Onion-Braised Beef Brisket Easy Recipe - Cooking Frog (2025)

From the rustic kitchens of our ancestors to the chic restaurants of modern cities, the braised beef brisket has traveled through time, evolving with each generation. This dish, a symbol of culinary heritage, has been reinvented numerous times, yet its soul remains intact.

Today, as we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, we present a beef brisket recipe that grabs the essence of this voyage, combining age-old techniques with modern flavors.

Beef Brisket – The Urban Culinary Tale

In the bustling streets of New York City, amidst the neon lights and the cacophony of urban life, lies a hidden jewel: a small, secretive restaurant known only to the locals. It was here that this modern version of the beef brisket was born.

Inspired by the city’s melting pot of cultures, the chef infused the classic brisket with flavors reminiscent of the city’s diverse palate.

Picking the Perfect Cut

The core of this dish lies in its primary ingredient: the brisket. While various cuts are available, the first-cut or flat-cut brisket is the star. Distinguished by its lean texture with a generous fat cap, it ensures a juicy and flavorful outcome.

Variations to Spice Up Your Braised Beef Brisket

Braised beef brisket is an adaptable dish that lends itself to various flavors and adaptations. Whether you’re looking to boost it with international flavors or want to try a different twist, here are some variations to consider:

1. Asian-Inspired Brisket: Add a mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, star anise, and ginger to your braising liquid. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
2. BBQ Brisket: Slather your brisket with your favorite BBQ sauce before braising. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of smoked paprika to the braising liquid for that smoky BBQ flavor.
3. Mediterranean Twist: Combine olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes into your braising mix. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh basil.
4. Spicy Kick: Add some chopped chipotle peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to the braising liquid for those who like it hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
5. Sweet and Savory: Add a blend of dried fruits like apricots, prunes, and raisins. The sweetness of the fruits complements the savory notes of the brisket beautifully.
6. Wine-Braised Brisket: Swap some of the braising liquid with a good quality red wine. This adds depth and richness to the sauce.
7. Creamy Mushroom Brisket: Add various mushrooms and a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the braising liquid for a creamy, earthy tone.
8. Herb-Infused: Use a bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs) with rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves in your braising liquid for a fragrant and herbaceous flavor profile.

Onion-Braised Beef Brisket Recipe

Unearth the charm of classic flavors with our Onion-Braised Beef Brisket recipe. With straightforward steps and promises of delectable results, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and embark on a delightful cooking experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 5-6 pound first-cut beef brisket, with a thin layer of fat
• 1½ tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or matzo cake meal for Passover)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 medium yellow onions, sliced ½-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 6 carrots, sliced into large chunks diagonally

For the Urban Twist:

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A dash of smoked paprika

Instructions:

• Setting the Stage: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Season your brisket generously with salt and pepper as it warms, followed by a light dusting of flour.
• Golden Sear: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil. Once shimmering, add your brisket, searing both sides to a beautiful golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• Onion Symphony: In the residual oil, sauté the onions until they obtain a rich, golden hue. The fragrance will be your signal to move to the next step.
• Layering Magic: Gently place your brisket over the onions. Spread the tomato paste, ensuring an even coat. Add garlic, carrots, lemongrass, and the other ingredients, creating a layered masterpiece.
• The Slow Dance: Seal your pot with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook in the oven for about 1½ hours.
• Precision Slicing: Post braising, transfer the brisket to a board. Slice against the grain, aiming for 1/6 – 1/4-inch-thick slices. Return them to the pot, ensuring a slight overlap.
• The Final Act: Reduce the oven’s heat to 325°F. Let the brisket cook until it achieves a fork-tender consistency, roughly another 1 to 2 hours.
• Rest & Serve: While the brisket is a delight immediately, letting it rest overnight enhances its flavors, making it a true culinary masterpiece.

If you enjoyed making this Onion-Braised Beef Brisket recipe, how about sharing the love? Pin the picture below to your Pinterest. Your friends might thank you for their next dinner inspiration!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Braised Beef Brisket

Executing the perfect braised beef brisket needs more than just following a recipe. It’s about comprehending the nuances of the meat, the intricacies of braising, and the little secrets that can boost your dish from good to outstanding.

Here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to ensure your brisket is the star of any meal:

Choosing the Right Cut: Always opt for a first-cut or flat-cut brisket. It has the proper balance of meat and fat, ensuring a tender outcome.

Marbling Matters: Look for a brisket with good marbling. These fat streaks melt during cooking, infusing the meat with flavor and preserving it moist.

Slow and Steady: Braising is a slow-cooking method. Resist the urge to raise the temperature to speed up the process. Low and slow is the key to a tender brisket.

Rest Before Slicing: After braising, let your brisket rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist slice every time.

Against the Grain: Always slice your brisket against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each piece more tender.

Overnight Magic: If time allows, refrigerate your cooked brisket overnight. This not only improves the flavors but also makes slicing easier.

Skim the Fat: After braising, there might be extra fat on the surface of the sauce. Use a spoon to skim it off for a cleaner, more decadent sauce.

Herb Infusion: For an added layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the braising liquid.

Storage: Brisket tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator in its sauce to keep it moist. When reheating, do so gently to retain its tenderness.