Pulled Brisket Latke Tacos

Succulent Coffee-Rubbed Brisket with Crispy Potato Latkes

Imagine indulging in a dish where tender, flavorful beef brisket meets crispy, golden potato latkes—a pairing as dreamy as it sounds. Our coffee-rubbed brisket offers a delightful twist to a comforting classic, infusing robust flavors with a hint of smokiness that perfectly complements the savory potato pancakes. Whether you're seeking a dish that will impress your dinner guests or simply yearning for an exquisite homemade meal, this recipe promises to deliver in taste, texture, and presentation.

A key element to mastering this dish is the brisket's signature coffee rub. The blend of brown sugar, ground coffee, and smoked paprika creates a crust that locks in moisture, adding a depth of flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds. When selecting your brisket, opt for a cut with a good amount of marbling—this ensures tenderness after hours of slow cooking. Meanwhile, the potato latkes provide a satisfying crunch that offers a delightful contrast to the tender brisket.

Prepping ahead is your friend here. Allow the brisket to marinate overnight, which lets the robust flavors meld into the meat, enhancing its richness. Pay attention to slicing the onion and garlic thinly, as they meld into the sauce, infusing it with aromatic warmth during the slow roasting process. For the latkes, ensure you follow the package instructions closely, and don’t skimp on the oil for frying—this ensures every bite achieves that coveted crispiness. Of course, the right kitchen tools—such as a sturdy sauté pan, a reliable oven, and some quality aluminum foil—will help set this dish up for success.

Now, let's dive into the ingredients and their magic.

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 6 cloves garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances and enhances natural flavors.
• 1 tablespoon ground coffee: Adds robust earthiness.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky, peppery kick.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Seasoning to enhance natural beef flavor.
• 1 beef brisket (about 3 lb): Choose one with good marbling for tenderness.
• 1 cup barbecue sauce: Enhances saucy richness.
• ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce: Adds an umami boost.
• ½ cup water: Liquidity for sauciness and moisture.
• Aluminum foil: Essential for sealing moisture during the roast.
• 2 (6 oz) boxes potato latke mix: Provides the base for our crispy delights.
• 4 large eggs: Binds and enriches the latkes.
• 1 cup vegetable oil, divided: Necessary for achieving the perfect fry.
• ½ cup pickled red cabbage: Offers tangy brightness and color.
• 2 oz fresh chives: Provides a fresh, herby touch.
• 10 teaspoons horseradish sauce, divided: For a spicy punch that awakens the palate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Carefully slice the large onion and garlic cloves to release their full flavor during cooking.
2. Create the Rub: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground coffee, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Generously rub this mixture over the brisket, ensuring each nook and cranny is coated to perfection. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a 13- x 9-inch baking dish, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, water, sliced onions, and garlic. Nestle the seasoned brisket into the saucy bed you’ve created.
4. Roast to Perfection: Tightly seal the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors. Roast in the preheated oven for 3½–4 hours or until the internal meat temperature reaches 185°F, which indicates the perfect level for slicing.
5. Let it Rest: Allow the brisket to rest in its cooking liquids for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors, or refrigerate overnight for a deeper infusion.
6. Prepare the Latkes: While the brisket rests, prepare the potato latke mix according to its package directions. Mix in the eggs as instructed, forming a batter.
7. Frying the Latkes: Heat ½ cup of vegetable oil in a large, nonstick sauté pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. Shape ¼-cup portions of latke batter and gently drop them into the hot oil, frying each side for 2–3 minutes until beautifully golden. You may need to add more oil to the pan between batches to maintain optimal frying conditions.
8. Chop and Finish: Chop the brisket into bite-sized pieces and combine with 1 cup of its reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist. Drain the pickled cabbage and slice the chives finely.
9. Assembly: Top each latke with ¼ cup of the brisket mixture, a teaspoon of pickled cabbage, and ½ teaspoon of horseradish sauce. Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Present your creation while warm and flavorful, inviting everyone to enjoy the perfect marriage of juicy brisket and crisp latkes.

Tips for Troubleshooting If Something Goes Wrong with the Recipe

• Brisket Too Dry? Ensure it's coated properly in the sauce and sealed tightly before roasting. If dryness persists, you can slice it thinner and add more of the cooking sauce or a bit of beef broth.
• Latkes Not Crispy Enough? Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying, and don't overcrowd the pan. Drain them on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
• Dish Too Salty? Counteract excessive salt with a dash of vinegar or a spoonful of sugar depending on what pairs well with your flavors.
• Brisket Difficult to Slice? Ensure your knife is adequately sharpened, and slice against the grain for more tender results.

Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this sumptuous meal with these delightful accompaniments:

• Side Dishes: A refreshing cucumber and dill salad adds a crisp, light counterbalance to the meal's richness. Alternatively, roasted root vegetables drizzled with maple syrup complement the brisket’s smoky sweet notes.
• Drinks: A robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, enhances the deep flavors of the brisket. For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider to mirror the dishes' sweet and savory tones.
• Desserts: Conclude the meal with a classic apple strudel—the fruity, flaky dessert acts as an ideal palate refresher, satiating the sweet tooth while maintaining the menu's theme.

Explore these pairings to create a meal that is as balanced as it is flavorful, offering a journey through contrasting yet harmonizing flavors and textures.

How to Store Properly

Keep this dish fresh and flavorful with these storage tips:

• For Refrigeration: Place leftover brisket and latkes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tight to maintain moisture and tender textures.
• For Freezing: Wrap brisket slices individually in parchment paper, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F to avoid drying out.
• Storing Latkes: Although best fresh, latkes can be flash-frozen on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag, and reheat on a baking sheet at 375°F until crisp and warm.

By utilizing these storage methods, your dish can be enjoyed later, whether taken out for a future feast or used as a convenient meal prep option.

FAQs

• Can I use instant coffee instead of ground coffee for the rub? Yes, instant coffee can be used, but ground coffee will yield a bolder flavor profile.
• Can I substitute another cut of meat for the brisket? A beef chuck roast is a good alternative, but adjust cooking times as needed due to varying thickness.
• Are there vegetarian options for the latkes topping? Instead of brisket, top with sautéed mushrooms or a bean-based topping for a delicious vegetarian variation.
• What if I don't have horseradish sauce? You can substitute with a spicy mustard or a mix of grated fresh horseradish and vinegar for a similar effect.

Should you have additional questions or want to share your experience with making this delicious recipe, feel free to leave a comment below!