Chef Big DA high-octane lunch featuring 14-hour smoked brisket, a sharp vinegar-based slaw, and a signature 'liquid gold' mustard emulsion on toasted brioche.
In a large stainless steel bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the viscosity is uniform. Toss in the shredded cabbage and shaved red onion. Toss aggressively to ensure every fiber is coated in acidity. Let this sit to break down the cellular structure of the cabbage.
Cold slaw provides the necessary thermal contrast to the warm brisket.
In a small ramekin, emulsify the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until you reach a high-viscosity gold standard. Set aside for assembly.
Consistency is king here; no separation allowed.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Slather the interior of the brioche buns with softened butter and toast until a golden-brown Maillard reaction occurs. Remove and set aside.
Watch the buns closely; brioche has high sugar content and burns quickly.
In the same skillet, flash-sear the brisket slices for 30 seconds per side. We aren't cooking it—we're just waking up the rendered fats and intensifying the bark.
Don't over-crowd the pan or you'll lose your sear.
Spread a generous layer of the mustard emulsion on both the top and bottom buns. Pile the brisket high on the bottom bun, top with a massive heap of the vinegar slaw, and crown it with the top bun. Serve immediately.
Slice on a bias for that Michelin-star cross-section.
The key to this sandwich is the contrast between the hot, smoky brisket and the cold, acidic slaw. Use a high-quality brioche bun that can handle the moisture without losing its structural integrity. If you don't have an offset smoker, use a high-quality liquid smoke in the mayo, but don't tell me about it—I have a reputation to maintain.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.