Brisket Beef Burger

Discover how to make a mouthwatering brisket beef burger that's packed with flavour and easy to prepare. This step-by-step guide will help you select the best brisket beef, create a perfectly seasoned burger patty, and cook it to juicy perfection. Serve with fresh toppings and a toasted bun for a meal that's sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer grilling or pan-frying, this recipe guarantees a tender, juicy burger every time.

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours (slow-cooker) or 3-4 hours (oven)

What ingredients do I need for Brisket Beef Burgers?

• 1.5kg beef brisket
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup beef stock or water
• 4 burger buns (toasted)
• Coleslaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce (optional)

How do I select the perfect brisket?

For the ultimate pulled brisket, look for a piece of brisket with good marbling. The fat will render down during the long cooking process, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Choose a brisket that is a uniform thickness for even cooking, and aim for a cut that weighs around 1.5kg for four servings.

Preparing the brisket

To get your brisket ready for slow cooking, start by seasoning it generously. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.

Place the seasoned brisket into a slow cooker or a large ovenproof dish. Add the beef stock or water around the brisket to keep it moist during cooking.

Slow cooking the brisket

There are two ways to cook your brisket for pulling—using a slow cooker or roasting it in the oven. Both methods will give you tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.

• Slow cooker method: Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the brisket for 6-8 hours, or until it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The low, slow cooking process will ensure the brisket becomes incredibly tender.

• Oven method: Preheat your oven to 150°C. Cover the brisket tightly with foil and roast it for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches the same fork-tender stage.

Shredding the brisket

Once your brisket is fully cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat, pulling it apart into thin, juicy strands. Mix the shredded brisket with any remaining cooking juices for extra flavour.

Assembling the pulled brisket burgers

Now it’s time to build your burger! Start by placing a generous portion of the pulled brisket on a toasted bun. You can keep it simple with just the meat, or add some of your favourite toppings for extra flavour and texture.

• Classic BBQ Pulled Brisket Burger: Pile the brisket onto the bun, top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and add a scoop of crunchy coleslaw for balance.
• Pickle-Topped Brisket Burger: Add tangy pickles and a smear of mustard to cut through the rich brisket.
• Cheesy Brisket Burger: Melt a slice of cheese over the pulled brisket for a more indulgent version.

Tips for perfect pulled brisket

• Low and slow is key: Cooking the brisket at a low temperature for an extended period is essential for achieving tender, pull-apart meat.
• Rest before shredding: Letting the brisket rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavourful.
• Save the juices: Mix the shredded brisket with the cooking juices to keep the meat moist and enhance its flavour.
• Toast the buns: Lightly toasting the buns helps them hold up against the juicy pulled brisket and toppings.

Serving and enjoying your pulled brisket burgers

Once your burgers are assembled, it’s time to serve! Here are a few ideas for sides to complement your pulled brisket burgers:

• Crispy oven fries: Bake some potato wedges tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper until golden and crispy.
• Sweet potato wedges: For a sweeter side, roast sweet potato wedges with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or roasted corn with butter and a dash of chilli powder makes a great side.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balance to the richness of the pulled brisket.

No matter how you serve it, this pulled brisket burger will make for a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy!