The Chopped Brisket Sandwich from Mission BBQ features tender, smoky chopped brisket piled high on a soft bun, topped with tangy BBQ sauce and crunchy pickles, delivering a mouthwatering blend of savory and tangy flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Serving tray/plate
- Bun slicer (optional)
- Meat thermometer
- Serving gloves
Ingredients
- 5 lbs (2.25kg) beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 8 soft sandwich buns
- 1 cup sliced dill pickles
- Vegetable oil (for brushing)
Ensure you select a high-quality 5 lbs beef brisket with good marbling for optimal tenderness and smoky flavor. Use kosher salt and black pepper in equal amounts for seasoning, complemented by paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper to balance heat and depth. Brushing the brisket with vegetable oil before smoking helps maintain moisture and enhances the bark's texture. Choose your preferred BBQ sauce brand to customize the tanginess that suits your taste, and opt for soft sandwich buns to hold the brisket and pickles without overpowering the flavors. Your Chopped Brisket Sandwich from Mission BBQ copycat menu will deliver a perfectly tender, smoky, and tangy experience with every bite.
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Trim excess fat from the brisket with a chef’s knife on a cutting board.
- Mix kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl to create a rub.
- Pat the brisket dry; evenly coat it with the spice rub.
- Let the brisket rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Brush the brisket lightly with vegetable oil.
- Place the brisket in the smoker.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket.
- Smoke the brisket until it reaches an internal temperature of 195–203°F (90–95°C), about 10–12 hours.
- Periodically check and maintain smoker temperature.
- Once done, remove brisket and let it rest for 1 hour on a tray/plate.
- Chop the rested brisket into small pieces with a chef’s knife.
- Toss chopped brisket with BBQ sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Slice soft sandwich buns with a bun slicer (optional).
- Pile chopped brisket high on bottom halves of buns.
- Top with sliced dill pickles.
- Place the top halves of buns on each sandwich.
- Arrange sandwiches on a serving tray/plate using serving gloves.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chopped Brisket Sandwich from Mission BBQ copycat menu relies on a tender, smoky brisket perfectly cooked low and slow in a smoker to achieve authentic flavor. If a smoker is unavailable, you can substitute with a slow cooker or oven braising method to tenderize the brisket, though the smoky flavor will be less pronounced. When slicing the brisket, use a sharp chef's knife against the grain to ensure tenderness, and if preferred, chopped or shredded brisket can be mixed with BBQ sauce directly for easier assembly. You can swap out the soft sandwich buns for brioche or slider rolls depending on your texture preference. Keep pickles crisp by slicing them fresh before serving and adjust BBQ sauce amounts according to your desired tanginess and moisture.
Tips
Ensure your smoker maintains a consistent temperature of 225degF (107degC) throughout the 10-12 hour cooking process to achieve tender, smoky brisket. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 195-203degF (90-95degC), which is crucial for optimal tenderness. Letting the brisket rest for an entire hour after smoking allows juices to redistribute, preventing dryness when chopped. When assembling your sandwich, coating the chopped brisket with BBQ sauce evenly ensures every bite is flavorful and moist.
Nutritions
The Chopped Brisket Sandwich provides a rich source of protein from 5 lbs of slow-smoked beef brisket, essential for muscle repair and energy. The spice rub including garlic and onion powder adds antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory benefits while contributing minimal calories. BBQ sauce enhances flavor but can add sugars and sodium, so choosing options with lower sugar content can improve nutritional balance. Your meal also includes crunchy dill pickles, which offer probiotics and vitamins with very low calories, balancing the richness of the meat.
Storage
Store your chopped brisket sandwich components separately for optimal freshness: keep the chopped brisket mixed with BBQ sauce in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days, and store buns in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature. Pickles should be kept in their original brine and refrigerated to maintain their crunch. When ready to serve, reheat the brisket gently in a low oven or microwave to preserve its smoky flavor and tender texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the flavor profile by substituting smoked paprika for regular paprika in the rub or by adding a tablespoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. Consider wrapping the brisket in butcher paper during smoking to retain moisture and enhance tenderness. Swap dill pickles for pickled jalapenos to introduce a spicy kick that complements the smoky brisket. For a smoky BBQ sauce alternative, try mixing your favorite sauce with a hint of chipotle powder before tossing the chopped brisket.
Allergies
The Chopped Brisket Sandwich contains beef brisket, which may cause allergic reactions in individuals with red meat allergies. Your sandwich also includes common allergens like garlic and onion powder, which can trigger sensitivities. Be cautious if you have known allergies to spices, pickles, or ingredients commonly found in BBQ sauce such as soy or gluten.
Why this recipe?
The Chopped Brisket Sandwich from Mission BBQ is highly acclaimed for its tender, smoky brisket slow-cooked to perfection, delivering rich, authentic barbecue flavors. Customers appreciate the generous portions and the balance of savory meat with fresh, tangy toppings that enhance every bite. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this mouthwatering experience at home, tailoring the spices and sauces to your personal taste. Your homemade sandwich can capture the essence of Mission BBQ's signature dish, making it a rewarding culinary project worth trying.