Name: Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapenos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 sandwich buns (baguette bread); 1 pound leftover brisket, sliced; ¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving); 1 cup coleslaw; 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced; ¼ cup sandwich-style pickles; ½ cup fried onions; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon peppercorns; 1 cup white vinegar

Print Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

If you’ve been craving a sandwich that packs a punch with smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors all in one bite, then you are in for a treat with this Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapenos Recipe. This delightful creation combines tender, smoky brisket with the bright bite of pickled red onions and the kick of fresh jalapenos, layered thoughtfully on crusty bread to deliver a mouthwatering experience that sings with every chew. It’s the kind of sandwich you’ll want to share with friends but might just end up savoring all by yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several thick slices of smoked meat with a dark, textured brown crust on the outside and a visible pink smoke ring just inside the crust. The inside of the meat is a light brownish-pink with a firm texture. The sliced pieces are arranged side by side on a wooden surface with a small wooden bowl filled with crispy golden fried onions visible in the top right corner. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this sandwich truly special. Each item has a distinct role, from smokiness and spice to sweetness and crunch, creating layers of flavor and texture that keep every bite exciting.

5 sandwich buns (baguette bread): Choose crusty rolls for a sturdy base that holds all the fillings without getting soggy.
1 pound brisket (leftover, sliced): The star of the show—smoky and tender, sliced brisket brings hearty flavor.
2 jalapenos (thinly sliced): Adds a fresh, spicy kick to balance the richness of the meat.
¼ cup pickles (sandwich-style): Provides a sweet and tangy crunch that cuts through the savory elements.
½ cup fried onions: These add crispy texture and a touch of caramelized sweetness on top.
1 red onion (sliced thinly): For pickling; it becomes vibrant and tangy after soaking in vinegar.
1 tablespoon peppercorns: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to the pickling brine.
4 cloves garlic: Infuses the pickled onions with an extra layer of savory flavor.
1 cup white vinegar: The acidic backbone for pickling; brightens and preserves the onions.
¼ cup BBQ sauce: Optional, but it adds a sweet, smoky glaze to the buns and final sandwich.
1 cup coleslaw: Serves as a refreshing, crunchy side that complements the sandwich perfectly.

How to Make Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapenos Recipe

Step 1: Make Pickled Red Onions

Start by thinly slicing your red onion and halving the garlic cloves. Toss the onion slices, garlic, and peppercorns into a small jar or container. Pour white vinegar over the mixture until it’s fully submerged. Seal the jar and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the onions soften into a bright, tangy pickle that’s pure magic on this sandwich.

Step 2: Warm the Bread

Preheat your oven to a low “warm” temperature, around 200°F. Slice your baguette or sandwich rolls if they aren’t pre-sliced. Lightly brush the inside of the rolls with BBQ sauce, which is optional but highly recommended if you want an extra layer of smoky sweetness. Then, pop the buns in the oven just to warm them through and give a slight toast, which will add texture and help resist sogginess from the juicy fillings.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place two to three slices of the leftover smoked brisket in the center of each warmed bun. Return the sandwiches to the oven for about 10 minutes to let the brisket heat gently and blend with the warm bread. Once hot, remove the sandwiches and top with generous amounts of your pickled red onions, thin slices of jalapenos for heat, crunchy pickles, and crispy fried onions. This combination creates an irresistible harmony of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapenos Recipe

The image shows a wooden board with thick slices of dark-edged smoked brisket laid out in a row on the bottom right, showing a pink inner layer and moist texture. To the left are five golden brown sandwich rolls with a soft crust. At the top left is a small silver container filled with dark brown barbecue sauce. Around the brisket and rolls are five small wooden bowls: the top right bowl holds creamy, white coleslaw with bits of carrot; the bowl just below it contains crispy golden fried onions with a small round fried item on top; the bottom right bowl is filled with sliced fresh green jalapeños; the bottom left bowl is full of bright pink pickled onions; and next to it is a small silver dish with green pickles. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can add a pop of color and an herbaceous note that brightens the whole sandwich. For extra creaminess, a dollop of mayo or a smear of spicy aioli inside the bun complements the smoky and tangy flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw whose creamy crunch cools down the spiciness of the jalapenos. Classic potato chips or even baked sweet potato fries make for satisfying sides that keep the meal well-rounded and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the sandwich into smaller, slider-sized portions for a party platter or picnic. Serving the pickled onions and jalapenos on the side lets guests customize their heat and tang levels. Alternatively, stack everything in a sturdy lunchbox for an unbeatable picnic treat that’s easy to transport.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping the components separate, like the brisket slices and pickled onions, prolongs freshness and keeps textures from becoming soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the brisket for future sandwiches, slice and portion it first, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the full assembled sandwich to maintain bread texture and freshness.

Reheating

Warm leftover brisket gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Toast the bread separately to revive its crispiness before assembling. Adding fresh pickled onions and jalapenos after reheating keeps everything tasting vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use fresh brisket instead of leftover brisket?

Absolutely! While leftover smoked brisket is convenient and packed with flavor, you can cook fresh brisket low and slow, then slice it for this sandwich. Just allow time for it to cool slightly and slice thinly before assembling.

How long should I pickle the red onions for best flavor?

For a quick pickle, 30 minutes is enough to impart bright, tangy flavor while keeping some crunch. For a deeper tang, leave them in the refrigerator overnight or even up to 24 hours.

Are there any good substitutes for jalapenos?

If you want less heat, mild peppers like banana peppers or roasted bell peppers work well. For a different heat profile, try thinly sliced serrano peppers or pickled pepperoncini.

Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch for this recipe?

Definitely! A homemade BBQ sauce lets you customize sweetness, smokiness, and spice exactly to your taste, elevating the sandwich even more. Store-bought versions work just fine when you’re short on time.

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Crusty bread like a baguette or sturdy sandwich rolls are ideal because they hold up well to the moisture and weight of the brisket and toppings, keeping the sandwich from falling apart.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like biting into a Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapenos Recipe that bursts with smoky, spicy, tangy goodness while offering a pleasing crunch and richness in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Give it a go and add a delicious new favorite to your recipe collection!

Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapenos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need