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Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket

Brisket is absolutely delightful when cooked correctly. The problem is a lot of people can be intimidated by it and pass up a really good piece of meat. I can tell you this meat is pretty delicious.

Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket review

Taste and review

If you are heat sensitive then this is not the week for you. With no end to the heat, this brisket was sitting in my refrigerator just waiting to be cooked.

I did turn the oven on as we have air conditioning. I needed to know how this is and if the directions are spot on. So rather than try one product at a time, I ended up trying two items at once. This brisket and Trader Joe's BBQ Seasoning and Rub.

Well, the directions will yield a cooked brisket. However, if you have dreams of Pit Master level BBQ there is probably no way they are cooking it that high for that short of a period of time. Low and slow is the mantra with this cut of meat.

There is a lot of connective tissue on this cut. While you won't need to break out a knife to trim this, you'll want to take caution how you cook it.

I was swayed by another blogger, Judie from Adventures of Dorrie Anne who told me about a magical device called an Instant Pot which can replace a half-dozen separate items I already own. I got one from my husband this past Christmas.

He did ask me what I needed another kitchen gadget for. I explained to him that he is never the loser when I get a new kitchen toy.

Like magic, it appeared on Christmas morning.

There has been no going back since. In fact, it proved itself most notably this past St. Patrick's Day with our corned beef. In about 40 minutes it was more tender than in previous years when it was simmered on a stovetop. The only effort on our part this year was a good rinsing of the seasoning and a bottle of beer. Then time worked its magic with minimal meat shrinkage to boot.

After trying the brisket, which was quite moist from the oven the leftovers went into the refrigerator. I was a bit unsatisfied with the texture after 2 ½ hours in the oven. It wasn't quite the texture I was hoping for.

Into the Instant Pot it went. In 20 minutes of high pressure with a bit of added water, it was the texture that did not require a knife. It was tender as can be. The way a brisket should be.

Recipe ideas

The following are some recipe ideas to help you make a better brisket plus most of these use different cooking methods depending on what you have available:

Overall

For $10.49  per pound of $28.64 for my slab of meat, it wasn't cheap. But it with the right treatment this is a fairly priced item that only requires you to put the seasoning on it. A great item if you can cook it slowly.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket again, but next time I would make it entirely in the Instant Pot. The oven directions were just ok.

Product photos

The package of Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket:

Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket

The nutritional information:

Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket nutritional information

Food handling and the ingredient:

Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket ingredient and safe handling

How to prepare:

Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket how to prepare

After being oven cooked and coated in Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic you get:

Trader Joe's Kosher Beef Fully Trimmed Brisket fully cooked

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

The Bottom Line

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic Review: Brew & 'Cue

Coffee in your BBQ rub? At first glance, it sounds like something a sleep-deprived pitmaster accidentally created at 3 a.m. after confusing the spice rack with the espresso machine. But leave it to Trader Joe's to take that "oops" moment and turn it into a flavor bomb in a jar.

This isn't your average grill seasoning. It's bold, smoky, slightly sweet, and has just enough coffee and garlic to make your meat whisper sweet nothings on the grill. Whether you're a backyard BBQ wizard or just trying not to burn dinner (no judgment), this rub promises to take your protein from "meh" to "can I get the recipe?"

So-is this jar of java-dusted magic worth clearing some pantry space for? Let's fire things up and find out.

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic

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Review

At first glance, coffee and garlic might seem like an odd couple. However, this rub defies expectations by delivering a harmonious blend of flavors that enhance a variety of dishes.

Upon opening the jar, the aroma is dominated by rich coffee notes, complemented by the pungency of garlic and the warmth of paprika. The texture is coarse, allowing for an even coating on meats.

Flavor Profile:

  • Coffee: Provides a deep, earthy base that adds complexity without overpowering.
  • Garlic: Offers a robust, savory kick that pairs well with the coffee.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the bold flavors.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and a hint of heat.
  • Citrus Zest: Brightens the blend with a touch of acidity.

When used as a dry rub on meats like steak, pork, or chicken, the seasoning forms a flavorful crust that locks in juices and enhances the natural taste of the protein. It's also surprisingly effective when sprinkled on roasted vegetables or mixed into ground meat for burgers.

One consideration is the sodium content; while it adds to the flavor, those watching their salt intake should use it sparingly.

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic nutritional information

How to Use

  • Chili & Stews: Stir into soups or stews for added depth.
  • Steaks & Burgers: Generously rub onto meat before grilling or pan-searing.
  • Pork & Chicken: Apply as a dry rub and let marinate for at least an hour before cooking.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle over veggies like sweet potatoes or carrots before roasting.

Creative Uses

  • Coffee-Rubbed Tofu: Press tofu, coat with the rub, and bake for a flavorful vegetarian option.
  • Spiced Popcorn: Mix a pinch into melted butter and toss with popcorn for a savory snack.
  • Savory Oatmeal: Stir into oatmeal with sautéed mushrooms and a poached egg for a hearty breakfast.
Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic ingredient list

FAQs about Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Is this rub spicy?

It has a mild heat from the paprika, but it's not overwhelmingly spicy.

Can I use it on seafood?

While designed for meats, it can add an interesting twist to hearty fish like salmon.

Is it gluten-free?

The ingredients don't list gluten, but always check the packaging for allergen information.

Does it contain caffeine?

Yes, due to the coffee content, but the amount per serving is minimal.

Is this available year-round?

This item is seasonal. So stock up if you love it. If you run out or can't find it you can usually find it on Amazon through third-party sellers.

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic directions

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic is a daring blend that pays off with rich, complex flavors. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any spice collection, especially for those looking to experiment beyond traditional seasonings. While it may not suit every palate, adventurous cooks will appreciate its unique profile and the depth it brings to a variety of dishes.

After being cooked with Trader Joe's Kosher Brisket you get:

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic with brisket

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Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread

The pros: Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread are one of two new butter spreads available at Trader Joe's.

The cons: While this container isn't expensive, this works out to over $11 a pound. I think you can do better in terms of price.

The verdict:  Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread review is posted with pictures, product information including price, ingredients, nutritional information and whether or not it belongs on your next shopping list.

I've tried my share of butters on this blog. Of all of them, hands down the best is Trader Joe's Cultured Salted Butter. Bar none that will remind you of a very well made European style butter.

My husband refers to it as the magical butter. It's that good.

This past holiday season Trader Joe's got fancy and offered Black Truffle butter. If you love truffle flavor, then it was affordable and delicious. I can only hope they bring it back at some point.

But here are two new butters to hit shelves: Roasted Garlic & Herb and Cinnamon and Brown Sugar. In other words, they've added a savory butter and a sweet one.

But this I'm not quite as excited over.

It's not that this isn't good. But when you do the math, this is smaller than a stick of butter. You get a measly 3.5 ounces. And then there is the cost: $2.49. On the surface it seems affordable. That means that this is over $11 a pound.

A price point well past most other butters. In fact, the seasonal black truffle butter was only $0.50 cents more for the same sized container or $16 a pound. But black truffle doesn't usually end up in most people's kitchens.

So beyond price, there isn't much to complain about in this package. This is a savory spread that will pair well with chicken, fish, and beef as well as veggies and most starches.

The flavor of garlic is pronounced but followed by the other herbs that are found in this package. It could use a touch more salt, but that is a matter of personal preference.

At the end of the day, this is really just a compound butter. Easy to make at home with the right ingredients. Just a stick of softened butter and some supplementary ingredients mixed in is all it takes to make a compound butter.

You can easily grab Trader Joe's Cultured Salted Butter and make that into something truly special with a bit of time and a handful of simple ingredients. The combinations are limitless. But if you are pressed for time and won't spend the time (or the dirty dish) on this, then yes, this is a good one to reach for.

If you want to see how easy it is to make your own, you can check out this Garlic and Herb Compound Butter recipe from Spend With Pennies.

Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:

The package of Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread:

Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread package

The nutritional information and the ingredients:

Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread nutritional information and ingredients

Out of the package you get:

Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread

Would I buy this again? I liked what came in Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread, but wasn't crazy about the price. I might buy this again, but not until my herb garden quits for the season.

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

The Bottom Line

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.