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Flavorful Smoked Brisket Sliders with Tangy Pickled Onions

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These sliders feature tender, smoky brisket paired with bright, tangy pickled onions for a memorable and easy-to-make comfort food perfect for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 lbs whole beef brisket, preferably flat cut
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 small dried chili or red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 slider buns, preferably soft potato rolls
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • Butter, softened (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch for moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Rub olive oil over the brisket, then apply the spice mixture evenly on all sides. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat smoker to 225°F. Use hickory or oak wood chips if desired.
  5. Place brisket fat side up on smoker grate. Smoke for about 4 hours or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  6. Wrap brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil and return to smoker. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches about 203°F, about 2 to 3 more hours.
  7. Remove brisket from smoker and let rest, wrapped, for at least 1 hour.
  8. While brisket rests, prepare pickled onions: combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and chili in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt dissolve.
  9. Place sliced onions in a jar or bowl and pour hot pickling liquid over them. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  10. Slice brisket thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces for sliders.
  11. Spread softened butter on cut sides of slider buns and toast on skillet or grill pan until golden and crisp.
  12. Assemble sliders by spreading BBQ sauce on bottom bun, adding brisket slices, topping with pickled onions and cheddar cheese if using, then placing top bun.
  13. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Use a probe thermometer to monitor internal temperature and avoid overcooking. Wrapping brisket helps push through the stall phase and keeps meat moist. Pickled onions can be made ahead and stored up to a week. For gluten-free, swap buns for gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket, sliders, pickled onions, BBQ, smoked meat, backyard cookout, comfort food

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-smoked-brisket-sliders-recipe-easy-tangy-pickled-onions-tutorial/