Barbacoa Brisket

Introduction to Barbacoa Brisket

Barbacoa is a traditional dish that originates from the Caribbean and eventually made its way to Mexico, where it became a cherished staple. The word 'barbacoa' can refer to the method of cooking meat that results in a tender, juicy dish full of rich flavors. Typically, barbacoa is made by slow-cooking meat until it is soft enough to pull apart with a fork. Brisket, with its marbling and toughness, becomes marvellously succulent when cooked low and slow, making it a perfect candidate for barbacoa.

Ingredients

• Brisket - 3 lbs
• Onions - 2 large, diced
• Garlic - 5 cloves, minced
• Beef broth - 2 cups
• Apple cider vinegar - 1 cup
• Chipotles in adobo - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 1 tablespoon
• Oregano - 1 tablespoon, dried
• Lime - 1, juice and zest
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Preparation

The first step in preparing Barbacoa Brisket is to gather all your ingredients. Make sure your Brisket is thawed and ready to work with. Begin by patting the Brisket dry with a paper towel.

Marinating the Brisket

In a large bowl, combine the juice and zest of the Lime, Garlic, and Chipotles in adobo. Add the Cumin and Oregano into the mixture, followed by the Salt and Black pepper to taste. Mix well.

Rub the marinade generously over the Brisket, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least four hours, but preferably overnight to let the flavors fully penetrate the meat.

Cooking Process

Slow Cooking Method

After marinating, take the Brisket out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, set your oven to 275°F (135°C) or prepare a slow cooker.

If using an oven, place the Brisket into a large roasting pan along with the diced Onions. If using a slow cooker, place them directly into the cooker.

Pour the Beef broth and Apple cider vinegar over the meat. Cover the pan or slow cooker with its lid or foil.

Cook the meat in the oven or slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours, or until the Brisket is easily shredded with a fork.

Final Touches

Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the heat source and place it on a large cutting board. Allow the Brisket to rest for 15 minutes before shredding to ensure it remains juicy.

Shred the Brisket using forks, and mix it back with the juices in the pan or slow cooker. Let it sit for an additional 10 minutes to soak up flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Barbacoa Brisket can be enjoyed in numerous ways; its rich flavors and tender texture make it ideal for a variety of dishes.

• In tortillas for sumptuous tacos topped with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a squeeze of extra lime.

• Served over warm rice with a side of beans for a hearty meal.

• As a filling for burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas, garnished with your favorite toppings.

This versatile meat dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table, offering a taste of history with every bite.