Get a taste of your favorite barbecue joint at home with these Brisket Sandwiches!

These brisket sandwiches take all the smokey, irresistible flavors from your favorite barbecue joint and put them into a straightforward and downright delicious homemade meal!
Back in the day, brisket was a thrifty cut for families who knew how to turn “humble” into “heavenly.” Over time, it became the star of Jewish holiday tables and Texas barbecue pits alike, evolving into the sandwich we love today.
This recipe cuts out the long cooking process and jumps to the fun part! Just grab some cooked brisket from your favorite local butcher or barbecue spot, and whip together these fuss-free and weeknight-friendly sandwiches.
If you want to try making it yourself, take this recipe a step further and make your own Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket! And, if you’re not sure what barbecue sauce to use with this recipe, try out this Low-Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce or this Keto BBQ Sauce that you can make in just minutes.
Are Brisket Sandwiches Healthy?
Believe it or not, this brisket sandwich recipe is relatively healthy! While brisket is often considered a fatty meat, the key is to find lean brisket that’s had the excess fat cut off.
It’s also important to make sure you get low-sodium barbecue sauce and pickles with no sugar added, to keep these sandwiches light and nutritious. The whole grain buns are also a healthier alternative to the types of buns you might find with a typical brisket sandwich.
Want to lighten it up even more? Ditch the bun for a lettuce wrap or serve the brisket and toppings over a fresh salad.

Where Do Brisket Sandwiches Come From?
Did you know that brisket sandwiches are the culinary unity of Jewish and Texan traditions? Jewish immigrants brought brisket to America, braising it to tender perfection for celebrations like Passover, Hanukkah, and Shabbat.
As Jewish immigrants settled in the United States, particularly in urban areas, they adapted their traditional recipes to include local ingredients and cooking methods. Meanwhile, in rural Texas, the same cut of meat was slow-smoked over open flames, thanks to German and Czech influences.
The brisket sandwich likely emerged as a convenient way to serve this flavorful meat. While brisket was commonly cooked at home for family meals, it began appearing on restaurant menus in the mid-20th century. Today, they’re a mainstay on menus across the country, carrying a slice of history with every bite.

How to Make Ahead and Store
Store any leftover sandwiches (with the meat separated from the bread) in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For freezing leftover brisket meat, portion the brisket into freezer-safe bags with a bit of sauce to keep it moist, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions
There are countless side dishes that go well with brisket sandwiches! Without question, one of the most popular is Potato Salad. You can mix things up a little with this Mustard Potato Salad or this Red Potato Salad. Or, you can go in a completely different direction by making some Sweet Potato Fries In The Oven.
Of course, for a more balanced meal, it might be a good idea to have a vegetable side dish. If that’s your preference, I can recommend some Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower or these Lemon-Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cooked lean brisket excess fat trimmed
- 1/3 cup low-sodium BBQ sauce
- 2 whole grain buns lightly toasted
- 1/4 cup no-added-sugar bread and butter pickles
- 1 cup vinegar-based coleslaw (recipes in FAQs)
- 1/4 cup quick-pickled red onions (recipe in FAQs)
Instructions
- Chop the brisket into bite-sized pieces, preferably while it is slightly warm for easier handling.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped brisket and BBQ sauce, stirring until well combined and heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing pickles on the bottom half of each toasted bun, followed by the warm brisket, a generous helping of slaw, and topped with pickled red onions. Serve immediately.
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