A perfectly cooked beef brisket sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. With tender, fatty brisket paired with tangy sauce and crunchy toppings between two slices of bread, it’s pure delight in every bite However, serving up these incredible sandwiches requires care and technique to achieve sandwich perfection. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key steps and tips for serving extraordinarily tasty beef brisket sandwiches.
Selecting and Preparing the Brisket
Everything starts with choosing an excellent cut of brisket. Opt for a nice marbled brisket from the fattier point cut rather than the leaner flat cut. Properly preparing the brisket is also paramount. Season generously with a bold blend of spices like salt, pepper and paprika before smoking or braising the brisket low and slow. This gentle cooking allows the connective tissues in the brisket to break down, leaving the meat wonderfully moist and tender.
Aim to develop a nice bark or crust on the outside of the brisket, which adds tremendous flavor. Once fully cooked, let the brisket rest wrapped in foil for at least 20-30 minutes. This important resting period enables the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Slicing Against the Grain
When ready to slice, always cut the brisket across the grain This technique ensures each slice remains tender when you bite into it. Slice the brisket as thinly as possible to maximize the surface area for sauce adherence. A sharp carving or slicing knife is ideal for neatly cutting the brisket without shredding it
Choosing the Right Bread
When constructing your sandwich, the choice of bread can make all the difference. Brioche buns are an excellent option, providing a nice buttery contrast to the savory smoked meat Sourdough rolls also pair beautifully, with their characteristic tangy flavor For a fun twist, try using sweet and crumbly cornbread in place of traditional sandwich bread.
Or ditch the bread altogether and wrap the brisket in warm flour tortillas for a modern Southwest-inspired version. Regardless of bread choice, toast or grill the bread lightly to add a pleasing crunch and infuse added flavor.
Layering on Delicious Toppings
No brisket sandwich is complete without an array of tasty toppings to complement the star of the show. Start with traditional sliced dill pickles, pickled jalapeños and thinly sliced white or red onions. These additions provide brightness and crunch to balance the rich meat.
Next, drizzle on your favorite barbecue sauce or a homemade chipotle aioli for a kick of flavor. To add creaminess, include some shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese along with a scoop of cool and refreshing coleslaw. Tomato slices, crispy fried onions, spicy mustard and Russian dressing also make excellent toppings for these indulgent sandwiches.
Presenting Your Masterpiece
With your juicy sliced brisket and deliciously dressed bread ready to go, it’s time for the final and fun step – artfully presenting your brisket sandwich creation. For a casual gathering of friends, simply wrap sandwiches in butcher paper and serve with an array of classic sides like baked beans, potato salad and corn on the cob.
For a more elegant presentation, plate the brisket sandwiches open faced on artisan bread with elegantly styled toppings. Accompany with pickled vegetables and roasted potato wedges for a refined touch. You can also present the components in a deconstructed style with slices of toasted bread, pile of sliced brisket, ramekins of sauce and little dishes of toppings for guests to build their own custom sandwiches.
However you choose to serve your masterpiece beef brisket sandwiches, the love and care put into each step – from selecting the perfect brisket to artfully plating – will be evident in every incredible bite. So fire up the smoker, prep those toppings and get ready to wow your guests with these sensational sandwiches!
The Ultimate Brisket Sandwich
- 2 slices bread, buttered and toasted
- Gruyere cheese, grated
- Leftover brisket, thinly sliced
- Onion gravy, left over from braising the brisket
- Tomato slices
- Pickled jalapeno slices
- Koolickles, sliced
- Russian dressing, recipe follows
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Heinz chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- Several dashes hot sauce (I prefer Crystal)
Thinly slice the brisket against the grain. Assemble the sandwich, topping the brisket with leftover onion gravy, tomato slices, pickled jalapenos, koolickle slices and gruyere cheese.
Melt the cheese with a blowtorch fitted with a Searzall or similar attachment. Top with Russian dressing and serve.
To make the Russian dressing—and yes, where I’m from, we use Russian dressing not Thousand Island—whisk together all of the ingredients until well combined. Season to taste and refrigerate until ready to use on the brisket sandwich.
Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots
A combo of spices adds a riot of flavor to those carrots that may or may not have been sitting in the crisper for too long. Serve alongside anything grilled, like our grilled tofu or grilled pork tenderloin. Get the Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots recipe.
We love classic sautéed Brussels sprouts, but sometimes we crave something with a bit more kick. These slightly spicy salty-sweet sprouts make for a unique and easy fall side dish. Get the Shredded Brussels Sprouts recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Chopped Brisket Sandwich | Quick and Easy Recipe | Heath Riles BBQ
FAQ
What do you serve with brisket sandwiches?
What is the best bun for brisket sandwich?
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Brioche buns are rich and buttery, providing a luxurious taste experience and a soft, pillowy texture that complements the savory brisket.
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These are a good option for a classic, sturdy bun. Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls suggests their sesame-seeded Big Marty’s rolls as a great choice.
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Similar to brioche, King’s Hawaiian rolls are sweet and tender, making them a flavorful base for a brisket sandwich.
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While not as traditional as other options, many people prefer white bread for a simple, classic taste, especially with a good brisket.
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Other Options:Challah, Portuguese rolls, and even Hamburger buns can be used with brisket, depending on personal preference.
How should beef brisket be served?
Slice and serve the brisket.
If you’d like to remove more fat from the dish, return the sliced brisket to the slow cooker to cool and then refrigerate. The fat will solidify, which will make it easier to remove. Serve the brisket with the potatoes, carrots, and a generous spoonful of the cooked onion and sauce.
What to put on top of a brisket sandwich?
Toppings: Keep it classic with red onions and zesty sliced pickles or add a crunch with coleslaw, kick up the heat with pickled jalapeños, or make it extra savory with crispy bacon.