Smoked Brisket Tacos Delight (Printable)

Tender smoked brisket in tortillas topped with pickled red onions.

# What You Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1.5 lbs beef brisket
02 - 1 tbsp kosher salt
03 - 1 tbsp black pepper
04 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
08 - 1–2 cups beef broth

→ Pickled Red Onion

09 - 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
10 - 1 cup apple cider vinegar
11 - 1/2 cup water
12 - 2 tbsp sugar
13 - 1 tsp salt

→ Tacos and Garnishes

14 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 2 limes, cut into wedges
17 - Optional: crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the brisket.
02 - Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up. Smoke for about 6 hours, spritzing occasionally with beef broth to keep moist. Brisket is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195–203°F and is fork-tender.
03 - Remove brisket from the smoker. Wrap in foil and let rest 30 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
04 - While brisket is cooking, place red onion slices in a heatproof jar. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a simmer. Pour hot liquid over the onions. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
05 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame. Fill each with slices of brisket. Top with pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and any additional desired garnishes. Squeeze with lime juice before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These tacos are a delightful fusion of barbecue and Mexican street food that’ll impress any crowd.
  • The pickled red onions add a refreshing crunch that elevates every flavorful bite.
02 -
  • Always slice brisket against the grain to keep it tender; trust me, it makes a huge difference in texture.
  • Let those onions pickle overnight if you can; the flavor deepens and becomes irresistible.
03 -
  • Letting your brisket rest is non-negotiable; it gives the juices time to redistribute.
  • Using a sturdy bread knife for slicing brisket can yield much cleaner cuts.
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