Elaine’s Brisket: A Flavorful Barbecue-Style Comfort Food
This recipe for Elaine’s Brisket comes from a cherished source found many years ago on Prodigy, a cooking site that left an impression with its simple yet delicious flavors. The sauce that accompanies this brisket has a distinct barbeque-like flavor, making it a personal favorite of mine. Over the years, I’ve prepared it in different ways. Although the original recipe calls for cooking it in the oven, I’ve also adapted it for hotter months by cooking it in an electric covered frying pan right on my countertop. The results are slightly different, as the sauce becomes thicker and darker, but it’s still incredibly tasty. This method is great for when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen or don’t have an oven available, like when you’re cooking in a dorm room.
When cooked as directed, the brisket comes out tender, juicy, and coated in a savory-sweet sauce that’s perfect for satisfying hearty appetites. Whether you’re preparing a classic meal at home or looking for a comforting dinner during the warmer months, this dish is a perfect choice. Follow this step-by-step guide for a brisket that is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef brisket | 6 lbs |
| Whole berry cranberry sauce | 1 can |
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Ginger ale | 1/2 to 1 can |
| Onion soup mix | 1 packet |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 784.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 60.5 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 24.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 165.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 528.6 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 19.3 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 17.4 g |
| Protein Content | 38.9 g |
Recipe Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare a roasting pan that is large enough to comfortably fit the brisket with a little space around it. A pan with a lid will be ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have a lid, aluminum foil can be used to cover the pan tightly.
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Sear the Brisket: Place the beef brisket in the roasting pan. Sear the brisket in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes. This initial searing helps lock in the flavors and juices of the meat, giving the brisket a rich, browned exterior.
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Prepare the Sauce Mixture: While the brisket is searing, take a large bowl and combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, ketchup, and onion soup mix. Stir the ingredients well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This simple combination of ingredients creates the foundation of the flavorful sauce that will cover the brisket as it cooks.
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Lower the Oven Temperature: Once the brisket has been seared, remove the roasting pan from the oven. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the slow cooking process.
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Add the Sauce and Ginger Ale: Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the brisket, ensuring the meat is well-coated. Then, pour enough ginger ale into the pan so that it covers the meat about halfway (you do not want to submerge the brisket completely in the liquid). The ginger ale will help tenderize the meat and add a subtle sweetness that complements the cranberry sauce.
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Bake the Brisket: Cover the roasting pan with the lid (or aluminum foil) and return the pan to the oven. Bake the brisket for 2 1/2 hours, basting the meat with the sauce every so often. Spoon some of the sauce over the brisket to keep it moist and flavorful. If necessary, check on the brisket occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t cook down too much. If you find the sauce is thickening too quickly, you can add a little more ginger ale.
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Slice and Serve: Once the brisket is tender and fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Slice the brisket on the diagonal, against the grain, to ensure the most tender pieces.
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Reheat in Sauce (Optional): If desired, return the sliced brisket to the pan with the sauce to reheat. This allows the brisket to soak up even more of the flavorful sauce, making each bite more delicious.
Tips for Success:
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Ginger Ale Quantity: The amount of ginger ale needed may vary depending on the size of your brisket and the size of your roasting pan. Typically, 1-2 cans (1 1/2 to 3 cups) will suffice for a 6-pound brisket, but feel free to adjust based on your pan’s size and the level of sauce you want.
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Alternative Cooking Methods: For those warmer months or if you simply prefer a more hands-off approach, try making this recipe in an electric covered frying pan. Set the temperature to around 350°F (medium-high) and cook the brisket for 2 1/2 hours, keeping an eye on the sauce and stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Leftovers: This brisket makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors deepen as it sits in the sauce, and you can enjoy it the next day as a sandwich, in tacos, or even with mashed potatoes.
Elaine’s Brisket is a comforting, mouth-watering dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether cooked in the oven or an electric frying pan, this dish offers a delicious combination of savory beef and tangy, sweet sauce. It’s perfect for large gatherings, cozy dinners, or whenever you’re craving a hearty meal with minimal effort. Enjoy!
