Slow Roasted Brisket with Red Wine Sauce
Tender, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Nothing says comfort food quite like a Slow Roasted Brisket with Red Wine Sauce. This dish is a celebration of tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat paired with a luxurious red wine sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday meal, or impressing your guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Not only is it rich and satisfying, but the slow-roasting method also fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making the wait all the more worth it. Let’s dive into how you can master this show-stopping recipe.
What is Brisket?
Brisket is a cut of beef taken from the lower chest area of the cow, known for its rich flavor and tough texture. Its location on the cow means it carries a lot of connective tissue, making it ideal for slow cooking methods like roasting, braising, or smoking. When cooked correctly, brisket becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it a favorite for comfort food enthusiasts and gourmet chefs alike.
Choosing the Best Brisket
When selecting a brisket, look for one with good marbling (thin streaks of fat throughout the meat) to ensure it stays juicy during the cooking process. You’ll typically find two main cuts: the flat cut, which is leaner and easier to slice, and the point cut, which is fattier and more flavorful. Either works for this recipe, depending on your preference.
Try some of our other recipes!
Different Cuts of Brisket
The flat cut is perfect for recipes that call for clean, uniform slices, while the point cut is ideal for shredding or recipes that benefit from extra richness. If you’re cooking for a crowd, the flat cut is your best bet for presentation and ease of serving.
Cooking Techniques
Searing 101
Searing the brisket before slow cooking isn’t just about appearance—it locks in the juices and enhances the flavor. Use a hot pan and a small amount of oil to achieve a golden-brown crust on all sides.
Understanding Slow Roasting
The key to a perfect brisket is low and slow cooking. This method allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in incredibly tender meat. Keep the oven temperature at a consistent 300°F (150°C) for best results.
How to Thicken the Sauce
To adjust the sauce consistency, you can whisk in a beurre manié (butter and flour mixture) or reduce the sauce by simmering it uncovered. If you prefer a gluten-free option, cornstarch or arrowroot powder work well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking or Undercooking
An overcooked brisket can become dry, while an undercooked one will be tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C), the sweet spot for tender brisket.
Skipping Rest Time
Resting the brisket for 15-20 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth the wait!
Not Slicing Against the Grain
Brisket has long muscle fibers that can make it chewy if not sliced correctly. Always cut against the grain to shorten the fibers and achieve a tender bite.
Creative Twists on a Classic Brisket
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and occasions. Here are several ways you can tweak and customize this dish to make it your own:
1. Herb-Crusted Brisket
Take the flavor profile up a notch by adding fresh herbs to the spice rub. Mix chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley with the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for an aromatic crust that enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
2. Smoky BBQ Brisket
For a Southern-inspired twist, replace the red wine with your favorite BBQ sauce. Add a touch of liquid smoke to the sauce for an extra smoky kick, and serve the brisket with cornbread and coleslaw for a complete meal.
3. Italian-Style Brisket
Swap the red wine for a hearty Chianti or another Italian red wine, and add a can of diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Serve with a side of creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
4. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Brisket
Make this dish keto-friendly by using xanthan gum instead of flour to thicken the sauce. Pair it with cauliflower mash or roasted Brussels sprouts to keep the meal low-carb yet satisfying.
5. Sweet and Spicy Brisket
Add a touch of brown sugar and a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a sweet-and-spicy balance. You can also drizzle a little honey into the red wine sauce for a hint of sweetness that complements the smoky flavors.
6. Asian-Inspired Brisket
Replace the red wine with soy sauce and a splash of rice wine vinegar, and add grated ginger and sesame oil to the sauce. Serve with steamed rice and sautéed bok choy for a delicious Asian-inspired version.
7. Beer-Braised Brisket
Swap the red wine for a rich stout or porter beer. The malty sweetness of the beer adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the sauce that pairs beautifully with the brisket.
8. Holiday-Style Brisket
Add a festive touch by including cranberries or cranberry sauce in the red wine sauce. The tartness balances the richness of the brisket and creates a dish perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
9. Spicy Mexican Brisket
Replace the red wine with a combination of beef broth and enchilada sauce, and add chopped green chilies or jalapeños for heat. Serve with tortillas and avocado for a brisket taco night.
10. Coffee-Rubbed Brisket
Mix ground coffee into the spice rub for a smoky, slightly bitter flavor that beautifully enhances the richness of the beef. This variation pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables or a bold red wine.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or use them as inspiration to create your own version of this slow roasted brisket. The possibilities are endless! Let us know which one you try or if you come up with your own delicious twist!
Sauce Variations for Your Slow-Roasted Brisket
The red wine sauce is already a showstopper, but if you’re feeling adventurous or want to tailor it to your preferences, here are some creative variations to try:
1. Herbaceous Twist
- Additions: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
- How to Use: Infuse the herbs while simmering the sauce. Remove them before serving for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
2. Mushroom Medley
- Additions: Sautéed mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or porcini.
- How to Use: Stir in the mushrooms after reducing the sauce. The earthy tones complement the brisket beautifully.
3. Garlic Lovers’ Delight
- Additions: Roasted garlic.
- How to Use: Mash a few roasted garlic cloves into the sauce for a creamy, savory boost.
4. Citrus Infusion
- Additions: Orange or lemon zest.
- How to Use: Add the zest while simmering to brighten the flavors. Pair with a dry red wine for a delightful contrast.
5. Balsamic Bliss
- Additions: A splash of balsamic vinegar.
- How to Use: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking for a tangy and slightly sweet finish.
6. Spicy Kick
- Additions: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- How to Use: Add during the simmering process for a gentle heat or drizzle hot sauce when serving for a bold flavor.
7. Sweet & Savory
- Additions: Honey or brown sugar.
- How to Use: Stir in a teaspoon or two for a touch of sweetness that balances the wine’s acidity.
8. Creamy Elegance
- Additions: Heavy cream or crème fraîche.
- How to Use: Swirl in at the end for a luxurious, velvety texture that feels restaurant-worthy.
9. Smoky Surprise
- Additions: Smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
- How to Use: Incorporate these during simmering to complement the brisket’s rich flavors with a smoky depth.
10. Savory Mushroom & Onion
- Additions: Caramelized onions and mushrooms.
- How to Use: Sauté onions until golden and mix with mushrooms before adding to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
11. Berry Bold
- Additions: Blackberry or raspberry preserves.
- How to Use: Stir in a spoonful of preserves for a fruity, slightly tangy twist that pairs well with red wine.
12. Asian-Inspired
- Additions: Soy sauce, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil.
- How to Use: Replace salt with soy sauce and add grated ginger while simmering. Finish with a few drops of sesame oil for a unique fusion.
Slow Roasted Brisket with Red Wine Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven or Large Oven-Safe Pot – For searing the brisket and slow roasting.
- 1 Large Skillet (optional) – For searing the brisket if you don’t have a Dutch oven.
- 1 Tongs – To handle the brisket while searing and transferring it.
- 1 Sharp Knife – For trimming fat and slicing the brisket
- 1 Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for preparing and slicing the brisket.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out ingredients for the sauce and seasoning.
- 1 Mixing Bowl – For combining the spice rub.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – To stir the sauce and scrape browned bits from the pot.
- 1 Meat Thermometer – To ensure the brisket is cooked to the ideal internal temperature.
- 1 Aluminum Foil – To cover the brisket while it rests.
- 1 Strainer or Fine Mesh Sieve – For straining the sauce to remove solids.
- 1 Saucepan – For finishing and thickening the red wine sauce.
Ingredients
For the Brisket:
- 1 (4-5 pound) Beef brisket
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
For the Red Wine Sauce:
- 2 Olive oil
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 4 Cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1½ cups Dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Fresh rosemary
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 All-purpose flour
- 2 Unsalted butter
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Brisket
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful crust during searing.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning blend generously over the brisket.
Step 2: Sear the Brisket
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the brisket on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Slow Roast
- Return the seared brisket to the pot. Add beef broth, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. Baste the brisket with the cooking liquid every hour for extra flavor.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- Once the brisket is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest, covered with foil.
- Strain the liquid into a saucepan, discarding the solids. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix butter and flour to create a paste. Whisk this into the sauce to thicken. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice the brisket against the grain into thin slices.
- Serve with the red wine sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
Storage and Leftovers
Make Ahead: This brisket is even better the next day! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, store it in the fridge with the sauce, and reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.How Long Does Brisket Last?
Store cooked brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If freezing, it will last up to 3 months. Always label and date your leftovers to keep track.Creative Leftover Ideas
Transform your leftover brisket into new meals! Try these ideas:- Brisket Sandwiches: Serve slices on a toasted bun with a dollop of coleslaw.
- Tacos: Shred the brisket and add it to soft tortillas with avocado and salsa.
- Hearty Soups: Chop it into chunks and add it to a vegetable or barley soup.
- Brisket Pasta: Toss shredded brisket with pappardelle pasta and extra sauce.
A Brisket Worth Sharing
This Slow Roasted Brisket with Red Wine Sauce is the ultimate combination of comfort and elegance. With its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, flavorful sauce, it’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The red wine sauce adds a touch of sophistication that pairs beautifully with the hearty brisket, making every bite a delightful experience. The slow roasting process not only guarantees incredible flavor but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that’s sure to get everyone excited for dinner.
We’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe! Did it become a new family favorite, or did you impress your guests with your culinary skills? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us in your photos with #SatisfyYourCravings. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and inspiration for every meal of the day. Let’s keep creating memorable meals together!