Ingredients
2 pounds beef brisket
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 small corn tortillas
1 cup diced white onion
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado, sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
½ cup crumbled queso fresco
Optional toppings:
Pickled red onions
Salsa verde
Chipotle crema
Shredded cabbage
Fresh jalapeños
Instructions
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Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano.
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for about 4–5 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pot, cook sliced onions for about 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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Pour in beef broth, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
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Return brisket to the pot. Cover and cook on low heat for 3–3½ hours until the meat becomes fork-tender.
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Remove brisket and shred it using two forks. Return shredded meat to the cooking juices and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook portions of the shredded brisket until edges become slightly crispy.
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Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
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Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with brisket and topping with diced onion, cilantro, avocado, queso fresco, and lime juice.
Notes
Choose well-marbled brisket for the most tender Beef Brisket Tacos.
Always sear the brisket before braising to build deeper flavor.
Crisping the shredded brisket in a skillet creates the authentic taco texture.
For even better flavor, cook the brisket a day ahead and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Braised / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican