Salt Lick Brisket Recipes

BRAISED BRISKET

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Mix the fennel seeds, sage, cayenne, 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, pressing it into the meat to make sure it sticks well.
• Mix the beef stock or broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and garlic in a large liquid measuring cup and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the brisket fat-side up and cook until golden brown and no longer sticking to the bottom of the pot, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until it is golden brown and some of the fat has rendered, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the brisket to a plate and lower the heat to medium.
• Add the onions, carrots and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the onions are softened and starting to caramelize, 7 to 8 minutes.
• Add the balsamic mixture and tomatoes to the pot and bring to a boil. Return the brisket to the pan and nestle it into the sauce and vegetables fat-side up. Cover the pot, transfer to the oven and braise until the brisket is tender but not shredding or falling apart, about 3 hours 30 minutes. A fork should easily pierce through the meat.
• Remove from the oven, uncover and let the brisket rest in the pan for 30 minutes. Remove the brisket to a cutting board. Bring the vegetables and sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until slightly thickened, 12 to 15 minutes. Thinly slice the brisket across the grain and place on a platter. Spoon the vegetables and sauce over the top and serve.

GIANT SALT-CRUSTED BRISKET

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Mix together the salt and egg whites in a large bowl until completely combined and moist (the mixture should hold together when squeezed in your hand).
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket, flipping as needed, until a dark crust forms on all sides, 6 minutes to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, spread some of the salt mixture onto the prepared baking sheet so that it is a 1/2 inch longer and wider than your brisket. Lay the brisket on top and season with pepper. Insert an oven-safe thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket. Press and pack the remaining salt mixture on top of and around the brisket so that it is fully encased, making sure there are no holes or cracks. Cook until the thermometer reaches 170 degrees F, 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. Let rest for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir together the sour cream and horseradish into a small serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Crack the salt crust open with a something heavy, like a meat mallet. Remove the crust, wipe away any residual salt on the brisket with a paper towel or brush and transfer to a cutting board. Thinly slice the brisket and serve with the horseradish sauce.