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Savory Smoked Brisket Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Crema

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These savory smoked brisket tacos feature tender, slow-smoked beef paired with a smoky, creamy chipotle crema. Perfect for taco night, they are easy to assemble and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for tangier option)
  • 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Pinch of salt for crema
  • About 12 small (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Diced red onion
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Trim any large chunks of fat from the brisket but leave a thin layer for moisture.
  2. Mix smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Rub olive oil all over the brisket, then coat evenly with the spice rub. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Place brisket fat side up on grates.
  5. Smoke brisket for 6-8 hours or until internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). Keep smoker lid closed as much as possible.
  6. Remove brisket from smoker, wrap loosely in foil, and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Slice thinly against the grain or shred with forks for tacos.
  8. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
  9. Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or warm in a low oven for 10 minutes.
  10. Assemble tacos by placing sliced or shredded brisket on tortillas, drizzling with chipotle crema, and topping with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

If you don’t have a smoker, use a slow cooker or oven with liquid smoke for smoky flavor. Let brisket rest at least 30 minutes after cooking for juicier meat. Adjust chipotle peppers in crema to control heat. Store brisket and tortillas separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat brisket gently wrapped in foil at 300°F for 15 minutes or in a skillet with water.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket tacos, chipotle crema, brisket recipe, taco night, smoky tacos, easy brisket, creamy chipotle sauce

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/savory-smoked-brisket-tacos-with-creamy-chipotle-crema-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-taco-night/