These BBQ Brisket Tacos are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Tender, shredded brisket smothered in a smoky BBQ sauce, topped with a refreshing, tangy coleslaw, all nestled in a warm, soft tortilla. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes of comfort and flavor, with every bite offering a perfect balance of savory beef and crisp vegetables.
Perfect for taco night, these tacos are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The slow-cooked brisket can be made ahead of time, allowing for a quick and satisfying meal during the week or even as part of a weekend feast. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious dinner, these BBQ Brisket Tacos are sure to impress your guests.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb beef brisket
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup BBQ sauce
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8 small flour tortillas
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1 cup shredded coleslaw mix
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Rub the brisket with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place it in a roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
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Roast for 4-5 hours, until the brisket is tender and easily shredded.
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Once cooked, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks.
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While the brisket rests, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic for 3 minutes until softened.
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Add the shredded brisket to the skillet and pour in the BBQ sauce. Stir to combine, and cook for 5 minutes to heat through.
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In a bowl, mix the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
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Warm the tortillas in the oven for 5 minutes.
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To assemble, place the BBQ brisket mixture on each tortilla and top with a spoonful of coleslaw. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4
Why BBQ Brisket Tacos are a Must-Try
Brisket, especially when cooked low and slow, is one of the most flavorful cuts of beef. It’s tender, juicy, and rich in taste, making it the perfect filling for tacos. But what sets BBQ Brisket Tacos apart from ordinary tacos is the smoky BBQ sauce that infuses the meat with a deep, savory flavor. Combined with the tangy and creamy coleslaw, this dish offers an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a brisket enthusiast or someone looking to try something new, this dish will take your taco game to the next level.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The beauty of BBQ Brisket Tacos lies in the harmonious balance of flavors. The smoky BBQ brisket delivers bold, savory notes, while the slaw provides a refreshing crunch and tangy sweetness, cutting through the richness of the beef. The soft tortillas allow the other components to shine without overpowering them. This balance of textures and flavors makes BBQ Brisket Tacos a complete meal, satisfying every taste bud with each bite. If you’re looking for something a little extra, you can even top the tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
BBQ Brisket Tacos are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings. Whether you’re serving them at a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a special gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit. They’re perfect for taco night, but also great for potlucks, parties, or even game day. The slow-cooked brisket can be made ahead of time, which means that you can focus on other tasks and enjoy your time with guests without having to worry about cooking everything at the last minute.
Additionally, the recipe is easily adaptable to suit different dietary preferences. For a lighter version, you can swap out the coleslaw for a simpler salad, or even use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb alternative. You can also choose to add different toppings, such as avocado, salsa, or hot sauce, to suit your personal preferences. This adaptability makes BBQ Brisket Tacos a dish that everyone can enjoy.
The Joy of Slow-Cooked Brisket
The key to making the perfect BBQ Brisket Tacos is the slow-cooked brisket. Brisket is a tough cut of meat, which means it requires time to break down and become tender. Slow-cooking the brisket at a low temperature over several hours allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. This cooking method also allows the brisket to absorb the smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce, resulting in a rich and savory filling for your tacos.
The slow-cooked brisket can also be made in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or to serve at a large gathering. Once the brisket is cooked, you can easily shred it with a fork and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the tacos. This makes the recipe a convenient choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Pairing Your BBQ Brisket Tacos with Sides and Drinks
BBQ Brisket Tacos are already packed with flavor, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks can take your meal to the next level. For sides, consider serving fresh guacamole, homemade chips, or a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette. You could also opt for Mexican street corn (Elote), grilled vegetables, or a hearty bean dish to complement the richness of the brisket.
As for drinks, a cold beer or a refreshing margarita pairs perfectly with these tacos. The smoky flavors of the brisket are complemented by the crispness of a pale ale or a citrusy IPA. If you prefer cocktails, a classic margarita made with lime and tequila enhances the bold flavors of the tacos. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water or a chilled iced tea would also be excellent choices to balance the richness of the meal.
Tips for Making the Best BBQ Brisket Tacos
To ensure that your BBQ Brisket Tacos turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Use quality brisket: The quality of your brisket will directly impact the final result. Look for well-marbled meat, as the fat helps keep the brisket juicy during the long cooking process.
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Cook low and slow: Brisket needs time to cook properly, so don’t rush it. Cooking it at a low temperature (around 300°F) for several hours ensures that the meat becomes tender and easy to shred.
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Rest the meat before shredding: After cooking the brisket, let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.
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Make your own coleslaw: While store-bought coleslaw is convenient, homemade coleslaw adds a fresh, creamy element that perfectly complements the BBQ brisket. Try using a mix of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey.
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Warm your tortillas: To prevent your tortillas from cracking, warm them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the tacos. This helps make them more pliable and easier to fold.
Customizing Your BBQ Brisket Tacos
One of the best things about BBQ Brisket Tacos is how easily they can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for making them your own:
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Add different toppings: If you like a bit of heat, drizzle some hot sauce or jalapeños over your tacos. You could also top them with diced onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for an added burst of flavor.
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Switch up the slaw: If you’re not a fan of traditional coleslaw, you can experiment with different versions. Try a spicy slaw made with jalapeños and lime, or a tangy apple slaw for a fruity twist. You can even skip the slaw altogether and opt for a simple lettuce-based salad.
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Try different tortillas: While flour tortillas are a classic choice for tacos, you can experiment with other options like corn tortillas, soft taco shells, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Conclusion
BBQ Brisket Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together the flavors of smoky, tender brisket with the crunch of fresh slaw and the warmth of soft tortillas. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, these tacos are sure to impress. The versatility of the dish makes it easy to customize, so you can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. With the right combination of ingredients and a slow-cooked brisket, you’ll create a meal that is as flavorful as it is memorable. So fire up your oven, grab some tortillas, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate taco experience!