Texas Cola Shredded Beef Brisket
Sweet cola and smoky ancho spice turn a browned Brisket flat into fork-tender, shreddable comfort in this Texas-style pot roast. Simmered low with tomato paste and Worcestershire, it makes saucy, crowd-pleasing beef for sandwiches or plates.
Recipe Courtesy Of:
Cook Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients: 9
Ingredients
Preparation
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Step 1
Combine garlic, onion, ancho and salt to make a dry rub. Coat the brisket flat well on both sides with the seasoning, rubbing it in well.
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Step 2
Add olive oil to a heavy bottomed enameled cast iron pot or dutch oven and heat over medium high flame.
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Step 3
Once warmed, place the brisket flat into the pot to brown thoroughly, leaving at least 10-15 minutes before flipping. Turn the flat and brown the other side. A further 10-15 minutes.
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Step 4
Add the tomato paste, cola and Worcestershire to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a low simmer. Place the lid on the pot and cook for 4 hours.
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Step 5
Remove lid to allow sauce to start to reduce, and cook brisket a further 2 hours or until completely tender.
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Step 6
Remove brisket from the pot, shred with a fork and return to the pot. Stir brisket into the pot sauce then serve.
Nutrition Information
356 Calories
3.3g SAT FAT
44g PROTEIN
4.7 mg IRON
11 mg ZINC
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet
The Essential Ingredients
Brisket: Also known as the “first cut,” the brisket comes from the lower chest of the animal. It’s known for its rich marbling and tenderness. It’s often smoked, braised, or roasted; low-and-slow methods are best with this cut.
Ancho Chile: A dried version of the poblano pepper. Known for its mild heat and rich smoky flavor. Commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add depth to sauces, stews, and marinades.
Olive Oil: A natural oil extracted from olives. It has a rich, fruity flavor. Often used in marinades, cooking, and dressings.
Tomato Paste: A thick, concentrated paste made by cooking down tomatoes. Add to dishes for a silky texture, intensified tomato flavor, or to help thicken a soup or stew.
Worcestershire Sauce: A bold and tangy sauce that is packed with umami flavor. This sauce is a blend of vinegar, anchovies, molasses, and spices.
Safe Handling Tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
- Separate raw meat from other foods.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
- Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods.
- Wash all produce prior to use.
- Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips.
For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use Diet Cola or Cola Zero for this recipe?
No, it’s highly recommended to use regular, sugar-sweetened cola. Artificial sweeteners don’t caramelize when heated; instead, they can break down and leave the sauce with a bitter aftertaste.
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What's a good substitute for ancho chili?
You can substitute 1 Tbsp. of standard chili powder or 1 tsp. of smoked paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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What if the Brisket is still tough after the cooking time?
It just needs more time! If the meat isn’t fork-tender and shredding easily, simply cover the pot back up and let it simmer for another 30-45 minutes.
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