Braised Brisket Tacos

Fork-tender brisket tacos are a delightful twist on traditional Mexican fare. The Braised Brisket Tacos recipe combines rich flavors and textures, featuring juicy brisket nestled in warm tortillas. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinner parties, or any celebration where delicious food is a must. Pairing the brisket with tangy street corn and spicy jalapeño ranch elevates it to a crowd-pleaser status that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
• Flavor Explosion – The spice blend and toppings create a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Customizable Ingredients – Adjust the heat levels and toppings to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos shine.
• Fork-Tender Meat – Slow cooking makes the brisket incredibly tender and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools ready. They will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot or Dutch oven
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor or blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot or Dutch oven: These allow for even cooking of the brisket, ensuring it’s tender and full of flavor.
• Large skillet: Perfect for grilling tortillas and melting cheese to hold your tacos together.
• Food processor or blender: Helps create smooth sauces and dressings quickly, enhancing the overall dish.

Ingredients

Fork-tender brisket in warm tortillas, topped with tangy street corn and a kick of jalapeño ranch. A perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

For the Braised Brisket

• 1½ tablespoons chipotle powder (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 3 pounds brisket or beef chuck, cut into 4 chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed or minced
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chipotle adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)
• 2 cups beef stock or broth
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For Tacos

• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size works best)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (quesadilla, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)

For Street Corn Salad

• 4 ears fresh corn, husked and grilled (or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed and charred in a skillet)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• ⅓ cup scallions, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (can substitute feta in a pinch)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced

For Jalapeño Ranch Sauce

• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
• ½-1 teaspoon chili powder (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½-¾ cup pickled jalapeños (adjust based on spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapeños

For Garnish

How to Make Braised Brisket Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the chipotle powder, paprika, dried oregano, ground allspice, and coriander until well combined. This aromatic blend will give your brisket that perfect balance of heat and flavor.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Cut your brisket or beef chuck into four roughly equal chunks. Season the meat generously on all sides with a few teaspoons of your spice rub. Gently press it in to help adhere.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Heat the olive oil in your Instant Pot using the Sauté function (or in a Dutch oven over high heat). When hot, add the meat pieces in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Brown each piece thoroughly on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelization adds incredible depth of flavor. Transfer browned meat to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant for about 3-4 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom — that’s pure flavor! Add remaining spice rub along with orange juice, lime juice, crushed tomatoes, adobo sauce, and beef stock. Stir well to combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook the Brisket

Return browned meat to the pot nestled into the liquid. If using an Instant Pot: Secure lid; set valve to sealing position; cook on Pressure Cook (high) for 60 minutes. If using stovetop: Cover Dutch oven; simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until meat is fork-tender.

Step 6: Shred the Meat

Once tender, remove meat from cooking liquid; shred it using two forks. Return shredded meat to pot; simmer on Sauté mode (or medium heat) for another 5-10 minutes allowing flavors to concentrate while some liquid evaporates.

Step 7: Grill Corn & Make Salad

If using fresh corn: Grill ears until lightly charred; carefully cut kernels off cob. If using frozen corn: Thaw then char in skillet over medium-high heat. In a medium bowl combine corn kernels with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice/zest, scallions, cotija cheese, cilantro, diced jalapeño chili powder & salt. Mix well; refrigerate until ready.

Step 8: Make Jalapeño Ranch Sauce

In food processor/blender combine pickled jalapeños with their juice & cilantro; pulse until mostly smooth & scrape down sides as needed. In separate bowl mix mayonnaise with sour cream & dry ranch seasoning along with garlic powder & salt. Add jalapeño-cilantro purée into mixture; stir well then gradually add lime juice & buttermilk until desired consistency is reached; refrigerate until ready.

Step 9: Assemble Tacos

Heat large skillet over medium-low heat adding thin layer of neutral oil like canola/vegetable oil. Place one/two tortillas in pan; sprinkle shredded cheese on half of each tortilla along with generous portion of drained brisket then fold tortilla over creating taco shape. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but pliable allowing melted cheese seal taco.

Step 10: Serve

Place crispy tacos on plates opening slightly add scoop street corn salad inside each taco drizzle generously with jalapeño lime ranch topping garnishing extra cilantro if desired! Serve immediately while hot & crispy alongside lime wedges for added brightness!

Enjoy your delicious Braised Brisket Tacos!

How to Serve Braised Brisket Tacos

Braised brisket tacos are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these tacos can be served with various toppings and sides to enhance their flavor.

Classic Toppings

• Fresh Cilantro – Adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich brisket.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.
• Sliced Jalapeños – For those who love extra heat, fresh jalapeños provide a spicy kick.

Accompaniments

• Pickled Red Onions – These tangy onions offer a crunchy contrast to the tender brisket.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and smooth texture to each bite.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A dollop of sour cream brings creaminess and coolness, balancing the spices.

Side Salads

• Street Corn Salad – This sweet and savory salad made with grilled corn pairs perfectly for an authentic touch.
• Pico de Gallo – A fresh salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime enhances flavor and freshness.

How to Perfect Braised Brisket Tacos

Perfecting braised brisket tacos involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Following these suggestions will ensure your tacos are flavorful and satisfying.

• Choose Quality Meat – Opt for well-marbled brisket or beef chuck for the best texture and flavor.
• Let it Rest – After cooking, let the meat rest to allow juices to redistribute for tender bites.
• Season Generously – Don’t be shy with spices; they are key to infusing flavor into the brisket.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate your tacos’ taste significantly.
• Warm Tortillas Properly – Softening tortillas on a skillet helps prevent them from cracking when filled.
• Experiment with Toppings – Try different salsas or cheeses to find the combination that you love most.

Best Side Dishes for Braised Brisket Tacos

When serving braised brisket tacos, pairing them with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the flavors of the tacos beautifully.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add protein and richness; serve them warm as a dip or on the side.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition to your meal.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make for an excellent appetizer before tacos.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – This grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and spices is a tasty homage to Mexican flavors.
6. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, cilantro, and lime provides a healthy side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Braised Brisket Tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the spice rub: Not seasoning the brisket properly can lead to bland tacos. Always ensure you generously apply your spice blend before cooking.

• Overcrowding the pot: Cooking too much meat at once will prevent proper browning. Work in batches to allow each piece to sear well for maximum flavor.

• Rushing the cooking time: Braised brisket needs time to become tender. Don’t rush the pressure cooking or simmering; follow the recommended times for best results.

• Neglecting the corn salad: A fresh corn salad adds brightness and texture but can be forgotten. Prepare it while the brisket cooks to enhance your tacos’ flavors.

• Serving without garnishes: Tacos can taste flat without toppings. Always add cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeño ranch for a burst of flavor and color.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Braised Brisket Tacos in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Braised Brisket Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Braised Brisket Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and wrap tacos in foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Stovetop: Warm a skillet over medium heat, then add tacos for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Braised Brisket Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the brisket a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

What type of meat is best for Braised Brisket Tacos?

Brisket is ideal due to its fatty content, which keeps it tender during cooking. Beef chuck is also a great alternative if brisket is unavailable.

How spicy are these Braised Brisket Tacos?

The spice level can vary depending on how much chipotle powder you use. Adjust according to your heat preference by adding less or more spice.

What toppings go well with Braised Brisket Tacos?

Toppings like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeño ranch, and street corn salad complement these tacos wonderfully, enhancing their flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Braised Brisket Tacos are a fantastic dish that combines rich flavors with delightful textures. Their versatility allows you to customize toppings and spice levels according to your taste preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will impress everyone at your table. Give it a try today!

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