Not only is this apple and onion smothered beef brisket easy and delicious, it's also very fast (for a brisket recipe)! Cooking it low and slow often results in dried-out meat, so instead we dial up the temperature slightly and bake it in about half the time to ensure it's both tender and moist.
3 pounds first-cut brisket (or flat-cut), trimmed of fat
4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Braising Liquid:
2 tablespoons butter
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 cup apple juice
Transfer brisket to a plate and tent with foil.
Pour the onions and braising liquid into a large measuring cup or bowl. Skim some fat off the top. Puree with a stick blender to create a gravy.
Slice brisket across the grain and serve with the gravy.