Name: Chopped Brisket Sandwich with Jalapeno Slaw: Leftover Brisket Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces Leftover Brisket (chopped into bite-sized pieces); 6 inches Sub Rolls (fresh and soft); 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 1/4 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced); 1 cup Tri-Color Coleslaw Mix; 1/3 cup Mayonnaise (for the slaw dressing); 1/4 cup Diced Pickled Jalapenos (for the slaw); 2 tablespoons Jalapeno Juice (from pickled jalapeno jar); 2 teaspoons White Sugar (to balance the heat); Salt & Pepper (to taste)

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If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a container of leftover brisket in your fridge, wondering how to transform it into something exciting, look no further! This Chopped Brisket Sandwich with Jalapeno Slaw is a creative and delicious way to make the most out of your leftovers. The combination of tender brisket melded with a zesty jalapeno slaw creates a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or a backyard barbecue with friends. Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why Chopped Brisket Sandwich with Jalapeno Slaw: Leftover Brisket Recipe is Worth Your Time

This recipe is not only a fantastic way to utilize leftover brisket, but it also elevates your meal with bold flavors and textures. The succulent chopped brisket pairs perfectly with the crunchy, tangy jalapeno slaw, making each bite a delightful experience. Additionally, making sandwiches is a great way to cater to various tastes and preferences; you can add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your palate. Plus, it’s a quick meal to whip up, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. Who doesn’t love a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare?

Your Shopping Guide

Sub Rolls: Look for fresh, soft sub rolls, preferably around 6 inches long, to hold all the delicious fillings.
Leftover Brisket: You’ll need about 16 ounces of leftover brisket, chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version. This will add moisture and flavor to the brisket.
Red Onion: A quarter of a red onion, thinly sliced, will provide a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Tri-Color Coleslaw Mix: You can use a pre-packaged mix or shred your own cabbage if you prefer. The tri-color mix adds visual appeal.
Mayonnaise: You’ll need 1/3 cup for the slaw dressing, creating a creamy base.
Diced Pickled Jalapenos: About 1/4 cup will give your slaw a spicy kick.
Jalapeno Juice: Use 2 tablespoons from the pickled jalapeno jar for added flavor.
White Sugar: Just 2 teaspoons to balance the heat in the slaw.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, ensuring all flavors are well-seasoned.

Appliances & Accessories

Knife: For chopping the brisket and slicing the onion.
Cutting Board: To keep your workspace tidy while prepping ingredients.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the slaw ingredients smoothly.
Skillet (optional): If you want to warm the brisket before assembling your sandwich.

Stepwise Method: Chopped Brisket Sandwich with Jalapeno Slaw: Leftover Brisket Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeno Slaw

In a mixing bowl, combine the tri-color coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, diced pickled jalapenos, jalapeno juice, white sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the coleslaw is well-coated. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Chop the Brisket

Take your leftover brisket and chop it into bite-sized pieces if not already done. The smaller pieces will allow for easier assembly and a better bite in the sandwich.

Step 3: Warm the Brisket (Optional)

If you prefer your brisket warm, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped brisket along with the BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat the meat and warm it through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Slice your sub rolls in half. If desired, you can toast them lightly for a bit of crunch. Layer the chopped brisket on the bottom half of each roll, followed by a generous scoop of the jalapeno slaw. Top it off with a few slices of red onion for that extra layer of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Close the sandwich and serve immediately. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be wrapped and stored for later if you have leftovers. Enjoy your Chopped Brisket Sandwich with Jalapeno Slaw!

Budget & Availability Swaps

Sub Rolls: If you can’t find sub rolls, feel free to use burger buns or even tortillas for a wrap-style sandwich.
Brisket: Any leftover roast meat can be used as an alternative to brisket, such as roast beef or turkey.
Coleslaw Mix: If you can’t find tri-color mix, use green cabbage or a mix of green and purple cabbage.
BBQ Sauce: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using a spicy mustard or a tangy vinegar-based sauce.

What Could Go Wrong

Overcooking the brisket when warming it can lead to dry meat.
Not seasoning the slaw properly can result in bland flavor.
Using stale rolls can affect the overall enjoyment of the sandwich.
Adding too much jalapeno may overpower the other flavors if you’re not a fan of spice.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

This recipe is excellent for meal prep! Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The jalapeno slaw can also be made in advance; just keep it separate from the brisket until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches to prevent sogginess. If you’ve made too many sandwiches, you can always wrap them tightly and store them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal.

Reader Questions

Can I use fresh brisket instead of leftover brisket?

While this recipe is designed for leftover brisket, you can absolutely cook fresh brisket if you prefer. Just ensure it’s tender and well-seasoned before using it in the recipe.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicier kick, you can add more diced jalapenos to the slaw or even mix in some hot sauce into the BBQ sauce that you use for the brisket.

Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, the jalapeno slaw can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

What sides pair well with these sandwiches?

These sandwiches go wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries, pickles, or a refreshing fruit salad. You can also serve them with a simple salad for a lighter meal.

Bring It Home

This Chopped Brisket Sandwich with Jalapeno Slaw: Leftover Brisket Recipe is a fantastic way to embrace your leftovers while enjoying a hearty, flavor-packed meal. The combination of savory brisket with a tangy slaw adds a delightful twist to your typical sandwich. So, whether you are looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe is a surefire hit. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste – turn them into something extraordinary today! Enjoy your culinary adventure!