The Ultimate Guide to Brisket Taco Marinades

Brisket tacos are a popular Mexican food that people all over the world love. They are one of my personal favorite dishes and everyone always loves them!

The tender and flavorful brisket goes well with the heat and spice of traditional Mexican seasonings and toppings. This makes for a delicious and filling meal. Even though it can be hard to find the perfect brisket taco recipe, the right marinade can make all the difference in taste.

In this article we’ll talk about the art of marinating brisket tacos and give you a guide to help you make the best recipe. We’ll  go over how to use the traditional Mexican flavors like chili, cumin, and garlic, as well as fusion flavors like soy sauce and ginger.

This guide will help you take your brisket taco recipe to the next level!

The marinade is one of the most important parts of making tasty brisket tacos – this might seem obvious but it’s worth mentioning. A good marinade not only adds flavor to the meat, but it also helps to soften brisket (which can be a tough cut). With the right marinade you can make brisket that is juicy and full of flavor. This will take your tacos to a whole new level.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to make different marinades, how to marinate brisket for tacos, and how to grill the perfect brisket. We’ll give you the tools you need to make a delicious and memorable dish, whether you like traditional Mexican flavors or want to try out new marinades inspired by fusion.

So let’s dive in and learn about the art of brisket taco marinades!

Traditional Brisket Taco Marinade Recipes 

Here are some tried-and-true recipes:

1. Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together to make a marinade for chili. Rub the mixture on the brisket and let it sit for at least 4 hours or, if possible, overnight.
2.  For the adobo marinade, put dried ancho chilies, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Blend until smooth, then rub on the brisket and let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Citrus marinade: Combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the rub on the brisket and let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight.

When marinating brisket for tacos – it’s key to make sure that the meat is completely covered. Use a vacuum sealer to get rid of the extra air and make sure the marinade goes all the way through the meat. Let the brisket marinate overnight for the best taste.

More reading>> Pairing the perfect beverage with your brisket tacos

Fusion Flavors for Brisket and Taco Marinades

Traditional brisket taco marinades get a fun and exciting new twist when they are made with fusion flavors.

Here are some ideas for recipes:

• Soy sauce and ginger marinade: Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and honey. Rub the rub on the brisket and let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Pineapple and jalapeno marinade: Put pineapple, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Blend until smooth, then rub on the brisket and let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Coffee and ancho chili marinade: Mix together strong coffee, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the rub on the brisket and let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• This is a great choice of marinade when you make hot-and-fast brisket.

When experimenting with fusion flavors it’s critical to balance the sweetness or acidity of the marinade with savory spices and seasonings.

Pro Tip: I personally like to try the marinade before putting it on the meat and make any changes you think are necessary.

Related Reading: Brisket Flat vs Point Cuts

How to Make a Marinade for Brisket Tacos

The best flavor and tenderness come from marinating brisket the right way. Here are some tips for marinating brisket for tacos:

Use a container that won’t react with the meat. Instead of a metal container, marinate the brisket in a glass or plastic one. The acid in the marinade can react with the metal and change the taste of the meat.

Make sure there is enough marinade to cover the brisket completely. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of meat is a good rule of thumb.

Marinate for at least 2 hours: It’s best to marinate the brisket for at least 2 hours so that the marinade can get into the meat. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.

Massage the meat: To make sure the marinade covers the meat evenly, rub it with your hands and turn it over every hour or so.

More Reading: Our Guide to Brisket Spray

Tips for Grilling Brisket for Tacos

The last step in making the best brisket tacos is to grill the brisket!

Here are some tips to ensure a successful grill:

Brisket is a tough cut of meat that needs to be cooked slowly to get soft. I like to use heat that isn’t directly on the brisket and cook it low and slow for a few hours.

You need to make sure to check the temperature inside the meat: Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature inside the meat. Between 190 and 205°F is the best range for brisket. When the brisket gets to this temperature it should be soft enough that you can pull it apart with a fork.

Rest the meat: After taking the brisket off the grill, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before shredding or slicing. This lets the juices move around and makes the meat more tender and flavorful.

Choose the right tortilla. Just as important as the meat and toppings is the tortilla. Choose a fresh, high-quality tortilla that can hold the brisket and toppings without breaking.

To make the perfect brisket taco, layer the meat, toppings, and sauces in a way that makes sense. Start with the brisket, then add toppings like pickled onions, cilantro, or salsa. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of hot sauce.

Get creative with the toppings. Traditional toppings like salsa and guacamole are always tasty, but don’t be afraid to try toppings like kimchi or pickled vegetables that you might not expect. Your brisket taco can be taken to the next level with the right topping.

The main takeaway for you is that the best way to make a brisket taco is to pay close attention to the marinades, grilling methods, and toppings.

No matter if you like traditional Mexican flavors or want to try fusion marinades, there are a lot of ways to make a tasty and filling meal. With the tips and recipes in this guide you are already on your way to making the best brisket tacos ever! Enjoy!