Smoky and Spicy Adventure: BBQ Pulled Beef Brisket Sandwich with Spicy Coleslaw

A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Brisket Sandwich Recipe for BBQ Lovers

This ultimate brisket sandwich recipe features slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef topped with spicy, crunchy coleslaw. Ideal for backyard BBQs, comfort meals, or game day, it delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Pulled Beef Brisket Sandwich with Spicy Coleslaw Recipe | Slow-Cooked Brisket Sandwich Recipe

DifficultyMedium

Servings6-8

Prep time30 minutes

Cook time8 hours

Total time8 hours30 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Brisket:

• 3-4 lbs beef brisket
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

For the Spicy Coleslaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (red and green)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sandwich:

• 6-8 soft sandwich buns
• Pickles (optional)
• Extra BBQ sauce (optional)

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Brisket:

  1. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
• 2

  Slow Cook the Brisket:

  • Slow Cooker Method: Place the brisket in a slow cooker. Add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until tender.
  • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place brisket in a roasting pan with the liquid ingredients. Cover with foil and roast for 4 hours.
• 3

  Make the Spicy Mayoless Coleslaw:

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion, and jalapeño.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• 4

  Assemble the Sandwich:

  1. Once the brisket is cooked, shred it using two forks.
  2. Toast the sandwich buns for extra texture.
  3. Pile the shredded brisket onto the buns, top with coleslaw, and add pickles or BBQ sauce if desired.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment

• Slow cooker or oven
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Tongs

Recipe Notes & Variations

Recipe Notes

✔ Slow cook for maximum tenderness – Low and slow ensures juicy, fall-apart brisket.
✔ Sear for extra flavor – Browning the brisket locks in a smoky, caramelized taste.
✔ Let the meat rest – Resting for 10-15 minutes before shredding keeps it moist.
✔ Adjust the coleslaw – Balance acidity and sweetness by tweaking vinegar and honey levels.
✔ Make ahead & store:

• Brisket: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
• Coleslaw: Best fresh but can be prepped a few hours in advance.

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Brisket Substitutions

✔ Pulled Pork: Swap for pork shoulder; same seasoning & cooking method.
✔ Chicken: Use boneless thighs; slow cook & shred for a lighter option.
✔ Vegan/Vegetarian:

• Jackfruit – Mimics shredded texture, absorbs BBQ flavor.
• Mushrooms – Portobello or oyster mushrooms for a rich, meaty bite.

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Spicy Variations

✔ Extra heat in the brisket – Add chipotle, cayenne, or hot sauce.
✔ Fiery coleslaw – Include serrano peppers or a sriracha drizzle.
✔ Spicy BBQ sauce – Mix BBQ sauce with habanero or ghost pepper hot sauce.

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Bun & Bread Options

✔ Brioche Buns – Buttery & soft, ideal for juicy brisket.
✔ Pretzel Buns – Chewy, slightly salty contrast.
✔ Texas Toast or Ciabatta – Toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich option.
✔ Gluten-Free Buns – Perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters.

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Coleslaw Variations

✔ Creamy Alternative – Add Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead of mayo.
✔ Sweet & Tangy – Toss in chopped apples or dried cranberries.
✔ Asian-Inspired – Replace vinegar with sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger.

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Fun & Unique Variations

✔ BBQ Brisket Tacos – Serve in corn or flour tortillas instead of buns.
✔ Brisket Grilled Cheese – Add smoked cheddar or pepper jack for gooey goodness.
✔ Brisket Mac & Cheese Sandwich – Layer brisket with creamy mac & cheese.
✔ Breakfast Brisket Sandwich – Top with a fried egg and avocado for a brunch twist.

Nutrition

Calories	550
Carbohydrates	45g
Cholesterol	110mg
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Protein	38g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sodium	780mg
Sugar	10g
Unsaturated Fat	10g

The History and Evolution of the Brisket Sandwich

The brisket sandwich is a staple in BBQ culture, deeply rooted in Southern and Texan traditions. Smoked brisket has been a favorite in Texas for over a century, with pitmasters perfecting their craft using low and slow cooking methods. Traditionally, brisket is smoked for hours, allowing the fat to render and the meat to become fall-apart tender. The sandwich evolution came when brisket lovers sought a more portable way to enjoy this BBQ favorite—thus, the brisket sandwich was born.

Over the years, brisket sandwiches have taken on various forms. From Kansas City-style sandwiches with a rich tomato-based sauce to Jewish deli-style brisket with caramelized onions on rye bread, the versatility of brisket makes it a beloved protein worldwide. Today, we’re giving it a fresh twist with a pulled beef brisket sandwich topped with spicy mayoless coleslaw, making it a bold, tangy, and healthier take on the classic BBQ sandwich.

The Art of Cooking a Perfect Brisket for a Sandwich

Brisket is a tough cut of meat that requires patience. The key to the perfect brisket sandwich recipe is slow-cooking the beef brisket until it becomes irresistibly tender. You can achieve this by:

• Smoking it for an authentic BBQ taste.
• Slow-roasting in the oven for easy home preparation.
• Using a slow cooker for a hassle-free method.

In this recipe, we use a slow-cooked method with bold seasoning and beef broth to ensure deep flavor and tenderness. The beef is then shredded, layered onto a soft sandwich bun, and topped with a tangy spicy mayoless coleslaw, offering a perfect balance of richness and crunch.

Why This Brisket Sandwich Recipe is Special

1. Healthier Coleslaw – Many coleslaw recipes rely on mayonnaise, but this version uses a lighter mayo vinaigrette-style dressing, making it lighter, tangier, and packed with flavor.
2. Slow-Cooked for Maximum Tenderness – Whether in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this brisket becomes fall-apart tender.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for BBQs, game day, or a hearty weekend dinner.
4. Customizable – Add cheese, pickles, or different spices to make it your own.

What Occasions is This Brisket Sandwich Recipe Perfect For?

• Summer BBQs – Serve alongside grilled corn, baked beans, or potato salad.
• Game Day Snacks – A crowd-pleasing sandwich for Super Bowl parties or tailgating.
• Family Dinners – A filling and satisfying meal for everyone.
• Meal Prep – Brisket stores well, making it ideal for making ahead of time.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that you know the history and flavor secrets behind the best brisket sandwich recipe, it’s time to cook! Follow this step-by-step recipe for a delicious pulled beef brisket sandwich with spicy coleslaw.