If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your brisket, look no further than this incredible brisket marinade recipe. A marinade can be a game-changer when it comes to cooking brisket, as it can help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with bold, delicious flavors.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some extra zing to their smoked brisket, whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner. It’s also a great choice for those looking to impress guests at a backyard BBQ or special occasion.
The level of difficulty for this recipe is moderate, but don’t let that scare you off. All you need is a large bowl, a whisk or fork, and a resealable plastic bag to get started. Once you’ve combined the ingredients in the bowl and poured them over the brisket in the bag, it’s simply a matter of letting the meat marinate for a few hours or overnight.
Get ready for an explosion of flavors when you try this amazing brisket marinade recipe. It’s sure to become a staple in your cooking arsenal, and your taste buds will thank you for it. So, fire up the grill or preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!
What Makes a Good Brisket Marinade?
Marinades are a great way to add flavor and tenderness to meat, and beef is no exception. Different beef marinades have various ingredients that can change the taste and texture of the meat. In general, the common components in a beef marinade include:
- Acidic liquids: Vinegar, lemon juice, or wine is often used in beef marinades. These liquids help to break down the tough connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and juicy.
- Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil is another common ingredient in beef marinades. The oil helps to keep the meat moist and prevents it from sticking to the grill or pan.
- Aromatics: Garlic, onion, ginger, and herbs are examples of aromatics that add flavor to the meat and complement the other ingredients in the marinade.
- Salt: The inclusion of salt in a marinade (including onions salt and garlic salt) enhances the flavor of the meat.
- Sweeteners: Honey, sugar, or molasses are often used in beef marinades to balance out the acidity of the marinade and add a sweet note to the meat.
- Spices: Black pepper, cumin, or paprika are examples of spices that add depth and complexity to the flavor of the meat.
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: These sauces add a savory, umami flavor to the meat.
The exact proportions of these ingredients will vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. While marinades can enhance the flavor and texture of meat, it’s important to note that they won’t necessarily make tough meat tender if it’s overcooked.
Our brisket marinade recipe incorporates these common ingredients, such as the acidic red wine, the oil in the form of olive oil, and the aromatic onion and garlic powder.
The use of horseradish adds a unique twist, while the lemon juice and cayenne pepper add depth and complexity to the flavor. All these elements combined result in a delicious and well-rounded flavor that is sure to impress.
How To Make A Brisket Marinade
Prepare and Gather all the Ingredients
Before you start making your marinade, you will need to gather all the ingredients. For this recipe, you will need: 1 cup red wine, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp prepared horseradish, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 small onion, chopped, and 1 tbsp garlic powder.
Make sure to measure out all of your ingredients ahead of time, so you have everything you need when it’s time to mix them together.
Combine and Stir the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Make sure all of the ingredients are well combined and that there are no lumps. You want a smooth, well-mixed marinade. Use a whisk to ensure the mix is well-combined.
Marinate the Brisket
Place the brisket in a large, resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Pour the marinade over the brisket, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate overnight.
It’s important to turn the brisket occasionally while it’s marinating. This will ensure that all sides of the brisket are evenly marinated.
Cook the Brisket
After marinating overnight, remove the brisket from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Preheat your grill or smoker to 225-250°F.
Place the brisket on the grill or smoker, fat side up, and close the lid. Cook the brisket until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F. This can take anywhere from 8-16 hours, depending on the size of the brisket.
Boil Leftover Marinade
Boil the leftover marinade in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that any bacteria from the raw meat are killed. You can use the boiled marinade as a mop or brush over the brisket in the cooking process.
Serve & Enjoy!
When the brisket is done, remove it from the grill or smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips For Making a Great Brisket Marinade
Here are a few beginner-friendly tips to help you get the most out of this brisket marinade recipe.
- Don’t skimp on the marinating time: Marinating overnight is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. If you can, try to marinate for 24-48 hours for even more flavor.
- Let the brisket come to room temperature before cooking: Taking the brisket out of the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for an hour or two before cooking can help it cook more evenly.
- Choose the right wood pellets: For the best results, choose a type of wood pellet that complements the flavors in your marinade. Mesquite or hickory pellets can add a smoky flavor, while fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry can add a subtle sweetness.
Brisket Recipes
Now that you’ve got the marinade down, you need a great brisket recipe! Check out these recipes for some of the best brisket-cooking tips.
- Smoked Brisket Recipe
- Brisket Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Brisket Hash Recipe
- Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Brisket Fries Recipe
Brisket Marinade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Red Wine
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp Mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Prepared Horseradish
- 1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Prepare and gather all the ingredients.
- Combine and stir the red wine, mustard, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, salt and pepper (cayenne), onion, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
- Start pouring the marinade over the brisket and fridge overnight to marinate. You must turn it occasionally while marinating.
- After marinating, remove the brisket from the marinade. Boil the marinade in a saucepan for 5 minutes and use it as a mop or brush over the brisket in the cooking process.
Nutrition
Brisket Marinade FAQS
What is a brisket marinade?
A brisket marinade is a mixture of various ingredients that you use to soak a brisket before cooking to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
What is the purpose of marinating the brisket overnight?
Marinating the brisket overnight allows the acidic liquids in the marinade to break down the connective tissue in the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
What temperature should I cook the brisket at?
It’s best to cook the brisket low and slow in your slow cooker at a temperature of around 225-250°F to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes tender and juicy brisket.
What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking the brisket?
The type of wood pellets you use will depend on your personal preference, but some popular choices for brisket include oak, hickory, and mesquite.
Can I use this marinade for other cuts of beef?
Yes, this marinade works well for other cuts of beef like sirloin, flank, and tri-tip.
How often should I turn the brisket while marinating?
It’s best to turn the brisket every 8 hours while marinating to ensure the marinade is distributed evenly.
Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, be sure to stir it well before using it to marinate the brisket.
What’s the difference between a dry rub and a marinade?
A dry rub is a mixture of dry ingredients like sugar or brown sugar and paprika and is applied before cooking to add rich flavor and texture. A marinade, on the other hand, contains a balanced mix of spices and liquid ingredients that help tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.
Is It Safe to Use Beef Broth While Marinating a Brisket?
Beef broth can be safely used to marinate a brisket, which not only adds flavor but also contributes to a tender and well-textured smoked brisket.
Can I Include Worcestershire Sauce in My Brisket Marinade?
Yes! Worcestershire sauce can also be used to add flavor to the brisket.
What Are Some Essential Tips When Marinating a Beef Brisket?
Marination tips include marinating the brisket for at least an hour per pound, ensuring the marinade reaches the whole surface of the brisket, using a pot or a baking dish to hold the meat cut and marinade in one place, and turning the sides of the brisket for an even coating.