Carefully place the seared brisket back into the pot, making sure it’s as submerged in the liquid as possible; this will help it be extra tender.
7. Pressure Cook:
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After the time is up, let the pot release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. After that, you can quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Shred the Brisket:
Once it’s safe to open the pot, carefully remove the brisket and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat—it’s tender and should fall apart easily! Return the shredded brisket to the pot and stir it into the juices.
9. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Take the bottom half of each hamburger bun and pile on a generous amount of pulled brisket. Top it off with the coleslaw mix and drizzle more barbecue sauce over the top if you’d like. Place the bun’s top half on, and they’re ready to eat!
10. Enjoy:
Serve your pulled beef brisket sandwiches warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Pair them with your favorite sides for a delicious meal! Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat Instead of Brisket?
Absolutely! You can substitute brisket with cuts like chuck roast or flank steak. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and fat content of the meat. Chuck roast generally has a similar cooking time, while flank steak may require a bit less time to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make pulled beef brisket in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours or until tender. If using the stovetop, simmer the brisket in a pot on low heat for about 3-4 hours, occasionally checking to add liquid if necessary, until it’s fork-tender.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the meat moist, you can store it with some of the cooking juices. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the pulled brisket in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes, you can easily add heat! Increase the amount of chili powder, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for some kick. You could also consider tossing in some chopped jalapeños for extra flavor and spice. Just remember to taste as you go!
