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Saucy Instant Pot Shredded Beef Brisket Recipe

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4 from 1 review

This saucy shredded beef brisket is a rich, tender, and deeply flavorful dish made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. The brisket is perfectly seared and slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and spices, then finished with a silky smooth blended sauce. It's an impressive, restaurant-quality meal that is simple to prepare at home and perfect for any comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Beef and Seasoning

  • 2 ½ Pounds Beef Brisket, cut into 2-3 pieces
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 Carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 Small Yellow Onion, diced
  • 6 Cloves Garlic, sliced

Spices and Sauces

  • 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 2 Teaspoons Dried Thyme
  • 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Liquid and Garnish

  • 2 ½ Cups Beef Broth
  • 1 Lime, juiced (~3 tablespoons)
  • 1 Bunch Chives, finely chopped, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Brisket: Generously rub the brisket pieces with kosher salt and ground black pepper on all sides, ensuring an even coating. Set aside to let the seasoning penetrate.
  2. Sear the Brisket: Heat avocado oil in a large pot over high heat until very hot. Place brisket pieces fat side down and sear undisturbed for 5–6 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the brisket and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics: Lower heat to medium and add diced carrots, onion, and sliced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add Spices and Liquids: Stir in smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground black pepper, kosher salt, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Cook the mixture for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Transfer to Instant Pot: Carefully transfer the vegetable and broth mixture into the Instant Pot. Nestle the seared brisket pieces into the liquid and evenly squeeze lime juice over the top.
  6. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set it to high pressure, and cook for 1 hour and 40 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of pressure.
  7. Shred the Brisket: Remove the brisket from the Instant Pot and shred it using forks or meat claws to your desired consistency.
  8. Blend the Sauce: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the remaining cooking liquid and vegetables until silky smooth.
  9. Serve: Pour the blended sauce over the shredded brisket, garnish with finely chopped chives, and enjoy your homemade saucy shredded beef brisket.

Notes

  • Cutting the brisket into 2-3 pieces helps it cook evenly and fit better in the pot.
  • Searing the meat before pressure cooking enhances the flavor and texture of the brisket.
  • For easier shredding, let the brisket rest for a few minutes after cooking.
  • The blended sauce can be adjusted for thickness by simmering it down if desired.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus brightness in the sauce.
  • Avocado oil is chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor; substitute with other high-heat oils if needed.