Annie’s Sweet and Sour Baked Brisket is a delicious and flavorful dish known for its tender meat and the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. This dish is often enjoyed at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Now, let’s dive into the history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make this mouthwatering meal. 😋🍖
History:
The exact origin of Annie’s Sweet and Sour Baked Brisket is not well-documented, but it likely has its roots in traditional Jewish cuisine. Brisket has long been a staple in Jewish cooking, and the combination of sweet and sour flavors is a hallmark of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine. Over time, this dish has evolved and become popular in various culinary traditions, with each cook adding their unique twist.
Components:
- Brisket: The star of the dish, typically a beef brisket, is used. It’s a tough cut of meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The key to this dish is the sauce, which combines sweet and tangy flavors. Common ingredients for the sauce include brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and sometimes fruit preserves for added sweetness.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onion, and various spices like paprika, black pepper, and salt are often used to season the brisket.
- Vegetables: Carrots, onions, and sometimes bell peppers are commonly included to add depth and flavor to the dish.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Annie’s Sweet and Sour Baked Brisket:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Season the Brisket: Rub the brisket with a mixture of garlic, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
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Sear the Brisket: In a large ovenproof pan, sear the brisket on both sides until it’s nicely browned. This step helps lock in the flavor.
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Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and any other preferred sweeteners or seasonings.
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Layer the Vegetables: Place sliced carrots and onions in the bottom of a roasting pan to create a bed for the brisket.
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Add the Brisket and Sauce: Place the seared brisket on top of the vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the brisket.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking time helps tenderize the meat.
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Baste Occasionally: Every hour or so, baste the brisket with the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
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Rest and Slice: Once the brisket is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
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Serve: Serve the sliced brisket with the sweet and sour sauce and cooked vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed rice.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Annie’s Sweet and Sour Baked Brisket is approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, including marinating time. This dish is well worth the wait as the slow cooking process ensures a tender and flavorful result that will delight your taste buds. 😊🕒🍽️
Enjoy your homemade Annie’s Sweet and Sour Baked Brisket! 🎉👨🍳🍷
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Annie’s Sweet and Sour Baked Brisket:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per 3-ounce serving):
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 370mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 24g
Health Information:
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Protein: Brisket is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. A 3-ounce serving provides a substantial amount of protein.
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Fats: While there is fat in brisket, much of it is saturated fat. It’s advisable to consume it in moderation, as high intake of saturated fats can be linked to cardiovascular issues. Trimming excess fat before cooking can help reduce the saturated fat content.
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Calories: Annie’s Sweet and Sour Baked Brisket is moderately calorie-dense, so portion control may be necessary if you are watching your calorie intake.
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Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to the use of soy sauce and other condiments in the sweet and sour sauce. If you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce and monitoring your overall sodium intake.
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Carbohydrates and Sugars: The dish contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the sweet and sour sauce. The sugar content may also be relatively high due to the presence of brown sugar and ketchup in the sauce.
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Vegetables: The addition of vegetables like carrots and onions provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which can contribute to a balanced diet.
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Balanced Meal: To make this dish more nutritionally balanced, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase fiber and nutrient intake.
It’s important to remember that the actual nutrition content may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, you may want to adjust the ingredients or portion sizes accordingly.