Mouthwatering Beef Brisket Recipe Perfect for Any Occasion
Are you looking for an impressive and delicious option for your next dinner party or special occasion? Look no further than this beef brisket with cherry-merlot sauce and caramelized onions recipe.
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked brisket, and this recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of a rich, fruity sauce and savory caramelized onions. The combination of tender, juicy beef with sweet and tangy flavors is truly irresistible.
Not only is this dish sure to impress your guests, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience as it cooks low and slow, you’ll have a mouth-watering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Take your taste buds on a journey with the delectable blend of dried cherries, plum tomatoes, garlic cloves, and bay leaves. This recipe is perfect for creating new memories or reliving old ones around the dinner table. So bring out your inner chef and get ready to create an extraordinary meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this recipe for beef brisket with cherry-merlot sauce and caramelized onions!
This dish is full of flavor and texture, with tender beef brisket braised in red wine and served with a sweet and tangy cherry-merlot sauce. The caramelized onions add a rich depth to the dish, while the dried cherries offer an unexpected burst of sweetness.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as a main course for dinner or slice the brisket thin for the ultimate sandwich filling. The leftovers can be reheated for lunch or even repurposed into other dishes like tacos or pasta.
Plus, with the option to make it in a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it until dinnertime, allowing you to go about your day without having to worry about a thing.
Not convinced yet? This recipe has been tested and perfected by top chefs, earning rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters. And if you’re a fan of French onion soup or mushroom sauce, you’ll love this dish just as much – it incorporates similar flavors and textures but with a unique twist.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to switch up your usual dinner routine, give this recipe a try and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with it just like we did.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Beef Brisket With Cherry-Merlot Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe:
- 1 beef brisket (4-5 pounds)
- 2 cups dried cherries
- 1 1/2 cups merlot wine
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced thinly
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and ground pepper (to taste)
For the cherry merlot sauce:
- 2 cups beef brisket pot juices
- 1/2 cup cherry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Coarsely chopped cherries (about a cup)
For the caramelized onions:
- 6 large sweet onions, sliced thinly
- Olive oil
- Salt and ground pepper (to taste)
These ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or online. Also, feel free to make substitutions or variations to fit your personal preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the details of making this delicious Beef Brisket With Cherry-Merlot Sauce and Caramelized Onions recipe.
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season 6 pounds beef brisket with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste on both sides.
- Sear the brisket in the hot oil about 3-4 minutes per side until browned crust forms.
- Transfer the brisket to a plate or cutting board and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add 2 sweet onions, sliced, and cook until caramelized for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once caramelized, transfer them to a bowl and add 3/4 cup dried cherries, 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 bay leaf to the pot.
- When fragrant, add 3 cups plum tomatoes, chopped, with juice and stir well.
- Add back the caramelized onions to the pot, along with a quarter cup of Merlot wine, a quarter cup of water, and one tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce (optional).
- Bring everything to a simmer.
Braising and Roasting
- Place the seared brisket on top of the sauce in the Dutch oven.
- Spoon some sauce mix on top of it generously, cover tightly with a lid.
- Bake for around 3-4 hours, or until tender at 200-205°F internal temperature.
- Remove from oven and rest for up to an hour with lid off while preparing other dishes.
Serve this delicious beef brisket with sliced caramelized onions on top and the cherry merlot sauce on the side.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, but if you’re looking to switch things up or cater to your personal taste, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Dried cherries: If you don’t have dried cherries on hand, you can replace them with any other dried fruit like cranberries or apricots.
– Sweet onions: This recipe calls for sweet onions, but regular onions can work just as well if that’s all you have. You can also experiment with other types of onions like shallots or red onions for different flavors.
– Plum tomatoes: If you can’t find fresh plum tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes will do the trick just fine.
– Beef brisket: This recipe uses beef brisket, but you can also use chuck roast or short rib if you prefer. These cuts also benefit from slow cooking and braising techniques that tenderize the meat.
– Cherry Merlot Sauce: If you don’t have Merlot on hand, you can substitute it with another red wine of your preference. You can also adjust the amount of cherries to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by trying out different substitutions and variations. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
This beef brisket with cherry-merlot sauce and caramelized onions recipe is packed with bold and rich flavors that are perfect for any special occasion. The sauce’s sweetness comes from the dried cherries, which provide a sharp contrast to the tender and juicy braised beef brisket.
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with french fries or mashed potatoes, but you can also serve it alongside your favorite greens or vegetables. If you want to elevate your serving style, try plating the dish on a bed of creamy polenta, or slicing the brisket thinly and serving it on crusty bread for an unforgettable sandwich experience.
As for wine pairing, a full-bodied red is the way to go. The merlot used in the cherry sauce makes it an easy pick, but if you’re looking for something more daring, go for a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. These wines’ boldness will match the meat’s richness and depth of flavor, creating a mouthwatering palate sensation.
If you’re looking to balance out the intensity of this dish or have a sweet tooth, try a dessert wine like Port or Tokaji. These wines’ high sugar content, paired with their rich fruit flavors, make them an ideal option to end your meal on a sweet note.
With these serving and pairing ideas, you’ll have all the tools to create an unforgettable culinary experience with this delicious beef brisket recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This beef brisket with cherry-merlot sauce and caramelized onions recipe is perfect for those who like to plan ahead. The good news is that the brisket can be made a day or two ahead of time, and it actually gets better with time. Once you’ve cooked the brisket, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing it. After slicing, place the meat in an airtight container in the fridge.
When reheating, preheat your oven to 325°F and transfer your meat to a baking dish. Make sure to pour any remaining pot juices over the meat to prevent it from drying out. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the brisket in slow cooker by placing it alongside some of the sauce into the pot and cooking on low heat for about an hour until warmed through.
If you want to store the sauce separately, allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in freezer safe containers in your freezer for up to a month. Note that the sauce might thicken during storage, simply add some warm water or more wine and give it a quick stir before reheating.
Enjoy this delicious beef brisket cherry merlot sauce again and again without having to chop, sauté or roast all over again – simply refrigerate or freeze when already prepared!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect beef brisket with cherry-merlot sauce and caramelized onions requires careful preparation and execution. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best flavors and textures for your dish:
1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
The cut of beef you use for your brisket can make all the difference in achieving a tender and flavorful result. Look for a nicely marbled brisket that’s evenly thick, with a good amount of fat on one side.
2. Allow Enough Cooking Time
Cooking the brisket slowly over low heat is key to creating a tender, juicy result. Plan on cooking your brisket for at least 4-5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F.
3. Let the Meat Rest Before Slicing
After cooking, allow your brisket to rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat, leading to more succulent and tender slices.
4. Use High-Quality Ingredients
To get the best possible flavor from your cherry-merlot sauce and caramelized onions, use high-quality ingredients like ripe plum tomatoes, sweet onions, and a good bottle of merlot.
5. Experiment with Different Pairings
While this recipe pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, don’t be afraid to get creative and try other flavor combinations. A brisket sandwich with mushroom sauce or french onion dip could be lovely twists on this dish.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create a delicious beef brisket with cherry-merlot sauce and caramelized onions that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Beef Brisket with Cherry-Merlot Sauce and Caramelized Onions recipe is a true masterpiece. The combination of sweet and savory flavors with the tenderness of the braised beef brisket creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Using high-quality ingredients such as dried cherries, sweet onions, and merlot wine, this recipe elevates a classic beef brisket to a whole new level. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served in various ways – from sandwiches to elegant dinner parties.
With its rich aromas and delicious taste, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your next gathering or special occasion. So what are you waiting for? Head to your local grocery store and grab all the ingredients needed to make this delectable dish. Trust me – you won’t regret it!
Beef Brisket With Cherry-Merlot Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -5 lbs first-cut beef brisket
- salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1/2 cup carrot, chopped small
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, with juice
- 2 cups merlot
- 1 bay leaf
For Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups thinly sliced sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Spanish)
- salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, pitted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325.
- Season brisket all over with the salt and pepper.
- In a large roasting pan with a tight-fitting lid or a dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the brisket and brown well on all sides.
- Transfer to a plate.
- Add the onion and carrot to the pan and saute until golden, about 6 minutes.
- Add the garlic and saute about 2 minutes more.
- Add the tomatoes and juices, 1 cup of the wine and the bay leaf, mix well and bring to a boil.
- Return brisket to the pan, cover and place in the oven.
- Cook, basting occasionally, for about 3 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the juices.
- Transfer the brisket to a deep platter and cover with aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate until cold, up to overnight.
- Let the pan juices cool, then pass through a sieve or food mill into a bowl.
- Discard the solids and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Just before serving, preheat the oven to 350.
- Slice the brisket thinly and arrange on an oven-proof serving platter.
- Cover with aluminum foil and warm in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the onions: Warm the olive oil in a large fry pan and add the sliced onions.
- Saute, stirring often, until golden brown and sweet.
- Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- While onions are sauteing, pour the remaining cup of wine into a saucepan over high heat.
- Add 1/4 cup of the dried cherries and bring to a boil.
- Boil until wine is reduced by half and then stir in reserved brisket juices.
- Bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, remove the brisket from the oven.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and then top with the caramelized onions.
- Sprinkle with the remaining dried cherries and serve immediately.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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