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Savory Smoked Brisket Sliders Recipe with Easy Tangy Coleslaw

smoked brisket sliders - featured image

Tender smoked brisket sliders paired with a bright, tangy coleslaw create a perfect balance of smoky and fresh flavors. This recipe is simple, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for gatherings or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs brisket flat or point cut, well-marbled
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil or mustard (for rub base)
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, grated
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp celery seed (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Slider buns or small soft rolls (Hawaiian buns recommended)
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch for moisture. Pat dry.
  2. Rub olive oil or mustard over the brisket to help the dry rub stick.
  3. Combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub evenly over the brisket.
  4. Let the brisket rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use oak, hickory, or applewood chips for smoke.
  6. Place brisket fat-side up on the grate, close lid, and smoke for 6-8 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). Spritz with apple cider vinegar or water if dry.
  7. Remove brisket from smoker and tent with foil. Rest for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Slice brisket thinly against the grain.
  9. For coleslaw, toss shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced red onion in a large bowl.
  10. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  11. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
  12. Just before serving, spread butter on slider buns and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
  13. Assemble sliders by layering sliced brisket on bottom bun, topping with coleslaw, adding pickles if desired, and placing top bun.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you don’t have a smoker, use a slow cooker or oven for the brisket but expect less smoky flavor. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option. Vegan mayo can substitute regular mayonnaise for dairy-free. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Rest brisket after smoking for juicy slices. Coleslaw tastes better after chilling for a few hours.

Nutrition

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