This oven-braised brisket cooks gently over a bed of onions until a fork slips into the meat easily. The cooking liquid becomes a savory pan gravy, making it a comforting centerpiece with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Plan a relaxed afternoon for braising; most of the time is hands-off.
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Flour & Herbs recipes
Slow-Braised Brisket with Onions and Pan Gravy
20 minutes resting; braising time varies with thickness. By Flour & Herbs.
Directions
- Prepare the brisket. Heat the oven to 300°F (150°C), conventional. Pat the brisket dry and rub all over with Brisket Seasoning. Choose a heavy lidded Dutch oven that fits the meat snugly.
- Brown the meat. Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the brisket for about 3–4 minutes per side, reducing the heat if the spices start to scorch. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the braising base. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring, until softened. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute. Add the stock and vinegar, scraping up the browned bits.
- Braise gently. Return the brisket, fat side up, along with any plate juices. Liquid should reach roughly one-third to halfway up the meat; add a little stock or water if needed. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and transfer to the oven. Braise for about 3½–4 hours, starting to check at 3 hours. The meat is ready when a fork or thin skewer enters with very little resistance; it commonly reaches around 195–205°F (90–96°C) when tender. If still firm, continue covered in 20–30 minute intervals. Check the liquid and add more if needed.
- Rest and make the gravy. Transfer the brisket to a board, loosely cover, and rest for 20 minutes. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. Simmer the liquid and onions on the stovetop to reduce slightly if watery. Mix the cornstarch with cold water, stir it into the simmering liquid, and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly thickened. Taste before adding any salt.
- Slice across the grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice the brisket thinly across them. Spoon over the onion gravy and add parsley if using. Serve with your preferred sides.
Estimated nutrition: 500 calories per serving (one sixth of the recipe). Includes listed sauces and toppings; excludes optional accompaniments. Actual values vary with brands, trimming, portions, and marinade left behind.
Before you start
Use a snug, heavy Dutch oven with a tight lid. Plan several hours for the braise plus a 20-minute rest; tenderness determines when the brisket is ready.
Cooking tips
Check that liquid remains in the pot and keep the lid closed between checks. If the beef resists a fork, keep braising rather than slicing it while tough.
Serving ideas and variations
Serve thin slices with the onion gravy, mashed potatoes or roasted roots. A green vegetable or sharp salad balances the richness.
Storage and reheating
Divide leftovers into shallow containers with gravy and refrigerate within 2 hours; use within 3 days. Reheat covered in the gravy, adding water or stock if it has thickened. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
More ways to use Brisket Seasoning
Use the seasoning on a chuck roast or roasted mushrooms for another savory dinner.
Keep cooking: Honey-Herb Butter Dinner Rolls.