Tender Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwiches

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe! Forget hours of slow smoking; we’re achieving melt-in-your-mouth, tender, and incredibly juicy beef brisket using the convenience of an Instant Pot. This flavorful brisket is then generously piled onto soft brioche rolls, drizzled with an easy-to-make sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce, and perfectly complemented by crisp cole slaw and crunchy pickles. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. What’s even better? This brisket tastes phenomenal the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for gatherings or busy weeknights.

As someone who cherishes time spent with friends and family, I always look for recipes that allow me to enjoy my guests rather than being tethered to the kitchen. Yet, serving a truly memorable and delicious meal remains a top priority. This Easy Make-Ahead Brisket Sandwich recipe was born from that very desire.

The inspiration struck recently when I served these barbecue beef sandwiches to my family. The dinner table, usually buzzing with conversation, fell into an uncharacteristic quiet as everyone savored each mouthwatering bite. It was a clear sign that this recipe was a winner and absolutely had to be shared!

With summer on the horizon, bringing with it barbecues, picnics, and endless opportunities for outdoor dining, I knew this would be the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Imagine the ease of preparing a show-stopping meal that can be largely done in advance, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

This brisket sandwich recipe truly encapsulates all the beloved elements of classic American barbecue. We’re talking about exceptionally tender beef brisket, infused with rich flavors, slathered in a perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy BBQ sauce. Add to that a generous topping of crunchy homemade cole slaw and crisp pickle chips, all nestled within a soft, buttery brioche bun. The result? An out-of-this-world sandwich experience! Be forewarned, this is a deliciously messy affair, so make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand when you dive into this brisket sandwich with cole slaw.

The secret to speed and consistent tenderness lies in the Instant Pot. This versatile electric pressure cooker drastically reduces the cooking time for tougher cuts of meat, transforming them into succulent perfection in a fraction of the time a traditional oven or smoker would require. It’s quickly become my go-to appliance for making dishes like beef brisket, chuck roast, and pork shoulder. If you’re looking for another fantastic Instant Pot recipe, my Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches are an absolute must-try.

Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Brisket

Traditionally, cooking brisket to tender perfection can be an all-day affair, requiring hours of low and slow cooking to break down tough connective tissues. While the results are undeniably delicious, not everyone has the time or equipment for such an undertaking. This is where the Instant Pot shines! By utilizing high-pressure cooking, the Instant Pot significantly tenderizes the brisket in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing flavor or juiciness.

The sealed environment of the pressure cooker also helps to lock in moisture, ensuring your brisket comes out incredibly succulent every single time. It’s a game-changer for home cooks who want to enjoy restaurant-quality pulled brisket without the extensive time commitment. Plus, cleanup is usually a breeze, which is always a bonus!

Choosing the Best Brisket for Your Sandwich

To achieve the best possible BBQ brisket sandwich, selecting the right cut of meat is crucial. Brisket comes in two main parts: the “flat” (also known as the lean) and the “point” (the fatty end). For shreddable sandwiches, the flat cut is generally preferred. It’s leaner but still has enough marbling to stay moist and flavorful when cooked correctly.

Look for a brisket with a good amount of marbling – those streaks of fat throughout the meat. This fat renders down during cooking, adding moisture and flavor. Also, choose a piece that is relatively uniform in thickness, if possible, to ensure even cooking. If your brisket has a thick fat cap, you’ll want to trim it down to about ¼ inch before seasoning to prevent the final dish from being overly greasy.

The Ingredients for Irresistible BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches

Crafting the perfect brisket sandwich is all about quality ingredients coming together in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef Brisket: A flat cut is ideal for shredding.
• Montreal Steak Seasoning: My secret weapon for a robust flavor base.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth to the cooking liquid.
• Reduced Sodium Beef Stock: Provides moisture and enhances beefy flavor without excess salt.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the base of our tangy cole slaw dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and tang to the cole slaw.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness in the cole slaw and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Kosher Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for both the brisket and cole slaw.
• Shredded Cabbage and Carrot Mix: The foundation for our quick and crunchy cole slaw.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: The star, offering that perfect sweet and tangy kick.
• Pickle Chips: Bread and butter pickles add a sweet and sour contrast.
• Brioche Buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.

How to Make Delicious Pulled Brisket Sandwiches in Your Instant Pot

Creating these sensational pulled brisket sandwiches is simpler than you might think, especially with the Instant Pot doing most of the heavy lifting. Follow these straightforward steps for a truly memorable meal:

• Prepare and Season the Brisket: Begin by trimming any excess hard fat from your beef brisket, leaving about a ¼-inch layer for flavor. My absolute favorite all-purpose spice blend is Montreal Steak Seasoning, which works wonders on beef. Generously season both sides of the brisket, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated for maximum flavor penetration.
• Cook the Brisket in an Instant Pot: Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Lay the seasoned brisket on top, then pour in the reduced sodium beef broth. Secure the lid, making sure the venting knob is sealed. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and cook on High Pressure for 75 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a Natural Release for 15 minutes before carefully performing a Quick Release for any remaining pressure. This natural release step is crucial for tenderizing the meat further.
• Shred the Brisket to Perfection: Carefully remove the cooked brisket from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large cutting board or a sturdy baking dish. Using two forks, easily shred the tender beef brisket, discarding any remaining large pieces of fat as you go. Place the shredded beef in a bowl and add about a cup of the rich cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. This liquid will keep the brisket incredibly moist and infuse it with even more flavor.
• Whip Up the Quick Cole Slaw: While the brisket is cooking or resting, prepare your refreshing cole slaw. In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot mix to the vinaigrette and toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
• Assemble Your Mouthwatering Brisket Sandwiches: Now for the best part – assembly! Lightly toast your brioche buns if desired. On the bottom half of each bun, pile a generous amount of the warm, shredded beef brisket. Drizzle with your favorite homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce. Top the brisket with a hearty scoop of the crunchy cole slaw and a few tangy pickle chips. Place the top bun, press gently, and get ready to enjoy one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever make!

Can You Make Brisket in Advance? Absolutely!

One of the many fantastic aspects of this Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe is how well the brisket holds up, and even improves, when made ahead of time. This makes it a perfect option for entertaining, meal prepping, or simply ensuring you have delicious leftovers.

After cooking and shredding the brisket as directed in the recipe, allow it to cool completely. Transfer the shredded beef, along with a good amount of its cooking liquid, to an airtight container. I highly recommend using glass storage containers as they don’t stain or retain odors. The brisket can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, with its flavors developing even further overnight. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked brisket for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, add a splash more of the reserved cooking liquid or beef broth to maintain its moisture.

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Chef Tips for Making the Best Brisket Sandwiches

Elevate your Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwiches from great to absolutely extraordinary with these essential chef tips:

• Proper Fat Trimming is Key: While fat adds flavor and moisture, too much can make the sandwich greasy. Use a sharp knife to trim the hard, excess fat from the beef brisket, aiming to leave about ¼ inch of the soft, marbled fat. This ensures a juicy result without being overwhelmingly rich.
• Don’t Discard That Flavorful Cooking Liquid: The liquid left in the Instant Pot after cooking the beef brisket is a liquid goldmine! It’s rich in flavor from the beef, onions, and seasoning. Always pour a generous amount over your shredded beef to keep it moist and enhance its taste. Save any remaining liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for adding a little moisture when reheating leftovers, ensuring they taste just as good as fresh.
• Let Guests Control the Sauce: For a personalized touch, serve the homemade barbecue sauce on the side. This allows each person to add as much or as little as they prefer, catering to individual taste. Plastic squeeze bottles are fantastic for this; they make drizzling the perfect amount of sauce onto the brisket easy and mess-free.
• Toast Your Buns: A quick toast on the brioche buns adds a delightful textural contrast and helps prevent them from getting soggy from the juicy brisket and sauce. You can toast them lightly in a pan, under the broiler, or on a grill.
• Rest the Brisket: Even after the Instant Pot, letting the brisket rest for a few minutes before shredding allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful outcome.

What to Serve with Your BBQ Brisket Sandwich

BBQ beef brisket sandwiches are a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering, especially since they can feed a crowd and be prepared in advance. 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: Creamy, tangy, and with a satisfying bite from the pickles, this potato salad is a barbecue staple.
• Chickpea Salad with Fresh Herb Vinaigrette: A lighter, refreshing option that offers a delightful contrast to the richness of the brisket.
• Spicy Deviled Eggs with Jalapenos: For those who love a little heat, these deviled eggs add a zesty kick.
• The Best Crispy Oven Fries: A classic pairing, these golden, crispy fries are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Melon Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Pine Nuts: A sweet and savory salad that brings a refreshing element to the meal.
• Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Fries: A healthier, flavorful alternative to traditional fries, offering earthy sweetness.
• Summer Avocado, Corn, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad: Bursting with fresh seasonal flavors, this vibrant salad is light and zesty.
• Apple, Fennel, and Radish Slaw with Pecans and Blue Cheese: A more sophisticated slaw option with complex flavors and textures.
• Lemony Cauliflower Salad with Edamame and Chickpeas: Another wholesome and zesty salad that offers a satisfying crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of brisket is best for Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwiches?

A flat cut (also known as the lean end) of beef brisket is generally recommended for shredded brisket sandwiches. It has a good meat-to-fat ratio that becomes incredibly tender and shreddable under pressure.

How long does it take to cook brisket in an Instant Pot?

For a 3.5 to 4-pound flat cut, cooking on high pressure for 75 minutes followed by a 15-minute natural release typically yields perfectly tender results. Total active cooking time is much shorter than traditional methods.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade BBQ sauce allows for customized flavor, a good quality store-bought sauce works perfectly well. Choose one that is sweet, tangy, and has a flavor profile you enjoy.

How do I reheat leftover Instant Pot brisket?

The best way to reheat leftover brisket is gently, to maintain its moisture. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or reserved cooking liquid to prevent it from drying out. A microwave can also work for smaller portions, again, with a little added liquid.

Can I skip the coleslaw or pickles?

While the coleslaw and pickles add essential crunch, tang, and freshness that balance the richness of the brisket and BBQ sauce, you can certainly customize your sandwich. Feel free to omit them or substitute with other toppings you enjoy!

Just One More Thing…

If you try this Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwich recipe, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts! Please consider leaving a comment below and giving this recipe a rating – I make every effort to reply to all your feedback. And don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Instagram! I love featuring your culinary creations in my Insta stories.

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Recipe Card: Instant Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwiches