Brisket is a popular cut of meat which comes from the lower breast of beef. Due to its high content of connective tissue, it is the perfect cut for slow-cooking methods. This allows the meat to preserve its moisture and fat content, ensuring its tenderness. Marinating a brisket ahead of time will help break down the connective tissue, as well as distribute even flavor through the entire cut. Preparing a marinade with liquid smoke can add a touch of traditional barbecue flavor to any brisket cooking method.
Step 1
Pierce the brisket eight to 10 times with a large knife. This will allow the marinade to thoroughly penetrate the meat and soften the connective tissue within it. Place the brisket into a large bowl.
Step 2
Combine the other ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine.
Step 3
Pour the marinade mixture over the brisket and massage it into the meat. Be sure to work some marinade into the holes made in the meat.
Step 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5
Cook the brisket by either slow-baking or barbecue.
Tips and Warnings
- You can use any variety of herbs in the marinade mixture to suit your taste. To lower the marinade's sugar content, try replacing the barbecue sauce with tomato sauce mixed with 2 tsp. artificial sweetener.
Things You'll Need
- 4 lbs. beef brisket
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp. liquid smoke
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
