Easy Cranberry Sweet and Sour Brisket Recipe
Are you searching for a delicious recipe that will impress your dinner guests? Look no further! Our easy cranberry sweet and sour brisket recipe is guaranteed to delight even the pickiest eaters. This dish combines the tangy sweetness of whole berry cranberry sauce with savory beef brisket for a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Our recipe is perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual gatherings with friends and family. Not to mention, it’s incredibly simple to make! With just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a mouth-watering brisket on the table in no time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of the cooking process, provide substitutions and variations, and offer tips for perfect results. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to impress all of your dinner guests with an unforgettable sweet and sour brisket. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that is both sweet and sour? Look no further than the Easy Cranberry Sweet and Sour Brisket Recipe. This is one of those dishes that will make your taste buds sing with joy.
Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe. First and foremost, it’s easy to make. All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The result is tender, juicy, flavorful beef brisket that melts in your mouth. Imagine the aroma wafting from your kitchen all day while the slow cooker does its magic!
Secondly, the combination of tart cranberries and tangy ketchup creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth that will leave you craving for more. The dish strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and sourness, making it a great choice for any meal occasion.
Thirdly, this recipe is versatile! You can easily substitute or add ingredients like smoked paprika or jalapeno peppers to give the dish extra depth of flavor. It’s also perfect for special occasions like Hanukkah or Rosh Hashanah, and it’s a great way to impress guests with your culinary skills.
Finally, this recipe can be adjusted to suit different preferences. If you prefer less-sweet dishes, you can dial down the brown sugar content, while increasing the amount of spices used. What’s more, this dish pairs well with different sides like mashed potatoes, casseroles or salads.
In conclusion, the Easy Cranberry Sweet and Sour Brisket should definitely be included in your recipe archives as it’s finger-licking good! It’s easy to make yet creates a sophisticated taste at any meal occasion while it offers versatility and customizability for varying tastes.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious brisket recipe broken down into categories:
Meat:
- 4-5 pound flat-cut beef brisket
Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 bottle of beer
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
Note that you can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your personal preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients and prepared them, it’s time to start cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your over to 325F.
Step 2: Prepare the Brisket
Take your brisket out of the fridge and let it sit for about half an hour. Use a paper towel to pat the brisket dry, removing any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better.
Step 3: Seasoning the Brisket
In a bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the brisket on both sides.
Step 4: Sear the Brisket
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan with 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the brisket in the pan fat side down. Sear for about 5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
Step 5: Mix Ingredients
In a medium bowl combine 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup beer and 1 tablespoon fresh garlic.
Step 6: Slow Cooker
Place your brisket into a slow cooker. Pour your cranberry sauce mixture over the top of it. Make sure to cover all sides evenly with sauce.
Step 7: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for about 3-4 hours, or until tender.
Step 8 : Serve
Once finished baking remove from oven and let it cool before slicing against the grain. You can serve with cranberry gravy on top of juicy slices.
Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Sweet and Sour Brisket recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is delicious as written, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to switch things up.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using low-sodium ingredients such as low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, and ketchup. You can also opt for a leaner cut of beef, like top round or eye of round.
For those who prefer a more traditional flavor, swap the cranberry sauce for apricot preserves or brown sugar. You’ll still get that sweet and sour taste, but with a slightly different twist.
If you don’t have beer on hand or simply don’t want to use it, substitute it with red wine or beef broth.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or cumin.
Finally, if you’re cooking for someone who has dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted. Use gluten-free ketchup and onion soup mix for those who are gluten intolerant. If you need to make it dairy-free, avoid using butter and substitute margarine or vegetable oil instead.
Regardless of any variations or substitutions you choose to make, this Easy Cranberry Sweet and Sour Brisket Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Serving and Pairing
Once your sweet and sour cranberry brisket is cooked to perfection, it’s time for the best part: serving and pairing. This delicately flavored brisket is a standout, thanks to its tender texture and vibrant flavor that will leave you craving for more.
For a cozy dinner party, serve this delicious brisket with fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. The tangy cranberry sauce pairs exceptionally well with hearty sides, such as roasted vegetables or steamed string beans. Alternatively, you can make some homemade latkes (potato pancakes), which are the perfect Hanukkah side dish that compliments the brisket without overshadowing its exquisite taste.
You can also pair this dish with a rich red wine that has fruity or spice notes to balance out the tangy flavor of the cranberry sauce. If you want to keep it simple, you can’t go wrong with a glass of cold beer, which marries well with the slightly smoky taste of smoked brisket.
As for leftovers, consider making a quick sandwich with slices of chilled sweet and sour brisket and fresh bread rolls. It may sound unusual, but the savory meat combined with cranberry sauce will be sure to delight your taste buds in every bite.
In summary, whether served hot or cold, sweet and sour cranberry brisket is a crowd pleaser that never disappoints. Plus, its versatile nature makes it an excellent option for any gathering hosted throughout the year: Rosh Hashanah or Passover dinner table or alongside other favorites like smoked brisket at summer BBQs.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Whether you are preparing this delectable brisket recipe for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, you’ll be pleased to know that it can be made ahead of time and stored easily.
To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the brisket according to the recipe instructions until step 5. Let the meat and sauce cool completely before placing it in a large airtight container. The meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
When it comes time to reheat the brisket, you have two options. If you are reheating the meat from chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Slice the meat and place it in a baking dish with the sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
If your brisket has been frozen, it is best to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the method described above.
The cranberry sweet and sour sauce is so flavorful that it intensifies over time. This means that if you choose to make this recipe ahead of time, the flavors will continue to develop as it sits in the fridge. When reheating leftovers, simply scoop up any solidified fat resting on top of the sauce before warming up.
With its tender texture and robust flavors that only improve over time, this brisket is perfect for special occasions or large gatherings. And by making it ahead of time, you can simply relax and enjoy spending quality time with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen – what could be better than that?
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a perfect brisket may seem daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests. Here are my top tips for cooking an easy cranberry sweet and sour brisket recipe that turns out perfectly every time:
Firstly, ensure that you generously season your beef brisket with salt and pepper before searing. This will help create a nice crust on the outside while juicy on the inside.
Secondly, make sure to sear your beef in a hot pan on high heat. You want to create a nice brown crust on each side of the meat before adding it to the slow cooker or braising pot.
Thirdly, you can also add aromatics like fresh garlic, onions, and apple cider vinegar to bring out the flavors in the meats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices that complement the cranberry sauce like rosemary, thyme, and cumin.
Fourthly, when selecting a cut of brisket, go for the flat cut instead of point cut. The flat cut meat is leaner and yields an equally tender result if cooked slowly.
Fifthly, let your brisket rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat; thus, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Lastly, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze cooked beef brisket for six months by wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap before storing them in freezer bags.
Now that you have all these tips at your disposal, show off your culinary skills by cooking this easy cranberry sweet and sour brisket recipe that’ll make your guests come back for second servings!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy cranberry sweet and sour brisket recipe is perfect for any occasion from Rosh Hashanah to Passover. The combination of the tangy cranberry sauce and savory beef brisket is unbelievably delicious. The slow cooker method allows for a tender and juicy meat that melts in your mouth, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event.
With the ingredient substitutions and variations, this recipe can be adjusted to individual preferences. From using different sauces to altering the cooking technique, there is a lot of flexibility within the recipe.
Furthermore, with the make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips, this recipe is also extremely convenient for busy schedules. You can even spice it up with a smoked brisket variation or try pairing it with different sides depending on your mood.
If you are looking for a dish that will impress your guests without taking up too much of your time or effort, this recipe should definitely be on your list. Don’t forget to bookmark this page so you can always have it handy whenever you need it.
So what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and get cooking! Trust me; you’ll love how easy and delicious this cranberry sweet and sour brisket recipe is.
Easy Cranberry Sweet and Sour Brisket Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle beer
- 1 1/2 cups whole berry cranberry sauce
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1 (5 lb) beef brisket
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 -2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic (optional)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.
- In a bowl mix together beer, cranberry sauce and ketchup; set aside.
- Sprinkle the brisket with salt and pepper (I use seasoning salt) brown on both sides about 6 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
- Add in sliced onion and garlic (if using) saute for about 7-8 minutes or until soft, stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Transfer the brisket back to the pot and pour in the beer mixture and bring to a boil.
- Cover the pot tightly and transfer to the oven.
- Cook for about 3 hours at 325 degrees, or until the brisket is tender, seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper if desired the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Transfer the brisket to cutting board and slice.
- Spoon any fat off from the top of the gravy.
- Transfer the slices to a serving platter and pour over the gravy.
- Delicious!
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
You’ll Love These Recipes
The Ultimate Steak Chicana Recipe for Meat Lovers
Mouthwatering Southwest Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Delicious and Juicy Smothered Grilled Chicken Breast
Juicy Mexican Cubed Steaks for a Flavor Fiesta
Juicy Fake Steak Recipe That Will Blow Your Mind
Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta With Spinach and Tomato Recipe
Saddle Up for Deliciousness: Cowgirl BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Ultimate Budweiser BBQ Sauce Recipe
Juicy and Yummy Grilled Tampico Chicken Breast Recipe
Quick and Easy Steak Picado Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.