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Easy Qdoba Brisket Recipe

Qdoba Brisket Recipe

Joe Williams
Before diving into the delicious world of QDOBA brisket, let’s chat about what pairs beautifully with this dish. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs beef brisket flat cut
  • 5 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3½ cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion quartered
  • 1 poblano pepper de-seeded and chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh cilantro leaves only
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Let’s dive into the cooking process. It might seem a bit lengthy, but trust me; it’s worth every step.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Chop the vegetables, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices. Making sure everything is ready makes the cooking process smoother. It’s a little ritual that I enjoy.

Step 2: Season the Brisket

  • Rub your brisket with the garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and salt. Massage it in; think of it as giving your brisket a little spa treatment. The more affection you show these ingredients, the more flavor will deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Sear the Brisket

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear it on both sides until it develops a lovely brown color. This step enriches the flavors and creates a beautiful crust. Don’t rush it—let it brown nicely.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Broth

  • Once your brisket is seared, it’s time for the aromatic appeal. In the same pot, add the quartered onions and chopped poblano peppers. Cook them for a few minutes until they soften. Then, pour in the beef broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. That’s flavor, my friend!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

  • Add the bay leaves, cilantro leaves, and lime juice. These ingredients will infuse the brisket with aroma and flavor during the cooking time. Don’t forget to give everything a gentle stir to combine all the flavors.

Step 6: Slow Cook

  • Cover your pot and reduce the heat. Allow the brisket to simmer gently for about 3-4 hours, or until fork-tender. If you have a slow cooker, feel free to transfer everything there for an easier cleanup. The longer, the better when it comes to brisket.

Step 7: Shred and Serve

  • Once the brisket is fully cooked, take it out of the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred it with two forks. This shredding process releases all those delicious juices, making each bite delightful. Stir the shredded brisket back into the pot with the remaining juices for an irresistible finish.

Step 8: Enjoy!

  • Serve your QDOBA brisket however you desire. I love it in tacos with fresh toppings or simply on a plate beside some rice and beans. Every time I make this, I find each bite takes me away to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and joy.

Notes

Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is a tough cut of meat, which means it demands low and slow cooking to break down the connective tissues. It’s a cut often used in barbecue, but in this recipe, we tame its toughness with the broth and spices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Garlic

The aromatic burst of garlic does wonders for the flavor profile. When minced, it releases its essential oils, enhancing the dish’s depth.

Spices

Each spice plays a role. Cumin provides warmth, oregano freshens the dish, and smoked paprika delivers subtle nuances. You can adjust these spices based on your taste preference.

Broth

Opting for low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the seasoning better. The liquid helps maintain moisture—essential for a brisket.

Vegetables

Adding onions and poblano creates a flavorful base. They contribute their unique tastes, creating layers of flavor that elevate the entire dish.

Fresh Cilantro

Cilantro adds a zesty touch. When it cooks, it loses its vibrancy. I often reserve some fresh leaves to sprinkle over the final dish for that fresh flare.

Lime Juice

This bright addition cuts through the richness of the brisket, providing a delightful balance. A squeeze of lime right before serving sometimes makes all the difference.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal
Keyword Qdoba Brisket Recipe
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