Is brisket better in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Both methods work well, but the beef brisket Instant Pot recipe is faster. It gives you tender, flavorful meat in a little over an hour, compared to the 8 to 10 hours slow cooking often requires.

How long do you cook brisket in an Instant Pot?

A 4-pound brisket cooks at high pressure for 60 minutes , followed by 15 minutes of natural pressure release . This ensures the meat is fully tender without falling apart.

Do you have to sear the brisket first?

Not for this Instant Pot brisket recipe . Searing can add a layer of flavor, but it's optional. The pressure cooking process builds plenty of richness on its own.

What’s the secret to a tender brisket?

Use a natural release, cut against the grain, and rest the meat before slicing. These steps are key to a successful brisket Instant Pot recipe .

Can I use frozen brisket in the Instant Pot?

It’s best to thaw brisket before cooking. Frozen meat won’t season evenly or cook as consistently, which could affect the texture in your beef brisket Instant Pot recipe .

Beef Brisket Instant Pot Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful

Ingredients

Scale

4 lb beef brisket (flat cut)

2 tsp fine sea salt

1 tsp ancho chile powder (optional)

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Liquid:

1 cup water

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Optional Toppings & Garnishes:

Thin-sliced onions

Dill pickles

Texas-style barbecue sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep the Brisket:
Cut brisket into four equal chunks (~2 inches thick). Season with salt, pepper, and ancho chile powder.
Load the Instant Pot:
Place seasoned brisket pieces in Instant Pot, loosely layered for steam circulation.
Add Cooking Liquid:
Pour in water and Worcestershire sauce. Liquid should reach the base of the meat without submerging it.
Pressure Cook:
Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes. Allow Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes before opening the lid.
Slice and Serve:
Transfer brisket to a cutting board. Rest a few minutes, then slice against the grain. Serve with strained sauce or toppings.

Author: Layla Nour
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (plus 15 minutes natural release)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking (Instant Pot)
Cuisine: American, Texan-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~6 oz cooked brisket per person
Calories: ~430 per serving
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 43g
Cholesterol: 130mg