Citrus Free Crockpot Herb-Braised Beef Brisket

Total time8 hr 50 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time30 min

5.0

(23)

Citrus Free Crockpot Herb-Braised Beef Brisket

Slow-cooked beef brisket is one of those deeply satisfying meals that fills the whole house with an irresistible aroma, and this crockpot version delivers every bit of that comfort. For anyone navigating a citrus-free lifestyle, braised beef can be a minefield — many recipes lean on orange juice or lemon zest to build brightness and depth, but this one skips all of that entirely. Instead, a touch of apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, and honey create a beautifully balanced braising liquid that is savory, subtly sweet, and completely free of citrus in any form. The brisket gets a golden sear with a turmeric-and-ginger rub before it ever hits the slow cooker, which locks in flavor and builds a rich, caramelized crust that holds up through eight hours of low-and-slow cooking. Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic melt into the broth alongside fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, turning the braising liquid into something you'll want to spoon over everything on the plate. By the time it's done, the meat is fork-tender, pulls apart effortlessly, and slices cleanly against the grain into gorgeous, juicy pieces. It's the kind of centerpiece dish that feels special enough for a gathering but requires almost no hands-on effort once it's in the pot.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

6 servings

For the brisket

3 lb beef brisket (flat cut), trimmed of excess fat
1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp coconut oil

For the braise

1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, smashed
3 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand, no pepper or additives)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp coconut aminos
1 tbsp honey
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 bay leaves

For serving

2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Pat the brisket completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt, turmeric, and ginger, then rub the mixture evenly over all sides of the brisket.
2
Heat the coconut oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the brisket fat-side down and sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms and the meat releases easily from the pan. Flip and sear the other side for 3–4 minutes until browned. Transfer the brisket to the slow cooker insert.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!