Braised Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 beef brisket (2.3 - 2.5 kg), tip cut off
• 1 tbsp. l. smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar + more to taste
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 3 tbsp. l. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard powder
• 3 tbsp bourbon + more to taste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 10 potato buns, for serving

Preparation:

1. Position oven racks large enough to accommodate a large cauldron; preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the brisket with paprika, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the brisket and brown thoroughly on all sides, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the ketchup, vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, mustard powder, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons salt, and 1 cup water. Pour the barbecue sauce over the brisket.
4. Cover the casserole dish with a lid, place it in the oven, and simmer, undisturbed, until the meat is tender, 3-4 hours. Transfer the brisket to a large bowl. Meanwhile, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce in the casserole dish and bring to a simmer over medium heat on the stovetop.
5. Simmer until the sauce thickens (you should have about 2 cups of sauce), about 10 minutes. Add more vinegar, bourbon, or salt if desired.
6. Cut the meat into large pieces and toss with about two-thirds of the sauce. Assemble the meat sandwiches on potato buns. Serve with the remaining sauce.