Looking for the perfect Ina Garten Jewish Brisket Recipe? You’re in the right place! This classic dish is tender, flavorful, and easy.
The Barefoot Contessa’s brisket melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for holidays or Sunday dinner. The meat cooks slow and becomes incredibly soft.
Rich gravy covers every slice beautifully. Your family will ask for seconds! This How to make Ina Garten Jewish Brisket guide is simple.
Even beginners can master this recipe. The Ingredients for Ina Garten Jewish Brisket are basic.
You probably have most items already. Let’s make this delicious meal together today!
When I First Introduced to Ina Garten Jewish Brisket
I discovered this recipe five years ago. My neighbor served it at Passover dinner. The aroma filled her entire house immediately.
One bite changed everything for me completely. The meat was so tender and juicy. It practically fell apart on my fork. The sauce had deep, rich flavors.
Onions and wine created magic together. I begged her for the recipe instantly. She smiled and said it’s Ina’s.
I’ve made it dozens of times since. Now it’s my go-to special occasion dish.

Equipment List
You need a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s what to gather before starting:
- Large Dutch oven or roasting pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Wooden spoon
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Jewish Brisket
- 5 pounds beef brisket, first cut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced thin
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste for richness
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar for balance
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves for extra flavor
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
- Take brisket out of the fridge early.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt.
- Add plenty of black pepper too.
- Trim excess fat if needed carefully.
- Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven.
- Make it very hot but not smoking.
- Place brisket fat side down first.
- Sear for 4 minutes until browned.
- Flip and sear the other side.
- This locks in all the juices.
- Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add sliced onions to the same pot.
- Use the leftover oil and drippings.
- Cook onions for 10 minutes slowly.
- Stir them often until they soften.
- Add garlic and cook 2 minutes more.
- The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing now.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F now.
- Add tomato paste to the onions.
- Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the red wine slowly.
- Scrape up all the brown bits.
- Add beef stock, brown sugar, and thyme.
- Drop in the bay leaves too.
- Stir everything together well and bring to simmer.
- Return brisket to the pot carefully.
- The fat side should face up.
- Spoon some sauce over the top.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil first.
- Then add the lid for double coverage.
- Place in the oven for 3 hours.
- The meat needs slow, gentle cooking.
- Remove from oven after 3 hours.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Transfer brisket to a cutting board.
- Slice against the grain into pieces.
- Make them about ¼ inch thick.
- Return slices to the pot briefly.
- Coat them with that delicious gravy.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Jewish Brisket
- Choose first-cut brisket for best results.
- It has less fat than second cut.
- Searing creates a flavorful brown crust.
- Don’t skip this important step ever.
- Slice onions evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use good quality red wine always.
- Cheap wine makes the sauce bitter.
- Let brisket rest before slicing it.
- This keeps all the juices inside.
- Make it a day ahead actually.
- The flavors deepen and improve overnight.
- Reheat gently in the sauce before serving.
- Always slice against the grain correctly.
- This makes every bite super tender.
FAQs about Ina Garten Jewish Brisket
Q: Can I make this brisket ahead of time?
A: Yes, definitely make it one day ahead! The flavors improve significantly. Refrigerate overnight then reheat gently before serving.
Q: What wine works best for this recipe?
A: Use Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot wine. Any dry red wine works perfectly. Avoid sweet wines completely for best results.
Q: How do I know when brisket is done?
A: The meat should be fork-tender throughout. It takes about 3 hours usually. A meat thermometer should read 195°F internally.
Q: Can I use a slow cooker instead?
A: Yes, brown the meat first on stovetop. Transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours total.
Q: What sides pair well with brisket?
A: Serve with roasted potatoes or mashed. Add green beans or glazed carrots. Challah bread is traditional and delicious too.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Jewish Brisket Recipe is special. It brings families together around the table. The cooking process is actually quite simple.
Just take your time and enjoy it. The slow braising does all the work. Your house will smell absolutely incredible today.
Guests always ask for this recipe immediately. It’s perfect for Passover or Hanukkah. But honestly, it’s great any time. Make this for your next gathering soon.
You’ll become everyone’s favorite cook quickly! The tender meat and rich sauce win. Save any leftovers for sandwiches tomorrow. They taste even better the next day.
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- Martha Stewart French Toast Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe
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- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Ina Garten Jewish Brisket Recipe
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or roasting pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Wooden spoon
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 5 pounds beef brisket first cut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- 3 large yellow onions sliced thin
- 6 garlic cloves chopped finely
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste for richness
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar for balance
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves for extra flavor
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take brisket out of the fridge early.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt.
- Add plenty of black pepper too.
- Trim excess fat if needed carefully.
- Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven.
- Make it very hot but not smoking.
- Place brisket fat side down first.
- Sear for 4 minutes until browned.
- Flip and sear the other side.
- This locks in all the juices.
- Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add sliced onions to the same pot.
- Use the leftover oil and drippings.
- Cook onions for 10 minutes slowly.
- Stir them often until they soften.
- Add garlic and cook 2 minutes more.
- The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing now.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F now.
- Add tomato paste to the onions.
- Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the red wine slowly.
- Scrape up all the brown bits.
- Add beef stock, brown sugar, and thyme.
- Drop in the bay leaves too.
- Stir everything together well and bring to simmer.
- Return brisket to the pot carefully.
- The fat side should face up.
- Spoon some sauce over the top.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil first.
- Then add the lid for double coverage.
- Place in the oven for 3 hours.
- The meat needs slow, gentle cooking.
- Remove from oven after 3 hours.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Transfer brisket to a cutting board.
- Slice against the grain into pieces.
- Make them about ¼ inch thick.
- Return slices to the pot briefly.
- Coat them with that delicious gravy.
Notes
- Choose first-cut brisket for best results.
- It has less fat than second cut.
- Searing creates a flavorful brown crust.
- Don’t skip this important step ever.
- Slice onions evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use good quality red wine always.
- Cheap wine makes the sauce bitter.
- Let brisket rest before slicing it.
- This keeps all the juices inside.
- Make it a day ahead actually.
- The flavors deepen and improve overnight.
- Reheat gently in the sauce before serving.
- Always slice against the grain correctly.
- This makes every bite super tender.













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