Name: Instant Pot BBQ Brisket
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs Beef brisket; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 cup Beef broth; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Onion powder

Okay, picture this: it’s Sunday afternoon, the air is crisp, and the smell of BBQ is wafting through the neighborhood. Usually, that means someone’s been tending a smoker all day long. But what if I told you that you could get that same unbelievably tender, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ brisket… in your Instant Pot? Yes, *that* Instant Pot. I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true, like some kind of kitchen wizardry. But trust me on this one. This recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Brisket is a game-changer. It’s way easier than traditional smoking, and the results? Absolutely divine. Think of it as the ultimate shortcut to BBQ heaven, like a brisket that spent hours in a pit, only you didn’t have to babysit it for nearly as long. I love this recipe even more than my usual pot roast, and that says a lot!

What is Instant Pot BBQ Brisket?

So, what exactly *is* Instant Pot BBQ Brisket? It’s essentially taking a cut of beef, typically the brisket, which is known for being tough because it’s from the breast of the cow, and cooking it low and slow until it becomes incredibly tender. The magic happens inside the Instant Pot. By using the pressure cooking function, we drastically cut down on the cooking time while still achieving that amazing, fall-apart texture. Think of it as braising the brisket in a super-powered, accelerated way, infused with all that delicious BBQ flavor. The Instant Pot traps the moisture, allowing the brisket to baste itself in its own juices, creating a juicy, succulent, BBQ masterpiece. It’s essentially brisket BBQ, made easier and faster.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? Why do I love this Instant Pot Brisket recipe?flavorIs it insane? The combination of smoky spices, the tangy BBQ sauce, and the rich beefy flavor is simply amazing. I always use a good quality BBQ sauce, and it really makes the difference. I especially love one with a bit of molasses for sweetness and some chipotle for heat. Beyond the flavor, the taste is the best.simplicityCan you smoke a brisket the traditional way? How do I make a recipe that takes away all the guesswork and hassle? Is this a dump-and-go type of recipe? Do you feel like spending all day in the kitchen? I love that I can get the same great results with minimal effort. And speaking of saving, it’s also pretty pretty.cost-efficientWhy is brisket so expensive? What is a good budget meal to cook for the whole family? What is a good brisket?versatilityWhat are some of the best ways to serve Instant Pot BBQ Brisket? I love it on slider buns with coleslaw, shredded over nachos, or even just on a sandwich. Is it good on its own with mashed potatoes and green beans? What are some great recipes for corn on the cob? What I love most about this Instant Pot BBQ Brisket is that it’s just a reliable, crowd-pleasing meat. Recipe that always delivers. I know it’s become a staple in my house, and it will in yours too.

How do I make an Instant Pot BBQ Brisket?

Quick Overview

How do I make an Instant Pot BBQ Brisket? How do you cook brisket in the Instant Pot? For added depth. Next, you’ll add some liquid (beef broth or even just water works! ), BBQ sauce, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Once it’s done, a quick natural pressure release, shred the brisket, and serve. What is the best part about BBQ? You get that smoky flavor and incredibly tender texture in a fraction of the price. How much time does it take to smoke cigarettes compared to smoking cigarettes? What is the Instant Pot?

Ingredients

For the Brisket: How do
* 3-4 lb beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat (I usually go for the point cut, it’s got more flavor! ) * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 cup beef broth *1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite! I love one with a bit of sweetness and smokiness.)

For the Dry Rub:
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)

What is the step-

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

First things first, trim any excess fat from the brisket. You don’t want to remove all the fat, as it adds flavor and moisture, but get rid of any large, thick pieces. Then, in a small bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients. Generously rub the mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. This is where all that delicious BBQ flavor comes from, so don’t be shy!

Step 2: Sear the Brisket

Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the brisket in the Instant Pot and sear it for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. Searing the brisket adds a ton of flavor and helps to lock in the juices. Don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pressure Cook

What is the best way to serve brisket? Make sure the brisket is mostly submerged in the liquid. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” ” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 75 minutes. How long will it take for a brisket to cook? What is the best starting point for a 3-4 lb brisket?

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure for at least 20 minutes. This is important, as it allows the brisket to slowly relax and become even more tender. After 20 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

How do I remove brisket from Instant Pot? How do you shred a brisket? What is the best way to cook a brisket in an Instant Pot? How do you keep it moist and delicious?

What should I serve it with?

Instant Pot BBQ Brisket is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with anything you like. What are you in the mood for?What is a classic BBQ feast? Serve it on slider buns with coleslaw and your favorite BBQ sauce. Add a side of potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans for the ultimate BBQ experience. This is my go-to for summer cookouts and family gatherings.

For Nachos:Shred the brisket over a bed of tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeos, sour cream, and guacamole. What’s a good way to use up leftover brisket?What is a hearty dinner?Serve brisket on its own with mashed potatoes and green beans. The rich, smoky flavor of the brisket pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. What are some of the best dinners to eat on a chilly evening? What are some good toppings for a baked potato?

How do you cook brisket in an Instant Pot?

Okay, after making this Instant Pot BBQ Brisket countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

Don’t skip the searing.I know it’s tempting to skip this step to save time, but trust me, it is worth it. What are some of the best ways to cook brisket? What makes a difference in the final result?What is the best BBQ sauce to use?What is the best BBQ sauce for this recipe? I prefer one with a bit of sweetness and smokiness, but feel free to experiment and find your own.Don’t overcook the brisketOvercooking brisket can make it dry. How do I cook a fork-tender sausage? If you’re unsure, start with a shorter cooking time and add more time as needed.Let the pressure release naturally.This is important for achieving that fall-apart tender texture. If you have an Instant Pot, let it release pressure for at least 20 minutes, or even longer if you’re using it for cooking. If you want a smokey taste, you can add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is the best way to make a big batch of Instant Pot BBQ Brisket? How do you store and reheat food?Refrigerator Storage: HowHow do you store shredded brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days? Make sure to include some of the sauce and juices to keep it moist. I like to use ziplock bags for easy storage.How do I useFor longer storage, you can freeze the shredded brisket for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Is it safe to freeze it overnight before reheating?Reheating Tips: To reheat the brisket, you can either microwave it, heat it on the stovetop, or bake it in the oven. Add a little bit of beef broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist while reheating.
Don’t overheat! Overheating can cause the brisket to dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While brisket is the traditional cut, you can experiment with other cuts like chuck roast. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size and thickness of the cut. I’ve tried it with chuck roast, and it works pretty well, but brisket is definitely the best for that authentic BBQ flavor and texture.

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply sear the brisket as instructed, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the beef broth and BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. While the Instant Pot is faster, the slow cooker is still a great option if you don’t have an Instant Pot.

What if my brisket is tough after cooking?

If your brisket is still tough after cooking, it likely needs to be cooked longer. Add more cooking time in 15-minute increments until it’s fork-tender. Also, make sure you’re letting the pressure release naturally, as this helps to tenderize the meat.

Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot for added flavor. Just chop them into large pieces and add them along with the beef broth and BBQ sauce. I usually add an onion, quartered, for extra flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

If you want to add some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry rub, or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients. Just be careful not to add too much, as a little goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my go-to recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Brisket! It’s a total game-changer, especially if you’re short on time or just don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional smoking. The flavor is amazing, the texture is perfect, and it’s just so incredibly easy to make. Seriously, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the old way.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Instant Pot recipes for more quick and easy weeknight meals. And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!