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Tender Smoky BBQ Brisket Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade with Pickled Red Onion

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These tender smoky BBQ brisket sliders with tangy pickled red onion and soft buns offer a perfect balance of smoky richness and bright acidity, ideal for gatherings or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds beef brisket (trimmed of excess fat, leaving some for flavor and moisture)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses or honey
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 12 small soft slider buns or dinner rolls
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, sharp cheddar cheese slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brisket rub by mixing smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub evenly over the brisket. (5 minutes)
  2. Cook the brisket: Oven method – Preheat oven to 275°F. Place brisket fat side up in a roasting pan, cover tightly, and cook for 3.5 to 4 hours until tender. Smoker method – Smoke at 225°F for 6-8 hours until internal temperature reaches about 195°F. (Time varies by method)
  3. Make the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside. (15 minutes)
  4. Quick pickle the red onions by mixing apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl until dissolved. Add sliced onions and let sit at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for longer. (5-10 minutes prep + 30 minutes resting)
  5. Once brisket is cooked and rested for 15 minutes, slice thinly against the grain. (10 minutes)
  6. Assemble sliders by toasting buns lightly, piling sliced brisket, drizzling BBQ sauce, topping with pickled red onions, and adding optional toppings. (5 minutes)

Notes

Keep brisket warm by tenting with foil while assembling sliders. Slice brisket thinly against the grain for tenderness. If brisket is dry, moisten with extra BBQ sauce. Toast buns lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess. Quick pickled onions add bright acidity and crunch. Slow cooking low and slow is key for tender brisket. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ brisket sliders, smoky brisket, pickled red onion, BBQ sauce, slider recipe, easy BBQ, homemade sliders

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/tender-smoky-bbq-brisket-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pickled-red-onion/