The Unexpected Ingredient That Will Majorly Upgrade Your Brisket
When it comes to brisket, there's no shortage of beef brisket recipes, rubs, and classic smoking techniques out there, along with a community of passionate aficionados who are always happy to share their tips. Of course, not all rubs and spice mixtures are created equal. Some rubs are sweeter, while others are saltier. Some have a kick of heat, while others rely on smoked paprika for flavor. Wet rubs or dry rubs? The options are seemingly endless.
But if you're looking to take your brisket game to the next level, there's one key ingredient that you need to add to your spice mixture: celery salt.
Celery salt might not seem like an obvious choice for brisket, but trust us, it makes a world of difference. The savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavor of celery salt pairs perfectly with the rich beef flavor of brisket, and it helps to create a crispy, flavorful crust. Beyond brisket, it can also be used on other foods such as chicken, pork, and roasted vegetables.
What is celery salt?
Celery salt is a combination of two things that are essential to any good brisket recipe: salt and celery seed. The salt helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, while the celery seed adds a complex flavor that can't be replicated with just salt alone. It has a strong flavor that can be used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. It's also relatively inexpensive and easy to find, which makes it a great option for home cooks who are looking to add a little something extra to their dishes.
While it might seem like an unusual choice for a brisket rub, celery salt is actually the perfect complement to the rich, fatty flavor of brisket. The salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the rub and brings out the natural flavors of the meat. Plus, it helps gives the brisket a nice crust that helps to lock in all those delicious juices.
The great thing about celery salt is that it can be used in many different ways. You can use it as a rub for your brisket, or you can add it to your barbecue sauce. You could even use it as a sole seasoning for roasted vegetables. However you choose to use it, celery salt will definitely give your dish a boost of flavor.
Bring it all together with the perfect brisket rub
Intrigued by its uses, but not sure how to incorporate celery salt into your cooking? Our perfect brisket rub recipe is the perfect place to start. It's a simple mix of common pantry staples that come together to create a flavor-packed rub that will take your brisket to the next level.
"Celery salt is the secret ingredient in this recipe. It gives the brisket a unique flavor that really makes it stand out," recipe developer Susan Olayinka told Mashed. "I love this recipe because it is simple and the flavor is amazing. The smoked paprika really gives the brisket a smokiness that is perfect for any brisket. And the celery salt gives it a little bit of salty flavor that really makes the brisket stand out."
While the spice blend itself will hold up to six months in an airtight container, Olayinka emphasizes using "fresh spices and not old, stale spices. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the brisket." Then, feel free to use as much or as little of the rub as you want, depending on your taste. Just be sure to rub the mixture all over the entire brisket. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find a combination that you love. Celery salt just might be the secret ingredient that takes your brisket from good to great.