Fitting Brisket In Your Pressure Cooker
How much brisket fits what size pressure cooker? A lot of that depends on the shape of your particular cut of meat.
Flat cut brisket is usually rectangular, but its not always exact. Both of the pictured cuts of brisket are around 3 pounds, but theyre quite different in shape.
Most 3 pound cuts should fit in a 6-quart pressure cooker without any issue.
You may have to cut the brisket in half to fit it in the cooking pot. If this happens, try to fit the pieces side by side rather than stacking one on top of the other.
You can fit larger briskets but be sure to test this out before cooking. If the brisket doesnt fit across the bottom of the pot, you can cut the brisket into pieces. This will work great for sandwiches or BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos .
As always, larger pressure cookers will be able to fit larger cuts of meat. However, keep in mind that youll need to add more liquid.
How To Make Instant Pot Beef 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 dont have time, thats 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 your 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. Pour the beef broth around the meat, not over the top, so you dont wash off the rub.
- Cook on the meat/stew setting for 90 minutes. Do a 10 minute natural release and then a quick release.
- Place the brisket on a cutting board. Slice the meat going against the grain. Cover with your favorite BBQ sauce.
If you dont 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!
Brisket A Tough Cut Of Beef
Brisket is a popular cut of beef for braising or slow cooking for a reason. Beef brisket is a cut of meat from the breast of a cow. Its a tough cut of meat to cook with but the great thing about the slow cooker or pressure cooker is that even the toughest cuts will be cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tender. I purchased my 3.8 pound brisket at Costco with the fat already trimmed. Please note that depending on the size & shape of brisket, you may have to cut it into pieces to get it to fit into the appliance.
before
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Pressure Cook Beef Brisket
Add sliced onion, minced garlic, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 5 drops liquid smoke, and ½ cup unsalted chicken stock to the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Mix well.
Add marinated beef brisket in Instant Pot.
*Pro Tip: make sure to keep the fat cap facing up when you put it into the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.
Close lid and turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.
- Pressure Cooking Method: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 75 minute and Natural Release for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning the Venting Knob to the Venting position.
Remove the lid carefully.
You Can Easily Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce For Instant Pot Texas Brisket
It is optional but we love to make this Homemade BBQ Sauce for the brisket. Barbecue sauce is one of the easiest things to make.
Not only is it simple to make but this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe is very cost effective as well. I love to have extra barbecue sauce to top our brisket with after cooking.
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To Sear Or Not To Sear
That is the question. For the Instant Pot, its an included instruction. For the slow cooker, searing your meat before adding it to the slow cooker is listed as optional. I chose to pan sear my brisket beforehand. I will always leave this as a recommended but optional step. I have made plenty of briskets and roasts in the slow cooker without searing them beforehand and they came out just fine.
after
The Instant Pot Brisket Cooking Time Will Make Dinner Much Easier
You will be amazed how quickly the instant pot cooks this delicious meat. The cooking time is greatly reduced by using the pressure cooker but you still get tender and flavorful meat.
This meal will be a hit with everyone. If you want to make instant pot brisket keto, just be mindful of the bbq sauce and other sauces you add.
Instant pot brisket cooking time per pound varies but we used a 4 pound beef brisket. If you use something different, your cooking time will vary.
This instant pot brisket will taste like you used the slow cooker. The outcome is tender brisket.
The electric pressure cooker makes this tender and juicy. Once you remove the brisket and cut on the carving board, you will see how tender this meat is. Yum!
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The Best Brisket Recipe
This is the ultimate recipe to make tender and flavorful beef brisket that rivals the low and slow pit BBQ we all love, but without the full day of smoking over wood.
»You might also like this Instant Pot Pork Roast, Instant Pot Pulled Pork or Instant Pot Oxtail Ragu. If you are a brisket fan you cant pass up this delicious BBQ Beef Brisket Bun.
Despite what I used to think, you dont need a low and slow BBQ pit to make amazing brisket at home. In fact, all you need is a 4 hours in the oven on a low temperature, or just over an hour in the Instant Pot.
You can make this recipe in the oven or the Instant Pot with the instructions given in the recipe card below. However, I usually opt for the Instant Pot. Its an incredible tool for making dishes that usually take a long time. In the pressure cooker, you can drastically cut down the cooking time for dishes like this tender beef brisket.
If you dont have an Instant Pot yet , you really should consider it. We have a free Instant Pot starter guide when you join our mailing list. You can also check out our Instant Pot page for more information.
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The best thing about beef brisket is that it can be used for so many dishes. I always make a large amount and use it throughout the week for lunches and dinner. It makes amazing brisket sandwiches!
Instant Pot Brisket Recipe Tips
- Smoking a 4 lb brisket takes at least 4.5 hours.ThisInstant Pot Brisket cooks in 75 minutes!
- If you love brisket, take a look at my mouthwatering and super tender Braised Beef Brisket Recipe. It is the ultimate comfort food dish!
- Always place the brisket fat cap side up in the instant pot.
- After removing the brisket from the instant pot, allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing it.
- Slice the brisket against the grain.
- This is one of my favorite electric pressure cookers/Instant Pot.
Take A Look at These Amazing Recipes:
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Pressure Cooker Brisket Step By Step
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!
Step 1. Unroll the brisket if its rolled up and trim any large bits of fat a little fat is totally fine. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Meanwhile prepare your vegetables.
Step 2. Add a tablespoon of oil to your pressure cooker and use the Sauté function to sear the brisket on both sides until nicely coloured, about 3 minutes per side on high heat. Remove from the pot with tongs and set aside.
Step 3. Adjust the Sauté temperature to medium and add a splash more oil if needed. Sauté your onion and garlic for five minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Add the salt, bay leaves and sugar .
Step 4. Add the balsamic vinegar, beef stock and tomato paste and stir to combine. Nestle the brisket among the sauce.
Step 5. Add the metal trivet on top of the meat and position the potatoes and carrots on it. Sent vent to sealing and cook for 45 minutes at high pressure.
Step 6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and manually release the rest. Use tongs to remove the carrots and potatoes from the pot and set aside. Use a fork to lightly smash the potatoes. Remove the brisket and set aside for a few minutes to rest before slicing.
Option 2 Air Fryer Lid
First, remove the apple vinegar liquid from the inner pot, and add 1 cup of cold water in the inner pot.
Then, place the airfryer basket with the tray on the middle rack in the Instant Pot .
Now, layer the cut or uncut country ribs on the airfryer tray in Instant Pot.
Then, place the air fryer lid on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
- Air Frying Method: Press Air Fry button, set the temperature to 400ðF and cooking time to 12 minutes.
*Pro Tip: It will take roughly 8 11 minutes + preheat time. You can open the lid to check the progress.
Check out those yummy-looking caramelized BBQ Ribs!
Now, airfrying the second batch of country style ribs in Instant Pot.
Serve these finger-licking, tasty & tender country ribs immediately!
They are perfect with potato salad or baked beans on the side. Enjoy~
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What Size To Buy
Brisket can be cut from small to very large pieces. For 2-4 people, a 2 pound brisket is just right. It wont leave a lot of left overs though, so we always go for a 3-pound brisket for 2 people. Then we can make more meals from it.
You wont be limited by size in the oven, so if you want to cook a really large slab of brisket, youll want to go with the oven cooking method. In the Instant Pot, youre limited by the amount of space in the inner pot. Its possible to cook up to a 4-pound brisket in a 6-qt Instant Pot. Any larger than that and it doesnt fit well in the pot. You could go larger if you have an 8-quart IP.
What To Serve With Beef Brisket
One of the things I like about beef brisket is that it pairs well with most sides. So if youre providing the main dish and asking guests to bring a side, you have a lot of options. Here are some of my favorites:
Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Hash Brown Casserole | These cheesy Instant Pot potatoes are the perfect comfort food, and theyre my favorite homemade side for this Instant Pot Brisket.
Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Cornbread | This shortcut recipe starts with a Jiffy Corn Muffin mix, so it comes together super quick. However, if you prefer from-scratch cornbread, I have a great recipe for Buttermilk Corn Bread on page 261 of my cookbook, The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook.
Instant Pot Roasted Red Potatoes | You can pressure cook these potatoes in advance. Prior to serving, just coat them in melted butter, garlic, and herbs, sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese, and brown them in your air fryer or broil them in an oven.
Lion House Rolls from my baking site, Barbara Bakes | When I really want to take a meal to the next level, Ill bake up some homemade rolls. These These rolls are an old-fashioned favorite and cook up big and fluffy. Theyre also easy to make!
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer French Fries from Barbara Bakes | If you have an Instant Pot Duo Crisp, a Ninja Foodi, or a Mealthy Crisp Lid, you can make these awesome Garlic Parmesan french fries.
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You Will Need A Pressure Cooker To Make This Instant Pot Recipe
I am using an 8 quart Instant pot but you can use a 6 quart. I personally have an Instant Pot and so far I am loving it.
You can find the Instant pot on sale here. Its really changed dinner time around here.
If you have been putting off trying an instant pot, I highly recommend going ahead and biting the bullet. I love using the pressure cooker when I dont have much time.
It is perfect for frozen food or meals that normally take a while. You can toss everything in and have dinner ready in no time at all.
Those days when you forget to take something out of the freezer or wait until the last minute for dinner, the instant pot is your saving grace.
I am not exaggerating when I say it truly has changed meal time around here. We love ours and it makes soup recipes even easier.
You can also these Instant Pot Accessories to make pressure cooking a breeze. We just love to pressure cook and I am certain you will too.
Dinner time is much easier and less complicated now that I have the pressure cooker. If you are hesitant or on the fence, dont be. You will love it!
You can enjoy Instant Pot Green Beans and Bacon Recipe that taste like they have been slow cooked all day.
Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
Instant Pot Country Style Ribsâ These Instant Pot Country Style Ribs are so tender and flavorful! They start with a simple dry rub, are smothered in bbq sauce, and cooked up in your Instant Pot pressure cooker for a delicious and easy meal!
Yes, you guys! Back in action with the Instant Pot!
After I used it to make the Instant Pot Spaghetti, I couldnât wait to put more delicious foods up in this bad boy.
Weâre also back in action with back to school.
I feel like moms and dads everywhere are torn on whether theyâre happy to have their kids head back to class or not.
Iâm in the ânotâ category this year. Summer just went by way too fast!
Can they just go back in October or something? Because, I mean, it IS really warm here still.
It should be illegal to send people back to school when itâs still warm enough out to go swimming.
Right?? Right.
CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO FOR THIS RECIPE BELOW!
Ok, back to your regularly scheduled food programming here.
I decided to go with country style pork ribs because they are so very meaty!
I do like baby back ribs as well, but Iâve definitely bought them, then been disappointed at the measly amount of meat I got out of it.
Using country style ribs ensures that everybody leaves the table satisfied!
Depending on your grocery store, sometimes these ribs are sold bone in, and sometimes bone out. Mine were bone out. But, either one will work just fine!
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How To Reheat Instant Pot Brisket
Since brisket can be a more expensive cut of meat, I like to reheat it in the pressure cooker. This helps ensure it doesnt dry out.
To reheat brisket, use the pot in pot method: Place a trivet in the bottom of your pressure cooking pot, and add 1 cup of water. Place a cake pan or oven-safe dish on top of the trivet, then cook at High Pressure until the meat is cooked through.
If youre reheating a lot of brisket, Id start with 5 minutes of cook time and adjust from there.
You may want to cover the pan with foil, but it isnt necessary for brisket. If you do use foil, youll need to increase your cook time.
Update: To show you how easy this Instant Pot Brisket is, Ive made a quick video. I use the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus in this video, so you can get a glimpse of it in action!
Make This Ahead Of Time
Slow cooker or Instant Pot brisket can not only be made the day ahead of time and reheated, some might argue that its actually better that way. After it cools, I put the entire slow cooker or Instant Pot base right in the refrigerator. The next day, you will be able to easily remove the fat that has hardened. This is also a good time to slice against the grain if youre going to do so because the meat is easier to cut cold. To reheat, add the brisket back into the slow cooker or Instant Pot and reheat on the warm setting. If youre using a Crock-Pot brand of slow cooker, did you know that the base is oven safe? Yup, you can pop the entire base in the oven for temperatures up to 400 degrees.
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Ways To Eat Instant Pot Brisket
Main Dish: You can serve this meat as the main dish by cutting it into 1-inch thick slabs and serving it with your favorite side.
Shred it: You can shred the meat and serve on bread like potato buns or Texas Toast or even make delicious tacos or nachos.
Flat Bread: An easy and yummy way to use leftover brisket is to add it to your favorite flat bread recipe.
