Print

Flavorful Smoked Brisket Sliders with Tangy Pickled Onion Slaw

smoked brisket sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These sliders feature tender, smoky brisket paired with a bright, tangy pickled onion slaw, creating a perfect balance of flavors ideal for backyard parties and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds beef brisket (trimmed of excess fat)
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • Wood chips for smoking (hickory or oak recommended)
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
  • 12 slider buns or small soft rolls
  • Pickles or sliced jalapeños (optional toppings)
  • BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brisket rub by mixing kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Pat the brisket dry and apply the rub evenly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips for smoke. Place brisket fat side up on the grate and insert a meat thermometer probe into the thickest part. Smoke for 6 to 8 hours until internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C).
  3. Remove brisket from smoker and tent with foil. Let rest for 30-60 minutes to redistribute juices.
  4. Make the pickled onion slaw by combining apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves. Pour hot pickling liquid over thinly sliced red onions and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Drain and toss with shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Slice rested brisket thinly against the grain. Lightly toast slider buns until golden and warm. Spread BBQ sauce on bottom bun, add sliced brisket, top with pickled onion slaw, and optional pickles or jalapeños. Cap with top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a brisket with good marbling for juiciness. Rest the brisket after smoking to keep it tender. For less tangy slaw, rinse onions briefly after pickling. If no smoker is available, use a slow cooker or oven method. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Sharp knife recommended for slicing brisket thinly against the grain.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket sliders, pickled onion slaw, BBQ sliders, backyard party food, smoked brisket recipe, tangy slaw, easy sliders

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/flavorful-smoked-brisket-sliders-recipe-easy-tangy-pickled-onion-slaw/