Easy Instant Pot Brisket

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A white oval plate with sliced and shredded pot roast beef garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, placed on a marble surface next to a fork and an Instant Pot—perfect for showcasing your favorite easy brisket recipe.

Easy Instant Pot Brisket

Tender, juicy Instant Pot brisket with a flavorful spice rub, cooked to perfection in 90 minutes. Serve with BBQ sauce or Instant Pot gravy!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Keyword instant pot brisket

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Resting Time 15

Total Time 2

Servings servings

Calories 555kcal

Author Ksenia Prints

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

For the spice rub:

3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon cumin

For cooking:

4 pounds beef brisket trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves minced
2 cups beef broth
BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

Make the spice rub: Measure all spice rub ingredients into a bowl. Mix thoroughly with a fork until well combined.
Prepare the brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut the brisket in half so it will fit in your Instant Pot.
Apply the rub: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the brisket pieces. Use your hands to rub it in, making sure the entire surface is covered.
Set up the Instant Pot: Plug in your Instant Pot. Press the SAUTE button. The display will read "On."
Cook the garlic: Add olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot (after about 1-2 minutes), add the minced garlic. Stir continuously for 1 minute so the garlic doesn't burn.
Stop the saute function: Press the CANCEL button to turn off the heat.
Add the brisket: Place both pieces of brisket in the pot, arranging them to fit. They can overlap slightly if needed.
Add the liquid: Carefully pour the beef broth around the sides of the meat, not directly on top (to avoid washing off the spice rub).
Seal the pot: Put the lid on the Instant Pot and turn it clockwise until it locks. Make sure the steam release valve on top of the lid is set to the "SEALING" position (not "VENTING").
Start pressure cooking: Press the PRESSURE COOK button (or MANUAL on older models). Use the + or buttons to set the time to 90 minutes. The Instant Pot will display "On" while it builds pressure (this takes about 10-15 minutes) before the cooking timer starts.
Allow pressure release: When cooking completes, the Instant Pot will beep. Don't touch anything for 10 minutes this is called natural pressure release. Then, using a long spoon or tongs (to keep your hand away from the steam), carefully turn the valve to "VENTING" position. Wait until all the steam escapes and the float valve drops down.
Open and remove brisket: Once the float valve has dropped, it's safe to open the lid. Turn counterclockwise and lift straight up. Using tongs, carefully transfer the brisket to a cutting board.
Rest the meat: Let the brisket rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Slice the brisket before it's fully cooked, put it back in the braising liquid in the Insant Pot. Let it sit for about five minutes to absorb the sauce.
Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Notes

Cooking Times by Weight

2-3 pounds: 60 minutes

4-5 pounds: 90 minutes

6-7 pounds: 110 minutes

Nutrition