BBQ Brisket Tacos: A Flavorful Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty satisfaction of tacos. And when you take tender, smoky BBQ brisket and nestle it into a warm tortilla, you create a culinary experience that combines the best of barbecue culture with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. This article explores how to make BBQ brisket tacos, from selecting the perfect brisket to crafting the ideal toppings that will elevate your meal.

Selecting the Right Brisket

The foundation of any great brisket taco is, of course, the brisket itself. When choosing a brisket, look for a cut with good marbling. The fat content is essential for flavor and tenderness. You’ll typically find two parts of brisket in a whole cut: the flat and the point.

1. Flat Cut: This is leaner and more uniform in thickness, making it easier to slice. It’s a good option if you prefer less fat.
2. Point Cut: This part is thicker, with more marbling, making it juicier and more flavorful. It’s perfect for those who appreciate rich flavors in their tacos.

Aim for a brisket weighing between 10 to 12 pounds for a generous batch of tacos.

Preparing the Brisket

To make BBQ brisket tacos, you must first prepare and cook the brisket. Here’s a simple yet effective way to do this:

Ingredients for Brisket Rub

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Steps for Preparation

1. Trim the Brisket: Use a sharp knife to trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about a quarter-inch layer for flavor.
2. Make the Rub: In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
3. Season the Brisket: Generously coat the brisket with the rub, pressing it into the meat. Cover the brisket and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Cooking the Brisket

For the best results, smoke the brisket, but you can also use an oven or a slow cooker if necessary. Here’s a smoking method:

Smoking Instructions

1. Prepare the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Use wood chips like hickory, oak, or mesquite for a rich flavor.
2. Place the Brisket in the Smoker: Position the brisket fat-side up on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke for several hours, maintaining a consistent temperature.
3. Monitor the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal range for brisket is between 195°F to 205°F, at which point the connective tissues break down, resulting in tender meat.
4. Wrap the Brisket: After about 6-8 hours, once it reaches about 165°F, wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil to retain moisture and continue cooking until it reaches the desired temperature.
5. Rest the Meat: Once cooked, remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Shredding the Brisket

After resting, it’s time to slice or shred your brisket. Depending on how you prefer your tacos, you can either cut the brisket into thin slices or shred it for a more rustic feel.

1. Slicing: If you’re slicing, cut against the grain to ensure tenderness. Aim for pieces about a quarter-inch thick.
2. Shredding: For shredded brisket, use two forks to pull the meat apart gently. The brisket should come apart easily if it’s cooked correctly.

Crafting the Tacos

Now that you have your brisket ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Here are some suggestions for tortillas and toppings:

Choosing Tortillas

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional and gluten-free, corn tortillas have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with brisket. Heat them on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side to enhance their flavor and pliability.
• Flour Tortillas: For a softer, chewier texture, flour tortillas are an excellent choice. They can also hold more filling.

Essential Toppings

The toppings you choose can elevate your BBQ brisket tacos to new heights. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Pickled Red Onions: The acidity from pickled onions adds a refreshing contrast to the rich brisket. To make them, simply soak thinly sliced red onions in equal parts vinegar and water, with a pinch of salt and sugar, for at least an hour.
2. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color. Sprinkle it generously over the brisket.
3. Creamy Avocado or Guacamole: The creaminess of avocado balances the smoky flavor of the brisket. You can slice fresh avocado or mash it into guacamole for added texture.
4. Salsa: A fresh salsa, whether it’s pico de gallo, salsa verde, or a spicy chipotle salsa, complements the brisket beautifully.
5. Cheese: Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar can add a creamy element that melds well with the other flavors.
6. Hot Sauce: If you like a kick, drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top of the tacos for added heat.

Assembling the Tacos

To assemble your tacos:

1. Warm the tortillas briefly on a skillet or grill to make them pliable.
2. Place a generous portion of brisket on each tortilla, followed by your choice of toppings.
3. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty finish.
4. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges and your favorite sides, such as Mexican rice or black beans.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair your BBQ brisket tacos with complementary sides and beverages. Consider serving them with:

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime makes a delicious side.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a hearty touch.
• Drinks: A cold cerveza, classic margarita, or even a refreshing agua fresca can perfectly complement the rich flavors of your tacos.

Tips for Leftovers

If you have leftover brisket, you can easily repurpose it for various dishes. Consider making brisket burritos, brisket quesadillas, or even brisket chili. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to enjoy your delicious BBQ brisket long after the initial meal.

By following these steps, you can create mouthwatering BBQ brisket tacos that will impress your friends and family. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of creativity, you can turn a classic BBQ dish into a vibrant taco experience that celebrates the best of both worlds. Enjoy the journey of making and sharing these flavorful tacos, and prepare to delight in every delicious bite.