If you’re craving a meal that balances both sweet and spicy flavors, then you’re in for a treat! This sweet and spicy pulled beef brisket is a match made in culinary heaven, where tender beef meets an irresistible glaze. It’s the perfect dish for those chilly evenings or when hosting a casual get-together.
Ingredients

- 3 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Sweet Spicy Pulled Beef Brisket – Step By Step
Step 1: Prep the beef brisket.
Begin by trimming any excess fat off the brisket to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. Pat the brisket dry with a paper towel to ensure the spices adhere well.
Step 2: Make the spice rub and apply.
In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Once mixed, rub this spice blend generously over the beef brisket, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Step 3: Sear the meat.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it heat up. Sear the brisket on all sides until golden brown, locking in the spices and flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the glaze.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. This sweet concoction will beautifully balance out the spiciness of the brisket.
Step 5: Set up the slow cooker.
Place the seared brisket into your slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the meat, followed by the beef stock, ensuring that the brisket is coated thoroughly.
Step 6: Cook and pull.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it do its magic for 8 hours. Once done, the brisket should be tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork.
How to Serve Sweet Spicy Pulled Beef Brisket
Serve the pulled beef brisket on a bed of mashed potatoes, or for a lighter option, try it atop a fresh coleslaw. For something a little different, pile the brisket into a warm, crusty roll for hearty sandwiches.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure robust flavors, let the beef marinate with the rub overnight in the refrigerator. Also, adjust the cayenne pepper to taste if you favor more or less heat.
High Protein Sweet Spicy Pulled Beef Brisket – Bulk up for Gains!
For a high-protein twist, consider adding black beans to the pulled beef once it’s cooked. This adds not only protein but also texture and heartiness to the dish.
Another way to boost protein is to serve the brisket with a side of quinoa or lentils, providing a complete meal that fuels your workouts!
Low Carb Sweet Spicy Pulled Beef Brisket – Stay Fit with Flavor!
To align with low-carb diets, replace honey and brown sugar with your favorite sugar substitutes—this keeps the sweetness intact without the carbs.
Additionally, serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles, creating a satisfying meal that won’t disrupt your low-carb lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover pulled beef brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, package in smaller portions, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.
FAQs
- Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
- What can I substitute for soy sauce if I’m gluten-free?
- How do I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
- Is it possible to use this recipe with pork?
The Wrap-Up: Share Your Sweet Spicy Brisket Creations!
This sweet and spicy pulled beef brisket is not just a recipe; it’s an experience meant to be shared. Try it out, and make sure to share your mealtime moments with friends and family. Don’t forget to leave a comment below, and let us know how it turned out or post your delicious pics on social media.

Sweet Spicy Pulled Beef Brisket
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef brisket
- olive oil
- beef stock
- brown sugar
- soy sauce
- honey
- garlic
- smoked paprika
- cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Trim the brisket of excess fat and pat dry.
- Combine spices for the rub and coat the brisket evenly.
- Sear the brisket on all sides in olive oil.
- Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and garlic for glaze.
- Place brisket in slow cooker and cover with glaze and beef stock.
- Cook on low for 8 hours, then shred with forks.
