Smoked Brisket Sandwiches with Tangy Coleslaw
Juicy smoked brisket piled on soft buns and topped with a crisp, tangy cabbage coleslaw for a satisfying outdoor meal. This bbq & smoked-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs smoked beef brisket, sliced thin, soft sandwich buns, green cabbage, shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked beef brisket, sliced thin
- 4 soft sandwich buns
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 grated large carrot.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, toss well to coat, and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Step 4: Warm 1 lb thinly sliced smoked beef brisket in a skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp olive oil for 3-4 minutes until heated through and edges are slightly crispy.
- Step 5: Toast 4 soft sandwich buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden, then assemble sandwiches by layering brisket and a generous scoop of tangy coleslaw on each bun.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Brisket Sandwiches with Tangy Coleslaw take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoked Brisket Sandwiches with Tangy Coleslaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soft sandwich buns from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Brisket Sandwiches with Tangy Coleslaw?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoked Brisket Sandwiches with Tangy Coleslaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoked Brisket Sandwiches with Tangy Coleslaw?
BBQ & Smoked sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.