From the rustic kitchens of our ancestors to the chic restaurants of modern cities, the braised beef brisket has traveled through time, evolving with each generation. This dish, a symbol of culinary heritage, has been reinvented numerous times, yet its soul remains intact.

Today, as we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, we present a beef brisket recipe that grabs the essence of this voyage, combining age-old techniques with modern flavors.

Beef Brisket – The Urban Culinary Tale

In the bustling streets of New York City, amidst the neon lights and the cacophony of urban life, lies a hidden jewel: a small, secretive restaurant known only to the locals. It was here that this modern version of the beef brisket was born.

Inspired by the city’s melting pot of cultures, the chef infused the classic brisket with flavors reminiscent of the city’s diverse palate.

Picking the Perfect Cut

The core of this dish lies in its primary ingredient: the brisket. While various cuts are available, the first-cut or flat-cut brisket is the star. Distinguished by its lean texture with a generous fat cap, it ensures a juicy and flavorful outcome.

Variations to Spice Up Your Braised Beef Brisket

Braised beef brisket is an adaptable dish that lends itself to various flavors and adaptations. Whether you’re looking to boost it with international flavors or want to try a different twist, here are some variations to consider:

1. Asian-Inspired Beef Brisket: Add a mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, star anise, and ginger to your braising liquid. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
2. BBQ Brisket: Slather your brisket with your favorite BBQ sauce before braising. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of smoked paprika to the braising liquid for that smoky BBQ flavor.
3. Mediterranean Twist: Combine olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes into your braising mix. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh basil.
4. Spicy Kick: Add some chopped chipotle peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to the braising liquid for those who like it hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
5. Sweet and Savory: Add a blend of dried fruits like apricots, prunes, and raisins. The sweetness of the fruits complements the savory notes of the brisket beautifully.
6. Wine-Braised Brisket: Swap some of the braising liquid with a good quality red wine. This adds depth and richness to the sauce.
7. Creamy Mushroom Brisket: Add various mushrooms and a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the braising liquid for a creamy, earthy tone.
8. Herb-Infused: Use a bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs) with rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves in your braising liquid for a fragrant and herbaceous flavor profile.

Onion-Braised Beef Brisket Recipe

Unearth the charm of classic flavors with our Onion-Braised Beef Brisket recipe. With straightforward steps and promises of delectable results, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and embark on a delightful cooking experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 5-6 pound first-cut beef brisket, with a thin layer of fat
• 1½ tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or matzo cake meal for Passover)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 medium yellow onions, sliced ½-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 6 carrots, sliced into large chunks diagonally

For the Urban Twist:

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A dash of smoked paprika

Instructions:

• Setting the Stage: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Season your brisket generously with salt and pepper as it warms, followed by a light dusting of flour.
• Golden Sear: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil. Once shimmering, add your brisket, searing both sides to a beautiful golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• Onion Symphony: In the residual oil, sauté the onions until they obtain a rich, golden hue. The fragrance will be your signal to move to the next step.
• Layering Magic: Gently place your brisket over the onions. Spread the tomato paste, ensuring an even coat. Add garlic, carrots, lemongrass, and the other ingredients, creating a layered masterpiece.
• The Slow Dance: Seal your pot with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook in the oven for about 1½ hours.
• Precision Slicing: Post braising, transfer the brisket to a board. Slice against the grain, aiming for 1/6 – 1/4-inch-thick slices. Return them to the pot, ensuring a slight overlap.
• The Final Act: Reduce the oven’s heat to 325°F. Let the brisket cook until it achieves a fork-tender consistency, roughly another 1 to 2 hours.
• Rest & Serve: While the brisket is a delight immediately, letting it rest overnight enhances its flavors, making it a true culinary masterpiece.

If you enjoyed making this Onion-Braised Beef Brisket recipe, how about sharing the love? Pin the picture below to your Pinterest. Your friends might thank you for their next dinner inspiration!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Braised Beef Brisket

Executing the perfect braised beef brisket needs more than just following a recipe. It’s about comprehending the nuances of the meat, the intricacies of braising, and the little secrets that can boost your dish from good to outstanding.

Here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to ensure your brisket is the star of any meal:

Choosing the Right Cut: Always opt for a first-cut or flat-cut brisket. It has the proper balance of meat and fat, ensuring a tender outcome.

Marbling Matters: Look for a brisket with good marbling. These fat streaks melt during cooking, infusing the meat with flavor and preserving it moist.

Slow and Steady: Braising is a slow-cooking method. Resist the urge to raise the temperature to speed up the process. Low and slow is the key to a tender brisket.

Rest Before Slicing: After braising, let your brisket rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist slice every time.

Against the Grain: Always slice your brisket against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each piece more tender.

Overnight Magic: If time allows, refrigerate your cooked brisket overnight. This not only improves the flavors but also makes slicing easier.

Skim the Fat: After braising, there might be extra fat on the surface of the sauce. Use a spoon to skim it off for a cleaner, more decadent sauce.

Herb Infusion: For an added layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the braising liquid.

Storage: Brisket tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator in its sauce to keep it moist. When reheating, do so gently to retain its tenderness.

Have you ever felt the warmness of a comforting embrace in a dish? If not, you’re about to. Today, we’re not just sharing a recipe; we’re sharing an experience, a memory, and a story that revolves around the satisfying Chicken a la King.

This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about the love, devotion, and soul that goes into making a masterwork. So, let’s make this delicious treat together, shall we?

Chicken a la King – A Dish That Echoes Home

Remember those chilly nights when all you desired was something warm and hearty? The kind of dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul? That’s Chicken Ala King for many of us. It’s not just food; it’s a sensation.

And while it’s easy to grab a canned version off a shelf, the magic truly happens when you make it from scratch, with all the love and care it deserves.

The Tale Behind the Name

The roots of Chicken a la King might be debated, but its royal taste is unquestionable. A lovely concoction of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy sauce that’s nothing short of perfection. Despite its regal name, it’s a dish that brings the simple joys of home-cooked meals to the forefront.

Chicken a la King Ingredients

1. Butter:  Forming our dish with butter sets the tone for richness. The butter ensures that each ingredient shines while combining harmoniously with the others.
2. All-purpose Flour:  Just what a recipe needs, a creamy sauce requires a base. The flour is the foundation, thickening the sauce and providing the ideal consistency to envelop our chicken and veggies.
3. Chicken Broth & Half and Half: These two bring depth and creaminess, making a melody of flavors. The broth adds a savory note, while the half-and-half adds a smooth texture, making our sauce irresistibly silky.
4. Peas & Carrots: Adding color, texture, and a touch of sweetness, these veggies dance through your dish, making every bite exciting and delightful.
5. Onions & Garlic: Subtle yet crucial, onions and garlic provide a depth of flavor. Ensuring the dish is well-rounded and complete.
6. Pimento & Bell Pepper: While not overwhelming, these ingredients whisper touches of spice, adding layers to our dish. They’re the subtle plot twists in our recipe, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
7. Thyme: Fresh and fragrant, thyme adds a timeless note. It complements the chicken beautifully, reminding us of the age-old traditions and memories of home-cooked meals.
8. Chicken: Tender and delicious, the chicken is undeniably the star of this recipe. It absorbs the flavors, delivers substance, and ensures that our Chicken a la King is truly fit for royalty.
9. Cremini Mushrooms: Adding an earthy undertone, these mushrooms ground our dish. They introduce a rural charm, reminding us of the simple joys of nature and wholesome dishes.
10. Cajun Seasoning: Adding a hint of the American South, Cajun seasoning infuses your dish with warmness, spice, and a zesty flair. 

Chicken a la King Variations

While perfect in its original form, every classic dish offers a canvas for creativity. Chicken ala King, with its rich history and adaptable nature, is no exception. Let’s explore some lovely variations that can add a fresh twist to this dish.

Turkey ala King:  Swap out the chicken for tender chunks of turkey. This variation is particularly great for post-holiday meals when you have leftover roasted turkey. The slightly gamey flavor of turkey adds a new depth, making the dish feel even more festive.

Seafood ala King: Imagine succulent shrimp, scallops, and chunks of white fish in the creamy sauce. Seafood delivers a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative, making the dish a coastal delicacy.

Tofu ala King: For our vegetarian friends, firm tofu can be an excellent substitute for chicken. Marinate the tofu in some herbs and spices before adding, and you have a protein-packed, vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Spicy ala King: For those who like heat in their meals, add some chili flakes, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce. This spicy twist can boost the dish to a fiery delight, perfect for warming up those chilly evenings.

Wild Mushroom ala King:  Swap out the cremini mushrooms for a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, chanterelle, morels, or even Lion’s mane. This variation transports you to an enchanted forest with deep, earthy flavors.

Creamless ala King: For a lighter variation, replace the half and half with a blend of milk and a touch of Greek yogurt. This version retains the creamy texture but feels more delicate on the palate, perfect for those mindful eating days.

Pairing Ideas

Consider accompanying your Chicken ala King with:

Gently flavored rice like Coconut or Jasmine Rice.

Pasta, particularly fusilli or penne, which holds onto the creamy sauce.

Soft, buttery biscuits or freshly baked bread.

Chicken a la King Recipe

Here’s the Chicken a la King recipe you’ve been waiting for. No fluff, just flavor. On to the ingredients and instructions!

Ingredients

For the Creamy Base:

• Butter: 4-6 Tbsp, divided
• All-purpose flour: 1/3 cup
• Chicken broth: 2 1/3 cups
• Half and half: 1 cup (or mix ½ cup cream with ½ cup milk)

For the veggies:

• Peas: 1 cup (frozen)
• Carrots: 2 medium, sliced (about 1 cup)
• Onions: 1 medium, diced
• Garlic: 2 tsp, minced
• Pimento: 4 ounces, chopped
• Bell pepper: To taste
• Thyme: 2 tsp, fresh and minced

For the Chicken:

• Cooked chicken: 4-5 cups, cut into chunks
• Cremini Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced
• Cajun seasoning 1 1/2 tsp

Instructions

• Mushroom Prelude: Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter using a large saucepan. Add mushrooms, sauté until tender, and set aside.
• Sauce Symphony: Melt additional butter blend in flour, followed by onions, thyme, and garlic. Once it’s tender, pour in the half and half and chicken broth and stir until the mixture thickens.
• Vegetable Harmony: Add celery, carrots, and previously sautéed mushrooms. Blend well.
• Chicken Finale: Add in the cooked chicken chunks, peas, pimento, Cajun seasoning, and parsley. Season as per preference and let it simmer until everything melds beautifully.

Pro Tip: The dish is versatile. Adjust ingredients to resonate with your personal preference. After all, the best meals are those sprinkled with a dash of originality.

Enjoyed this Chicken a la King? Show it off on Pinterest by pinning the picture below. Let’s see who’s cooking it next!

In the world of cooking, beef tenderloin holds a special place, well known for its tenderness and rich flavor profile. When paired with the innovative cooking method of an air fryer, this prime cut transforms into a gourmet chef-d’oeuvre.

Imagine a beef tenderloin marinated with the aromatic herb duo of rosemary and thyme, seasoned with the perfect pinch of salt, and given a light undertone of garlic; all brought to life with the shine of light olive oil. 

Understanding the Beef Tenderloin

Before plunging into the cooking method, it’s vital to understand the cut you’re working with. Beef tenderloin, often referred to as the ‘king of steaks,’ is prized for its tenderness. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for special occasions and gourmet dinners. And if you like this recipe, be sure to check one of the most popular recipes on this site, air fryer pork tenderloin!

Why the Air Fryer?

The air fryer, a modern kitchen phenomenon, offers several advantages:

Consistent Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, eliminating the risk of hot spots.

Time Efficiency: Quicker than traditional ovens, it brings meals to the table in no time.

Benefits: The tiniest oil usage is a more beneficial alternative, letting the meat’s natural flavors shine through.

Preparation: Marinating and Seasoning

The magnificence of this dish lies in its simplicity. Combining rosemary, thyme, salt, and garlic powder creates a marinade that improves the beef’s natural flavors without overwhelming them. Light olive oil acts as a binder, ensuring the seasonings adhere to the meat and achieving that golden crust.

Cooking to Perfection

Preheat: Always start with a preheated air fryer. Set it to 390°F / 190°C.

Marinate: Coat your beef tenderloin evenly with the seasoning mix, covering every inch.

Placement: Lay your beef in the air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides.

Cooking: Set the air-fryer temperature to 380°F / 190°C. Cook 18-21 minutes for medium rare, flipping your tenderloin halfway through cooking. The duration will vary based on desired doneness, but frequent temperature checks will ensure perfection.

Resting: A critical step. Once cooked, let the beef rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Beef Tenderloin Doneness Guide

Rare: 13-17 mins (125°F/ 52°C)

Medium Rare: 18-21 mins (135°F/ 57°C)

Medium: 22-26 mins (145°F/ 63°C)

Medium Well: 27-31 mins (150°F/ 66°C)

Well Done: 32-36 mins (160°F/ 71°C)

Air-Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Ready to make this juicy air fryer beef tenderloin”? With your ingredients at hand, let’s guide you step-by-step to accomplish that perfect roast. It’s time to get that air fryer working its magic!

Ingredients:

• 1lb/ 450g beef tenderloin
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil
• ½ tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of rosemary and thyme (fresh or dried)
• ¼ tsp of garlic powder

Instructions

Preparation Phase:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Before you start, ensure your air fryer is preheated to 390°F (190°C). This step is important as it delivers a consistent cooking environment right from the start.
• Marinate the Beef: Using a mixing bowl, combine the light olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and garlic powder. Stir well until you have a uniform mixture. Lay the beef tenderloin on a tray or plate and generously brush or rub the marinade over it, ensuring it’s equally coated on all sides.

Cooking Phase:

• Positioning the Beef: Gently place the marinated beef tenderloin into your air fryer basket. Ensure it’s centrally placed and not touching the sides to allow for even air circulation.
• Initial Cooking: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C)., and cook for 18-21 minutes for medium rare. Allow your beef tenderloin to cook undisturbed for half the total cooking time based on your desired level of doneness (refer to the doneness guide).
• Flipping for Evenness: After the initial cooking stage, using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip your beef tenderloin to its other side. This ensures even cooking and a uniform crust on both sides.
• Complete the Cooking: Keep cooking the beef tenderloin for the remaining duration. It’s a good practice to check the beef’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to avoid over or under-cooking.

Post-Cooking Phase:

• Resting the Beef: Remove it from the air fryer once your beef tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature. Transfer it to a plate or cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting phase lets the juices redistribute within the beef, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
• Slicing and Serving: Use a sharp knife to slice the beef tenderloin against the grain after resting. This method ensures maximum tenderness. Serve the slices immediately, paired with your choice of side dishes.

Have you made this beefy chef-d’oeuvre in your air fryer? Loved it? Snap it and pin it on Pinterest. Good food should be shared, don’t you think?

Variations to Spice Up Your Beef Tenderloin Recipe

The magnificence of a traditional recipe like the air fryer beef tenderloin is its adaptability. Here are some variations to consider, each bringing a special twist to your dining table:

Herb Delight:

• Ingredients: Swap out rosemary and thyme for other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley.
• Instructions: Follow the same marinating procedure, ensuring the beef is well-coated with the new herb blend.
• Serving Suggestion: This variation pairs beautifully with a light pasta salad or garlic bread.

Spicy Kick:

• Ingredients: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy touch.
• Instructions: Mix the spicy ingredients with the standard marinade ingredients and coat the beef tenderloin evenly.
• Serving Suggestion: Complete the spicy beef with a cooling side, like a cucumber salad or a yogurt-based dip.

Asian Fusion:

• Ingredients: Add soy sauce, ginger paste, and a touch of honey to the marinade.
• Instructions: Incorporate the new ingredients with the olive oil, ensuring a balanced mix. Marinate the beef tenderloin as usual.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Mediterranean Flavors:

• Ingredients: Add lemon zest, crushed garlic, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
• Instructions: Mix the Mediterranean ingredients with the standard marinade ingredients. After cooking, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the beef slices.
• Serving Suggestion: A side of Greek salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables would perfectly match.

Sweet and Savory:

• Ingredients: Add a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup to the marinade.
• Instructions: Mix the sweet element with the regular marinade, ensuring the beef is well-coated. The sugar will caramelize during cooking, delivering a delightful crust.
• Serving Suggestion: This variation pairs well with roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh apple slaw.

More Delicious Air-Fryer Recipes 

Air Fryer Pork Steak: Juicy pork steak, air-fried to perfection.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast: Tender chicken, straight from frozen.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Brats: Flavor-packed brats, ready in no time.
Crispy Air Fryer Corn Dogs: Carnival-style corn dogs, crispy delight.
Air-Fryer Salmon Bites in Pineapple Bowl: Savory salmon meets sweet pineapple.