Why This Recipe Works
Perfect for Leftovers: Smoked brisket often tastes even better the next day. This recipe breathes new life into leftover brisket with a quick reheat in beef broth.
Authentic H-E-B® Tortillas: The only tortillas that can handle the weight and moisture of brisket without falling apart. Their structure is critical—read more in our BBQ meets tortillas guide.
Quick Assembly: Once you have smoked brisket, these tacos come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
- 2 lbs smoked brisket, chopped
- 12-18 H-E-B® flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
For the Toppings
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Jalapeños, salsa, sour cream, avocado (optional)
🔥 Pro Tip: The Brisket
Don't have leftover brisket? You can buy brisket by the pound from most Texas BBQ joints. Ask for extra fatty brisket if available—it makes the best tacos. Or use this as your excuse to smoke a whole brisket this weekend!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make Pickled Onions
In a small bowl, combine sliced red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare everything else. These quick-pickled onions cut through the richness of the brisket beautifully.
Prep the Brisket
Chop your brisket into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch chunks. Include some of the fatty pieces—this is where the flavor lives. If using cold leftover brisket, this is the perfect time to bring it back to life.
Reheat Brisket Properly
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped brisket and beef broth. The broth will rehydrate the meat and create a delicious jus. Heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brisket is heated through and some of the liquid has reduced.
Optional: If you like saucier tacos, add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of heating. This creates a sticky, caramelized coating on the brisket.
Warm the H-E-B® Tortillas
While brisket heats, warm your H-E-B® flour tortillas. The best method: heat a dry skillet or comal over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side until they have light char marks and are pliable.
Stack them in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Need more tips? Check our tortilla reheating guide.
Assemble Your Tacos
Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Add about 2-3 oz of hot brisket to the center (don't overfill!). Top with shredded cheese—the heat from the brisket will melt it. Add pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime. Add jalapeños if you want heat.
Customize & Serve
Add your favorite optional toppings: a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh salsa, or a tangy coleslaw for crunch. Serve immediately while the tortillas are warm and the brisket is hot. These are best enjoyed fresh, with plenty of napkins nearby!
Expert Tips for Perfect Brisket Tacos
🥩 Don't Skimp on the Fat
Those fatty pieces of brisket? That's where the magic happens. The rendered fat coats the meat and creates incredible flavor. Don't trim it away—embrace it.
🌮 Why H-E-B® Flour Tortillas Matter
Brisket is heavy, juicy, and full of rendered fat. Cheap tortillas will tear and fall apart. H-E-B® flour tortillas are specifically designed to handle this. They're sturdy but still soft and delicious. Read more in our BBQ fusion article.
🔥 The Beef Broth Trick
Reheating brisket in beef broth instead of a microwave is game-changing. It rehydrates the meat and adds extra flavor. The reduced broth becomes a delicious jus that soaks into the tortilla.
🧅 Quick Pickled Onions Are Key
The acidity from pickled onions cuts through the rich, fatty brisket and brightens every bite. Don't skip this step—it's the difference between good tacos and great tacos.
🧈 Butter Tortillas for Extra Richness
Want to take these to the next level? Use H-E-B® butter flour tortillas. The subtle richness complements the brisket perfectly and creates an even sturdier base.
Variations & Substitutions
🌶️ Spicy Brisket Tacos
Add diced jalapeños to the brisket while reheating. Top with sliced fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or make a spicy crema by mixing sour cream with hot sauce and lime.
🧀 Queso Brisket Tacos
Drizzle warm queso blanco or queso fundido over the brisket before adding other toppings. The creamy cheese takes these tacos to a whole new level of indulgence.
🥗 Brisket Taco Salad
Not in the mood for tacos? Serve the brisket over romaine with all the toppings, plus tortilla strips for crunch. Same great flavors, different format.
🌽 Corn Tortilla Version
Prefer corn? Use H-E-B® corn tortillas for a more traditional street taco vibe. Just use less brisket per taco since corn tortillas are smaller.
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