Chopped Brisket Sandwich

Brisket, the king of barbecue. Smoked low and slow until tender and delicious. This cut of beef knows no equal. But let’s get crazy this week and take it further. Cube up that brisket point, toss it in a homemade beer BBQ sauce and slap it on a sando. Yes, this is a Chopped Brisket Sandwich recipe! Now we have one hand free to drink beer while eating brisket!

A close up shot of a burnt ends sandwich.

BURNT ENDS SANDWICH
MEAT SELECTION for Brisket Sandwich
BUILD-A-SAUCE FOR CHOPPED BRISKET SANDWICH
CHOPPED BRISKET SANDWICH GETS SMOKED
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Brisket Sandwich INGREDIENTS
HOW TO MAKE A BRISKET SANDWICH

MAKE THE BEER BBQ SAUCE
MAKING THE BRISKET

TIPS
More From The Smoker
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS AND REHEAT
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BBQ BRISKET SANDWICHES
RECIPE FAQs
Chopped Brisket Sandwich Recipe

BURNT ENDS SANDWICH

As for this BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe, we are going to start by using one of its two cuts. Now, a full-packer brisket is comprised of two muscles: the superior and inferior pectorals (also known as the point and the flat). Yes, it’s a cow boob.

For these barbecue brisket sandwiches, the fattier point is ideal. The flat can be purchased separately, but the point cannot be easily found by itself. This leaves us with two options: cook a whole brisket or separate the two muscles. Cooking a whole brisket is a larger time investment and the better option if you’re cooking for a large group. However, separate gives you more flexibility in how you cook each part.

Separating a brisket sounds like an arduous task, but the brisket does most of the work. Most butchery follows the natural seams between muscles in the animal. The brisket is no different since there’s a large fat seam that runs between the brisket point and the flat.

Use a sharp knife and separate the two along this natural divide. Cut the fatty white stuff, but stay away from the red meat stuff. A little clan up trimming at the end, and now you have two BBQ cuts.

For more brisket, check out my Texas Smoked Brisket Recipe, Brisket Burnt Ends, HOT AND FAST SMOKED BRISKET RECIPE, and Smoked Brisket Queso.

MEAT SELECTION for Brisket Sandwich

There are so many ways to make brisket. Some want an easy smoked brisket while others might want a more classic Texas Style Brisket. With so many options, we all learn that brisket takes a while to cook and a lifetime to perfect.

BUILD-A-SAUCE FOR CHOPPED BRISKET SANDWICH

Barbecue sauce is a funny thing. It’s good, it’s really good. It’s so good, in fact, that BBQ restaurants will use it to cover up poorly cooked barbecue. My rule of thumb is no barbecue sauce when trying a new joint for the first time. The meat needs to stand up on its own. But I digress. Since burnt ends are nothing without a crazy good barbecue sauce.

To those ends, we’re cooking up a Guinness beer barbecue sauce. A good sauce, at its core, isn’t that complicated. I usually go for a ketchup/vinegar combo sauce, so that’s what we’re doing today. Reduce down beer as a base and seasoning to compliment. We’re in business.

For a variety of BBQ sauce recipes, check out my Huli Huli Ribs with Sriracha BBQ Sauce, Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, and Grilled Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks with Alabama White Sauce.

CHOPPED BRISKET SANDWICH GETS SMOKED

If you’ve cooked a brisket before, cooking a brisket point is exactly the same. Smoke until you hit the stall, 160 to 170 degrees internal, wrap and cook until probe tender. The brisket point is just slightly smaller and, therefore, a slightly faster cook.

I could even argue that it’s an easier cook than the whole brisket since with a whole brisket, the point and the flat cook differently. One being fattier and thicker, one being leaner and thinner. Just remember to crack a beer and enjoy the day!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

A brisket sandwich recipe is the perfect easy recipe for any meat lover. With a few simple steps, you can create tender beef brisket smoked to perfection with Mesquite Peppercorn Lager Rub for that ideal balance of heat and spice. The magic happens with the tangy BBQ sauce, simmered with Guinness Beer, for a tangy sweetness that ties the whole sandwich together. Versatile, delicious, and perfect for family gatherings or special occasions – it’s the only way you’ll want to enjoy brisket from now on.

Brisket Sandwich INGREDIENTS

Brisket – Its tender, slow-cooked goodness forms the heart of your sandwich.
Mesquite Peppercorn Lager Rub – It’s the secret weapon for infusing your brisket with tons of flavor that’s downright irresistible.
Beef Tallow – Ensures your brisket stays moist and succulent.
Guinness Beer – Its malty richness imparts a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with slow-cooked beef.

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The BBQ Sauce:

Salt and Pepper
Garlic and Onion – These aromatic powerhouses bring layers of savory goodness. They’re the aromatic backbone of your sauce.
Chili Powder and Cayenne – These ingredients add a kick, turning your sauce into a flavor fiesta.
Worcestershire Sauce – The umami magic. It adds depth and a savory punch that elevates the entire sauce.
Ketchup – Sweetness and tanginess come into play here. It’s the base that ties everything together.
Apple Cider Vinegar – A touch of acidity for balance. It brightens up the sauce and keeps things lively.
Brown Sugar – A hint of sweetness that plays off the savory elements, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Guinness Beer – Yes, again! This time, it adds a subtle malty note to the sauce, complementing the richness of the brisket.

HOW TO MAKE A BRISKET SANDWICH

MAKE THE BEER BBQ SAUCE

First up, whip up that BBQ sauce. It’s super easy, and you can even do it the day before. Just toss the beer into a sauce pot over medium heat. Let it simmer until it’s down to half its size. Then, throw in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite seasonings. Let it cook until it’s nice and thick. Now, here’s the trick – store it in a squeeze bottle for easy access and use.

The ingredients set out of the Guinness BBQ sauce.

MAKING THE BRISKET

Now, about that brisket. You can go big and cook it whole, or if you’re feeling like sharing, divide it in half – the flat and the point. We’re rolling with the fatty, juicy brisket point for this one.

Get that smoker cranked up to 250F, and don’t forget a water pan with a mix of water and beer for some extra flavor vibes. Season the brisket point with the Mesquite Peppercorn Lager Rub and throw it on the smoker, just like our SMOKED BRISKET.

Let that bad boy smoke until the internal temperature hits around 170F. Then, wrap it up in butcher paper and aluminum foil, and keep going until it hits a juicy 205F and is poking tender.

Once it’s done, cover it in beef tallow and let the wrapped brisket chill in a cooler for a couple of hours until it’s down to 160F.

The chopped meat ready to be turned into a sandwich.

Now, the fun part. Chop that tender brisket into bite-sized cubes, toss them in that homemade barbecue sauce we made earlier, slap it on a bun, throw on some pickled onions or whatever floats your topping boat, and dig in! Cheers!

TIPS

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the brisket reaches at least 170F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Let your beef brisket come to room temperature before the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Use burger buns or brioche buns for your rich barbecue brisket sandwiches!

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS AND REHEAT

Store leftover beef brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months.

Before reheating, make sure you bring your brisket to room temperature. Then, reheat using the following instructions:

Preheat your oven to 225-250F. A low and slow heat ensures your brisket warms up without drying out.
Place the leftover brisket in a piece of aluminum foil. You can add a splash of broth, apple juice, or water to the foil to help maintain moisture during reheating.
Pop the foil-wrapped brisket into the preheated oven. Let it warm up for about 30-45 minutes for a few slices or longer if you have a larger portion.

For a more convenient option, feel free to pop your brisket in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top. Heat for 1-2 minutes.

Don’t feel like eating leftover brisket sandwiches? Make BBQ BRISKET NACHOS or LEFTOVER BRISKET BREAKFAST SKILLET instead with the leftover brisket!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BBQ BRISKET SANDWICHES

Serve up these delicious BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches with some potato salad, crunchy potato chips, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a delicious meal.

RECIPE FAQs

Where can I buy beef brisket?

You can most likely find brisket at your local grocery store but if not, a local butcher or online will be your best bet.

Can I use a different rub for the brisket?

Absolutely! While the Mesquite Peppercorn Lager Rub is fantastic, feel free to experiment with your favorite rubs. The key is finding one that complements the smoky flavor you desire.

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