Coke Brisket uses an unusual tenderizing agent: Coke! Cola not only tenderizes this brisket, it also makes a fabulous gravy, flavored with garlic, onion, celery, tomato sauce, and dry onion soup mix. You will not taste the cola, and it is not overly sweet in the least. The gravy is awesome over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. You won’t regret trying this comfort food favorite.
Coke Brisket Recipe
1 (about 4 pounds, 1st or 2nd cut) beef brisket
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 cup (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup any brand of cola (not diet — see Notes)
1 (1.5 ounces) package dry onion soup mix (I use Lipton®)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a roasting pan with foil. (Alternatively, a 13-inch glass or ceramic casserole works well, and skip the foil liner.)
Rub the brisket on both sides with the olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the brisket fat-side up in the prepared roasting pan. Top with garlic, onion, and celery.
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Whisk together tomato sauce, cola, and onion soup mix. Pour over the top of the vegetables on the brisket.
Cover with foil or a lid and roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes until very tender.
Let rest 15 minutes. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the pan gravy.
Coke brisket may be made a day in advance, sliced, and refrigerated. Reheat in the gravy.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Notes:
• Diet soda is sweetened with aspartame, which turns bitter under extended heat. You will need to use the real thing.
• Try this method with any type of pot roast such as shoulder or 7-bone roast.
Coke Brisket Recipe Photo © 2017 Peggy Filippone
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