Imagine a dish so tender it falls apart with the gentlest touch, so flavorful it makes your taste buds dance, and so easy to prepare that even a novice cook can become a kitchen hero. Our Slow Cooker Sweet Sour Brisket is that magical recipe that transforms a humble cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and the miracle of slow cooking, you'll create a meal that's both comfortingly familiar and excitingly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds brisket
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the brisket from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure good seasoning adherence.
- Season the brisket generously on both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a bed for the brisket.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar until smooth and well combined to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Carefully place the seasoned brisket on top of the onion layer in the slow cooker.
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce evenly over the brisket, ensuring it's completely covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the brisket and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Transfer the brisket to a serving platter, spoon additional sauce from the slow cooker over the meat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Look for a well-marbled brisket with a nice fat cap, which will help keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
- Room temperature matters: Always let your brisket sit out for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat the meat dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps seasonings stick and promotes better browning.
- Don't rush the cooking: The 8-hour slow cook is crucial for breaking down tough muscle fibers and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Slice against the grain: This technique ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
- Make ahead friendly: This brisket actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Sauce salvation: Save some extra sauce on the side for those who love an extra flavor boost at the table.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 408kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
