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Instant Pot Brisket takes just a fraction of the time it would take in the oven or slow cooker. Add a simple rub before cooking and then slather in BBQ sauce before serving.
This Instant Pot Brisket is going to become your new favorite easy dinner idea. The Instant Pot makes it easy, quick and delicious. The meat comes out so tender that it about melts in your mouth. You can serve it with BBQ sauce or without. Thanks to a rub that is added to the meat before cooking there is a lot of flavor going on.
What is Beef Brisket?
Beef brisket is a tough cut of meat but cooked the right way it can be tender and melt in your mouth delicious. It is popular in Texas-style barbecue and is usually prepared by rubbing the brisket with a dry spice rub, then cooking the beef brisket slowly over charcoal or smoked.
How to Make Instant Pot Brisket
- Trim some of the fat off the brisket. Your brisket will have a layer of fat on one side. I like to trip some of it off, but not all of it. The fat does add some additional flavor.
- Mix up your rub and cover both sides of the brisket with it. If you have time, wrap the brisket in plastic wrap and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you don’t have time, that’s o.k., it will still be delicious. I have done it both ways, allowed it to refrigerate before and also just added the rub and put it in the Instant Pot and both ways were delicious.
- Saute garlic with the olive oil in the Instant Pot using the saute feature.
- Cut the brisket into two pieces so that it fits in the pot.
- Add your seasoned meat and beef broth into the Instant Pot. Pour the beef broth around the meat, not over the top, so you don’t wash off the rub.
- Cook on the meat/stew setting for 90 minutes. Do a 10 minute natural release and then a quick release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Instant Pot Brisket in the slow cooker?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this delicious brisket! Just check out my slow cooker brisket recipe! It definitely takes a little more time to cook, about 7-8 hours, but it is just as delicious!
What cut of brisket should I buy?
You will usually find brisket in two different main cuts in the store. There is:
Flat cut: This is the most common cut you will find in the grocery store and the one I usually use. The fat or deckle has been removed from this piece.
Point cut: This is the fatty part of the brisket, which is called the deckle. This cut is marbled throughout with fat or “deckle.” This brisket cut is less common in grocery stores and it is a softer and more flavorful brisket cut. Ask your butcher for this cut.
How do I slice brisket?
Place the brisket on a cutting board.
Slice the meat going against the grain.
Cover with your favorite BBQ sauce.
How Long Do I Pressure Cook Meet?
A good rule of thumb is 20 minutes per pound.
- 2 to 3 pounds brisket: Cook on high pressure for 55 to 60 minutes.
- 4 to 5 pounds brisket: Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
- 6 to 7 pounds brisket: Cook on high pressure for 105 to 110 minutes.
Tips from Leigh Anne
- Always allow your brisket to rest for at least 5 minutes after it is done cooking, before you slice it.
- If your brisket doesn’t fit in your Instant Pot, slice it in half and place the pieces side by side instead of stacking them on top of each other. This helps them cook more evenly.
Pair This with:
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Instant Pot Brisket Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. beef brisket, trimmed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
Rub
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Mix rub ingredients together.
- Add oil and garlic to Instant Pot and saute using the saute setting for 2-3 minutes.
- Rub brisket on both sides with rub mixture. Cut brisket in half so it lays flat in the Instant Pot.
- Pour beef broth into the Instant Pot, around the meat so you don’t wash off the rub.
- Put on the lid and cook on meat/stew setting for 90 minutes. Do a 10 minute natural release and then a quick release.
- Remove meat and place on a cutting board. Slice meat going against the grain.
- Add BBQ Sauce and serve.
Tips & Notes:
- 2 to 3 pounds brisket: Cook on high pressure for 55 to 60 minutes.
- 4 to 5 pounds brisket: Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
- 6 to 7 pounds brisket: Cook on high pressure for 105 to 110 minutes
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Nutrition Facts:
Danielle H says
I really loved this recipe. I didn’t have mustard powder so I shrugged my shoulders and went for the grainy mustard.
Such a fantastic dinner. Fall apart, juicy, tender.
Maria gladys Paguio says
omggg it was heaven making this today!
i paired it with my mexican beans
thank you for the recipe!
i wish i can share my picture..
Margaret McMonagle says
Very happy with the results!