Tender Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwiches

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this sensational BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe! Imagine succulent, fall-apart beef brisket, cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, generously piled onto soft, buttery brioche rolls. Each mouthwatering sandwich is then elevated with a drizzle of an easy-to-make, sweet, and tangy homemade barbecue sauce, crowned with crisp, refreshing cole slaw, and finished with the delightful crunch of pickle chips. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, and the best part? The brisket often tastes even better the next day, making it the ultimate make-ahead dish for effortless entertaining.

Our home thrives on the warmth of friends and family gatherings, and when it comes to hosting, my goal is always to maximize quality time with loved ones, not hours spent chained to the kitchen. Yet, serving undeniably delicious meals remains a top priority. This recipe perfectly bridges that gap, allowing you to create an impressive spread with minimal fuss.

The inspiration for sharing this incredibly easy and make-ahead brisket sandwich recipe struck me after a recent family dinner. The dining table, usually bustling with lively conversation, fell into an uncharacteristic quiet as everyone savored the rich flavors of these barbecue beef masterpieces. Each bite was met with contented smiles, a testament to the irresistible combination of tender meat and zesty toppings. It was clear this recipe was too good not to share.

With the promise of warm summer months, bringing with them a season packed with delightful barbecues, memorable picnics, and relaxed dinners, I knew this recipe would become a cherished favorite for many. It’s the kind of dish that adapts effortlessly, whether you’re hosting a large crowd or simply enjoying a laid-back evening with your immediate family. These sandwiches bring the vibrant taste of authentic barbecue right to your table, promising a meal that is both satisfying and delightfully simple to prepare.

My Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe encapsulates everything you adore about classic barbecue. It begins with exquisitely tender beef brisket, slow-cooked to juicy perfection. This succulent meat is then generously topped with a homemade barbecue sauce—a masterful blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes. Add a layer of crunchy, refreshing cole slaw and the delightful tang of pickle chips, all piled high on a pillowy soft brioche bun, and you have an out-of-this-world sandwich that promises an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Be forewarned: this is a gloriously messy affair, so keep a stack of napkins at the ready to fully embrace the deliciousness of this brisket sandwich with cole slaw.

The secret to achieving such tender beef brisket in record time lies in the power of the Instant Pot. This versatile kitchen appliance is a game-changer for tougher cuts of meat like beef brisket, chuck roast, and pork shoulder, transforming them into fork-tender marvels. It significantly speeds up the cooking process while locking in moisture and flavor, delivering consistent results every time. If you’re a fan of convenient and delicious Instant Pot creations, you’ll also love my Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches, another testament to this appliance’s incredible capabilities.

Why the Instant Pot is Your Brisket Best Friend

Traditional brisket can take hours, even a full day, to cook to that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The Instant Pot revolutionizes this by utilizing high-pressure cooking. This method dramatically reduces cooking time while ensuring the beef brisket remains incredibly moist and flavorful. The sealed environment of the Instant Pot prevents moisture loss, resulting in a juicy, succulent brisket that rivals any slow-cooked version. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without the extensive wait.

Understanding Your Brisket Cut: Flat vs. Point

When selecting your beef brisket, you’ll typically find two main cuts: the flat and the point. The flat cut, used in this recipe, is leaner and has a more uniform thickness, making it ideal for slicing or shredding uniformly. The point cut, on the other hand, is fattier and often used for burnt ends. For these sandwiches, the flat cut delivers the perfect balance of meatiness and tenderness. Proper trimming of the fat is key to a delicious, not overly greasy, end product. Aim to leave about a quarter-inch of fat, which will render down during cooking, adding flavor and moisture.

The Ingredients for BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches: A Symphony of Flavors

• Beef Brisket: The star of the show, providing rich, savory flavor and incredible tenderness when cooked right.
• Montreal Steak Seasoning: A robust, all-purpose blend that adds a fantastic peppery, garlicky, and oniony crust to the brisket.
• Onion: Adds a foundational layer of aromatic sweetness to the cooking liquid, infusing the brisket with deeper flavor.
• Reduced Sodium Beef Stock: Crucial for the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking and creating a flavorful broth that keeps the brisket moist.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the base of our tangy cole slaw vinaigrette.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the essential tang and acidity for both the BBQ sauce (if homemade) and the vibrant cole slaw.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity in the cole slaw dressing and contributes to the sweetness in the BBQ sauce.
• Kosher Salt & Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
• Shredded Cabbage and Carrot Mix: The foundation for our crisp, refreshing cole slaw, offering a delightful textural contrast.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce or your favorite store-bought brand: The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that ties the entire sandwich together.
• Bread and Butter Pickle Chips: Their sweet and sour crunch provides a crucial counterpoint to the rich brisket.
• Brioche Buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully rich, these buns are the perfect vehicle for holding all the delicious fillings.

How Do You Make Pulled Brisket Sandwiches? A Step-by-Step Guide

• Season the Brisket: Our secret weapon for incredible flavor is Montreal Steak Seasoning. This robust blend is my go-to for many meats, and it truly shines on brisket. Generously rub both sides of your beef brisket with the seasoning, ensuring every inch is coated for maximum flavor penetration.
• Cook the Brisket in an Instant Pot: Place sliced onion at the bottom of your Instant Pot, then nestle in the seasoned brisket. Pour in the reduced sodium beef broth. Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 75 minutes. After the cooking cycle, allow a Natural Release for 15 minutes to ensure the brisket remains tender and juicy. This slow release of pressure is crucial for texture.
• Shred the Brisket: Carefully remove the tender brisket from the Instant Pot. Transfer it to a large cutting board or a sturdy bowl. Using two forks, easily shred the brisket apart. Discard any remaining large pieces of fat. Transfer the shredded beef to a bowl and add about a cup of the rich cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. This liquid will keep the brisket moist and infuse it with even more flavor.
• Make the Cole Slaw: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and pepper until well combined. This forms a simple yet vibrant vinaigrette. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot mix to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are coated in the tangy dressing. Set aside until ready to assemble.
• Assemble the Brisket Sandwiches: Slice your brioche buns and prepare for assembly. For each sandwich, place a generous amount of the warm, shredded beef brisket on the bottom half of the bun. Drizzle liberally with your favorite homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce. Top with a hearty portion of the prepared cole slaw and a few crunchy bread and butter pickle chips. Place the top bun, and prepare to enjoy a truly unforgettable barbecue experience!

Can You Make Brisket in Advance? Absolutely!

One of the many charms of this Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe is its fantastic make-ahead potential. In fact, many argue that the beef brisket tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. To prepare in advance, simply cook the brisket as directed in the recipe. Once cooked, shred the beef and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the shredded brisket, along with some of its flavorful cooking liquid, into an airtight container. These glass storage containers are excellent for this purpose. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked brisket for up to 3 months. When reheating, a splash more of the reserved cooking liquid will help maintain its moisture and flavor, whether you’re warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

My Cooking Videos for Inspiration

Chef-Approved Tips for Making the Best Brisket Sandwiches

• Trim the Fat Wisely: Before cooking, use a sharp knife to trim excess hard fat from the beef brisket. While some fat is essential for flavor and moisture, too much can make the brisket greasy. Aim to leave about a ¼ inch layer of fat on the beef. This small amount will render down beautifully, infusing the meat with richness without overwhelming it.
• Save That Liquid Gold: After your beef brisket finishes cooking in the Instant Pot, you’ll find a rich, savory, and incredibly delicious liquid remaining in the pot. Do not discard this! This “liquid gold” is packed with flavor. Pour about a cup of it over your shredded beef to keep it moist and add an extra depth of flavor. Save any remaining liquid to use when reheating the beef later; it’s perfect for revitalizing the brisket and ensuring it stays juicy.
• Empower Your Guests with Sauce: For a personalized touch, I love to offer the barbecue sauce on the side, allowing each person to add as much or as little as they prefer to their sandwich. Simple plastic squeeze bottles are ideal for this purpose, making it easy for everyone to drizzle just the right amount of sauce without any mess.
• Toast Your Buns: For an extra layer of texture and warmth, lightly toast your brioche buns before assembling the sandwiches. A quick grill on a hot griddle or a few minutes in a toaster oven will add a slight crispness that holds up beautifully against the moist brisket and toppings.
• Customize Your Cole Slaw: While our recipe calls for a simple vinaigrette, feel free to experiment with your cole slaw. A creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing can also be a delightful addition, or you can add finely chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.

What Goes with a BBQ Brisket Sandwich? Perfect Side Dish Pairings

BBQ beef brisket sandwiches are a fabulous main course, especially when you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a relaxed meal. But what truly completes this classic barbecue experience? Here are some of my all-time favorite side dishes that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the brisket:

• Homestyle Red Potato Salad with Dill Pickles: A creamy, tangy potato salad offers a comforting and classic pairing, with the pickles echoing the brininess in the sandwich.
• Chickpea Salad with Fresh Herb Vinaigrette: For a lighter, fresher option, this vibrant salad provides a nice contrast with its herbaceous notes and protein-packed chickpeas.
• Spicy Deviled Eggs with Jalapenos: A kick of heat and creamy texture make deviled eggs an exciting addition, enhancing the barbecue theme.
• The Best Crispy Oven Fries: You can never go wrong with perfectly crispy fries alongside a hearty sandwich.
• Melon Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Pine Nuts: A sweet and refreshing fruit salad provides a palate cleanser, especially on a hot day.
• Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Fries: A healthier, naturally sweet alternative to traditional fries, offering earthy flavors.
• Summer Avocado, Corn, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad: A burst of fresh summer flavors and textures that lightens the meal beautifully.
• Apple, Fennel, and Radish Slaw with Pecans and Blue Cheese: An elevated slaw with complex flavors and textures for a gourmet touch.
• Lemony Cauliflower Salad with Edamame and Chickpeas: A bright, zesty, and satisfying salad that adds a healthy and flavorful component.

Just One More Thing… We’d Love to Hear From You!

If you embark on making this delightful Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe, your feedback means the world to us! Please take a moment to leave a comment below and/or give this recipe a rating. We genuinely do our best to reply to all your wonderful comments and love hearing about your cooking adventures. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your culinary creation and post it to Instagram, tagging us! We’ll be thrilled to add your photos to our Insta stories, celebrating all your delicious creations.

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