Kids Brisket Tacos recipe served on a plate, by Mercadito
Oct 23 2026
Restaurants›Mercadito›Kids Brisket Tacos Recipe

Kids Brisket Tacos Recipe

Inspired by Mercadito
Time3h
Serves6

Make Kids Brisket Tacos Recipe in just 3h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Method

Brisket

  1. 1

    Prep and season

    Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the brisket.

  2. 2

    Sear the brisket

    Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. When hot, add the brisket and sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Use tongs to turn so all sides get a golden crust; this builds flavor.

  3. 3

    Add liquids and braise

    Remove brisket briefly to a plate. Pour beef broth into the pot and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Stir in mild salsa (or tomato sauce), brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Return the brisket to the pot, fat-side up if applicable. The liquid should come about 1/3 up the sides of the brisket (add a bit more broth or water if needed).

  4. 4

    Braise low and slow

    Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently on the stovetop for 2–2.5 hours, or place in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 2–2.5 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender. Check once at 90 minutes: if liquid is very low, add 1/4 cup more broth or water and continue cooking.

  5. 5

    Rest and shred

    When tender, transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let rest 10–15 minutes. Reserve the cooking liquid. Using two forks (or meat claws), shred the brisket into bite-size pieces appropriate for kids. If desired, strain and skim fat from the cooking liquid, then toss a few tablespoons into the shredded meat to keep it moist and flavorful. Season to taste with a pinch of salt if needed.

Taco assembly

  1. 6

    Warm tortillas

    Warm tortillas briefly so they are soft and pliable: wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave 30–45 seconds for a stack, or warm them in a dry skillet 20–30 seconds per side over medium heat. Keep wrapped to stay warm.

  2. 7

    Assemble tacos

    Place 1–2 tablespoons of shredded brisket in the center of each tortilla (adjust portion for kids' appetites). Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar (about 1 tablespoon per taco), a little shredded lettuce, and a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Add mild salsa sparingly or on the side so kids can choose.

  3. 8

    Serve and customize

    Serve tacos with lime wedges for squeezing (optional). Offer optional add-ins—diced avocado, mild pickled jalapeños, or warmed corn—so children can customize. Keep leftover brisket refrigerated in its cooking liquid for up to 3–4 days; warm gently before serving.

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