I was never a big brisket fan. Soft, wet, brown meat just isn’t my thing. My mother, who was a very good cook, and every other woman in the family, served the meat with pan juices and overcooked onions and carrots.
It was one of the only recipes of my Mom’s that I didn’t like.
So when it was my turn as woman of the house this was not a dish I ever cooked for the holidays.
Then my sons-in-law came along and wanted to know “where’s the brisket?”
I had to find a way that satisfied the whole crew.
After a while I discovered Texas style barbecued brisket: tender meat glazed with thick, tangy sauce and crispy ends and outsides. It was a transformative moment, gastronomically speaking
I wish my Mom was here to try it!
Brisket is expensive, so I don’t make it often, but when I do I always pre-cook it to tenderness this way, then glaze it with barbecue sauce (instructions for when to do what are in that post too).
This year, this is the sauce I am using:
Texas Style Brisket
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 medium clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon finely chopped chili pepper
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup apricot jam
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
pinch of ground cloves
pinch or two of freshly grated nutmeg
Pour the olive oil into a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes or until slightly softened. Add the garlic and chili pepper and cook briefly. Add the ketchup, jam, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cloves and nutmeg and stir to blend them. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes or until thick.
Makes about 2-1/2 cups