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## How to Make BBQ Brisket Cheesesteak
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to get into the step-by-step process for making the **BBQ Brisket Cheesesteak**. While this recipe requires some time to make the brisket (especially if you’re smoking it), the sandwich itself comes together relatively quickly.
### Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
To begin, you’ll need to cook the brisket. There are two main ways to prepare the brisket: **smoking** or **braising**. Smoking the brisket gives it that rich, smoky flavor, while braising is a more straightforward method that yields tender meat with great flavor.
#### Smoking the Brisket:
1. **Season the brisket**: Pat the brisket dry and rub it with a mixture of **salt**, **black pepper**, and any additional BBQ rub or spices you like. Make sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
2. **Preheat the smoker**: Set your smoker to a low temperature of around **225°F**. Add wood chips or chunks (hickory or oak works great) for flavor.
3. **Smoke the brisket**: Place the brisket in the smoker and cook it for about **6-8 hours** or until the internal temperature reaches **195°F** to **205°F**. This slow cooking process will break down the collagen in the meat, making it tender and juicy.
4. **Rest the brisket**: Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
#### Braising the Brisket (Alternative Method):
1. **Season the brisket**: As with smoking, rub the brisket with **salt** and **black pepper**.
2. **Sear the brisket**: In a large, heavy pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. **Braise the brisket**: Add enough beef broth or water to the pot to cover the brisket. Bring it to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
4. **Rest the brisket**: Remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
### Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce
While the brisket is resting, you can make the **BBQ sauce**. In a saucepan, combine **ketchup**, **apple cider vinegar**, **brown sugar**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **Dijon mustard**, and **smoked paprika**. Simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Set the sauce aside.
### Step 3: Prepare the Cheesesteak
While the brisket rests, it’s time to get the other components of the sandwich ready.
1. **Sauté the onions and peppers**: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced **onions** and **bell peppers**, and cook until softened and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. **Toast the hoagie rolls**: Slice the **hoagie rolls** in half and butter the cut sides. Toast them in a hot skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
### Step 4: Assemble the BBQ Brisket Cheesesteak
1. **Slice the brisket**: After the brisket has rested, slice it thinly against the grain.
2. **Build the sandwich**: Layer the sliced **brisket** on the bottom half of each hoagie roll. Top with sautéed **onions** and **bell peppers**, then drizzle with your homemade **BBQ sauce**.
3. **Add the cheese**: Place slices of **provolone cheese** (or your preferred cheese) on top of the brisket and vegetables. You can either melt the cheese under the broiler or in the microwave for a few seconds to ensure it’s gooey and melty.
4. **Finish the sandwich**: Top with the other half of the hoagie roll and serve immediately, garnished with fresh **cilantro** or any other toppings you desire.
### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
The **BBQ Brisket Cheesesteak** is now ready to be served! You can cut it into halves or quarters for easy sharing, and pair it with classic sides like **fries**, **coleslaw**, or **pickles**.
## Tips and Variations
– **Slow Cooker Brisket**: If you don’t have access to a smoker, you can also cook the brisket in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. Just season the brisket, place it in the slow cooker with some beef broth, and cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
– **Cheese Options**: While provolone is a classic choice for a cheesesteak, you can experiment with other cheeses like **sharp cheddar**, **smoked gouda**, or **Pepper Jack** for a more flavorful kick.
– **Add Pickles**: For some extra tang, you can add sliced **pickles** to the sandwich. They will complement the richness of the brisket and the BBQ sauce.
– **Make it Spicy**: If you like heat, add some **jalapeños** or a dash of **hot sauce** to the BBQ sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
## Conclusion: The Ultimate Fusion Sandwich
The **BBQ Brisket Cheesesteak** is a unique and delicious fusion of two classic American dishes. The smoky, tender brisket pairs beautifully with the savory cheese, sautéed onions, and tangy BBQ sauce, creating a sandwich that is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast, a cheesesteak lover, or someone simply looking for a flavorful and exciting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredients, you can make the **BBQ Brisket Cheesesteak** a staple in your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking, and enjoy the perfect bite of this delicious sandwich!
