Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Cabbage

Sink your teeth into this juicy, flavor-packed Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Cabbage! Tender, slow-cooked beef brisket is layered on a soft roll and topped with tangy, crunchy pickled cabbage for the ultimate bite. It’s smoky, savory, slightly sweet, and full of contrast in both flavor and texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender & Juicy Brisket – Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
Bright & Tangy Slaw – Pickled cabbage adds crunch and acidity.
Balanced Flavors – Sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory in every bite.
Great for Leftovers – Make ahead and assemble when ready.
Restaurant Quality – Gourmet taste made easy at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brisket:

• 2½ to 3 lbs beef brisket
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

For the Pickled Red Cabbage:

• 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat

For the Sandwich:

• 4 sandwich rolls or brioche buns
• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
• Optional: sliced pickles, mustard, or mayo

Tools You’ll Need

• Dutch oven or slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Small saucepan (for pickling)
• Tongs or forks for shredding
• Foil or plastic wrap (for resting meat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Brisket

1. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Rub mixture all over the brisket.
3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear brisket on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Step 2: Cook the Brisket
5. Add beef broth and BBQ sauce to the pot.
6. Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3–3½ hours, or until fork-tender.
Alternative: Use a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
7. Let the brisket rest for 15 minutes before shredding with forks.

Step 3: Make the Pickled Red Cabbage
8. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, and pepper.
9. Bring to a simmer, then pour over sliced red cabbage in a bowl.
10. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (longer for deeper flavor).
11. Drain before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
12. Toast sandwich rolls if desired.
13. Layer with warm shredded brisket and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
14. Top with pickled red cabbage and any additional toppings you like.
15. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Brisket Sandwiches
Low & Slow – Cooking the brisket slowly makes it tender and juicy.
Rest the Meat – Helps keep juices in when shredding.
Prep Cabbage Ahead – It gets better as it sits and soaks up flavor.
Customize Toppings – Try with avocado, slaw, or crispy onions.
Toast the Bread – Adds structure and prevents sogginess.

Serving Suggestions
Side of Fries – Classic pairing for a hearty meal.
Crisp Green Salad – Balances the rich meat with freshness.
Sweet Potato Chips – Adds a sweet crunch.
Lemonade or Iced Tea – Complements the savory and tangy flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Brisket: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Cabbage: Store pickled cabbage separately for up to 1 week.

Freezing:
Brisket freezes well – store in portions with sauce for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm brisket gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or sauce.
Microwave: Use short bursts and cover to retain moisture.
Cabbage: Serve cold or let come to room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this with chicken or turkey?
   Yes! Use shredded chicken thighs or turkey breast for a leaner version.
2. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
   Smoky or sweet-style sauces work well, but go with your personal favorite.
3. Can I use store-bought pickled cabbage?
   Absolutely. It saves time and still delivers great flavor.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
   Not by default, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.

Final Thoughts
This Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Cabbage is the kind of meal that’s equal parts comfort food and gourmet delight. It’s perfect for game day, weekend lunches, or impressing guests without a lot of fuss. Juicy brisket, tangy slaw, and soft buns come together for a sandwich that’s impossible to forget.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

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