Texas-Style Brisket Made Easy in the Instant Pot
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
- 3-5 pound beef brisket
- 1½ cups apple juice
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, optional
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, optional
Preparation:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Pat one 3-5 pound beef brisket dry with a paper towel and then rub the prepared spice rub evenly over the beef, ensuring the entire surface area is well coated with the rub.
- Pour 1½ cups apple juice (or beef broth or water) into the inner pot of an electric pressure cooker. Add 1 tablespoon liquid smoke if using. Place a trivet inside the inner pot and place the seasoned brisket on top of the trivet.
- Seal the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the venting valve is closed and sealed. Set to cook on HIGH pressure for 90 minutes by hitting manual or pressure cook and using the +/- buttons to adjust the time to read 90.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes. It is fine to leave the pressure cooker on the keep warm function.
- Once pressure has been released, remove the brisket from the inner pot and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush with BBQ sauce if desired and broil for 3-5 minutes under high heat to crisp the exterior of the beef and caramelize the rub and BBQ sauce.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve the brisket with additional BBQ sauce.