Belgian Ale-Braised Brisket

A tender beef brisket braised in Belgian tripel ale with caramelized onions and a mustard-brown sugar crust. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of beer and beef with sweet and tangy notes from Dijon mustard and ginger.

8 servings
13 hr 45 min

Ingredients

  • 1 piece beef brisket
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated peeled ginger
  • 2 tablespoons bacon fat or vegetable oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 bottle Belgian-style tripel ale
  • 4 cups beef stock or low-sodium chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Season brisket with salt. Wrap tightly in plastic and chill at least 8 hours.

    480 min

  2. 2.

    Let brisket sit at room temperature 1 hour.

    60 min

  3. 3.

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine mustard, brown sugar, and ginger in a small bowl. Unwrap brisket, place on a wire rack set inside a large rimmed baking sheet, and rub mustard mixture all over brisket. Roast until top is nicely browned, 30-40 minutes.

    35 min

  4. 4.

    Remove brisket from oven and reduce oven temperature to 300°F.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Meanwhile, heat bacon fat in a large heavy ovenproof pot over medium heat. Add onions; season with salt and cook, stirring often, until deep golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, add flour, and cook, stirring often, until mixture smells nutty, about 4 minutes. Add bay leaf, ale, and stock. Bring to a simmer. Add brisket, cover, and transfer to oven. Braise, turning every 30 minutes, until fork-tender, 3-4 hours. Discard bay leaf.

    210 min

  6. 6.

    Transfer brisket to a cutting board and let rest at least 20 minutes.

    20 min

  7. 7.

    If braising liquid is thin, bring to a boil, reduce, and simmer, skimming surface as needed, until thick enough to coat a spoon; season with salt, if needed. Slice brisket against the grain. Serve with braising liquid.

    15 min

  8. 8.

    DO AHEAD: Brisket can be braised 2 days ahead. Cover and chill in braising liquid.