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Flavorful Smoked Brisket Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw

smoked brisket sliders - featured image

Smoky, tender brisket melded with a lively, crisp tangy coleslaw creates perfect sliders ideal for casual gatherings or solo bites. This approachable recipe balances rich smoked beef with a zesty coleslaw for a satisfying flavor experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 lbs beef brisket, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Wood chips for smoking (hickory or oak)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, shredded
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 small green apple, julienned (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (potato buns preferred)
  • Pickles or jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim and prep brisket by removing excess fat, leaving about ¼-inch layer; pat dry (15 minutes).
  2. Make dry rub by mixing smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper (5 minutes).
  3. Apply rub evenly over brisket, pressing gently; rest at room temperature for 30 minutes if possible (5 minutes).
  4. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F; add soaked wood chips and maintain consistent heat (15 minutes).
  5. Smoke brisket fat-side up until internal temperature reaches 195°F, checking hourly and adding wood chips as needed (3 to 4 hours).
  6. Wrap brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil and rest in a cooler or warm place for 1 hour.
  7. Prepare tangy coleslaw by combining shredded cabbages, carrot, and optional apple; whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper; toss dressing with veggies just before serving (10 minutes).
  8. Slice rested brisket thinly against the grain; toast slider buns if desired.
  9. Assemble sliders by piling brisket on buns, topping with coleslaw, and adding pickles or jalapeños if desired (10 minutes).
  10. Serve sliders warm and enjoy.

Notes

Maintain steady 225°F temperature during smoking to avoid drying out meat. Rest brisket wrapped in foil or butcher paper for 1 hour to redistribute juices. Dress coleslaw just before serving to keep it crisp. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Slow cooker method can be used if no smoker is available.

Nutrition

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