Ingredients: |
Ingredients: 1 4–5-lb. piece untrimmed flat-cut beef brisket
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 medium yellow onions, cut in half and 1/4" slices
1 large fennel bulb, cut through root end into 1/2"-thick wedges, save tops for garnish
3 celery stalks, cut into 1" pieces, plus 1 cup leaves
4 cloves of garlic, smashed and cut into pieces
2 carrots cut into 1" pieces
½ bunch thyme, oregano, or marjoram
¾ cup distilled white vinegar
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
2 cups mixed tender herbs (such as parsley and/or cilantro)
½ lemon
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Flaky sea salt
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Directions: |
Directions:Step 1
Season brisket on all sides with kosher salt (about 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton per lb.) and pepper and set on a rack over a rimmed baking sheet.
Chill, uncovered, at least 12 hours and up to 2 days.
Step 2
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Cook brisket, fatty side down, until deeply browned (it might be snug at first, but the meat will shrink as it cooks), 10–12 minutes.
Turn and cook until the other side is deeply browned, 8–10 minutes.
Turn onto edges and brown (this isn’t necessary, but it will add more flavor).
Transfer to a platter.
Step 3
Pour off fat in pot, leaving 1- 2 tbsp. set over medium-high heat.
Add onion and season with kosher salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown and caramelize, about 10 minutes.
Add fennel and cook another 5 minutes.
Step 4
Add celery, carrots, garlic, and thyme and toss to coat; season with kosher salt and pepper.
Add vinegar, soy sauce, and 4 cups water.
Place brisket in pot, arranging fatty side up; it should be submerged. (Use tongs to work it in there. If anything has to poke out of the liquid, let it be the vegetables.)
Bring to a simmer, then cover with aluminum foil and lid and place in the oven.
Braise about 3 hours.
Check brisket; it should be very tender (the tip of a knife should easily pierce meat). If not, braise another 20 minutes or so and check again.
Step 5
Uncover brisket and increase oven temperature to 425°. Roast until liquid is reduced by three-fourths and top of brisket is crisp and deeply browned (it should be extremely tender), 50–60 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a cutting board. Slice with a serrated knife or shred with your hands. Skim fat from surface of braising liquid.
Step 6
Just before meat is done, place tender herbs and celery leaves in a small bowl; squeeze some juice from lemon over and toss to coat.
Step 7
Arrange meat on a platter.
Spoon vegetables and braising liquid in pot around meat and top with herb salad. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired, and sea salt.
Step 8
Do Ahead: Brisket can be braised (but not roasted) 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Uncover and remove fat from surface. Continue with roasting process before serving. |
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