Pulled Brisket Sliders

Ingredients for Pulled Brisket Sliders

• 3 dried ancho chillies*

• 3 dried guajillo chillies

• 3 medium tomatoes (about 675g total)

• 6 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1.8kg beef brisket, cut into 3-inch pieces, or boneless short ribs

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 24 mini buns or dinner rolls, split

• *Dried chillies are often quite spicy and can leave their heat on your hands so some cooks like to wear rubber gloves when working with them.

• Blender or food processor

• parchment paper

With a stovetop burner set to high, use tongs to hold each chilli about 3 inches from the flame and toast until slightly puffed and aromatic, about 1 minute. Repeat with the remaining chillies, transferring them to a large bowl as toasted. Cover the chillies with about 0.9L boiling water. (If the chillies float, puncture each with a small knife to let the water inside.) Steep the chillies until soft and pliable, about 30 minutes. Drain and let cool. Once the chillies are cool enough to handle, remove the stems and most of the seeds and transfer to a blender or the bowl of a food processor.

While the chillies are soaking, arrange a rack about 6 inches from the flame and preheat the grill. Arrange the tomatoes on the grill pan or a baking sheet and grill, flipping several times to expose all sides, until the entire surface is charred, 5 to 6 minutes. Let the tomatoes cool slightly then remove and discard the charred skin. Add the tomato flesh to the chillies in the blender or food processor. Add the garlic, oregano, cumin, cloves, and 240ml water and process until smooth.

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 149°C. Cut a piece of parchment into a round the same size as a large Dutch oven.

Season the meat with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven over moderate heat, heat the oil until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, sear the meat until brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. As browned, transfer the meat to a plate.

Once all of the meat is seared, return it all to the pot and add the reserved chilli-tomato purée. Bring to a boil and then place the parchment round over the meat. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook until the meat is very tender and falling apart, about 3 hours. Discard the parchment then transfer the meat to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into small pieces, discarding any excess fat. Skim any excess fat from the braising liquid then return the meat to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: The brisket can be made ahead and stored with its braising liquid, in an airtight container in the refrigerator, up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in an appropriate-size skillet over moderate heat and cook until warmed through.

Divide the pulled brisket evenly among the buns (about 2 tablespoons per bun) and serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.