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Smoked Brisket Recipe for tender and flavorful brisket

Smoked Brisket Recipe

This Smoked Brisket is the ultimate BBQ dish, slow-cooked to perfection with a flavorful rub and smoked low and slow for hours. The result is a tender, juicy brisket with a smoky, mouth-watering crust. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or making a hearty meal, this smoked brisket will be the star of the show.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 8 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5-6 lbs (2.5-3 kg) beef brisket, trimmed
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for extra flavor)
  • Wood chips or chunks (hickory, oak, or mesquite work well)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Brisket:
    Pat the brisket dry with paper towels.Rub the olive oil and mustard all over the brisket to help the rub stick.
  • Make the Rub:
    In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.
    Apply the rub generously all over the brisket, pressing it into the meat. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Prepare the Smoker:
    Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
    Add your choice of wood chips or chunks to the smoker. If you're using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect cooking and add wood chips in a smoker box or wrapped in foil.
  • Smoke the Brisket:
    Place the brisket in the smoker fat-side up. Close the lid and smoke for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 195°F (90°C) and the meat is fork-tender.
    Make sure to monitor the temperature and add more wood chips or chunks as needed.
  • Rest and Slice:
    Once done, remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
    Slice the brisket against the grain to ensure the meat is tender and easy to chew.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve with your favorite BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. Enjoy the smoky, tender goodness of your homemade brisket.

Notes

Optional Variations:
  • Add a glaze or BBQ sauce in the final hour of smoking for extra flavor.
  • If you don’t have a smoker, you can cook the brisket in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a roasting pan and a rack.
  • Experiment with different wood types like apple, cherry, or pecan for a unique flavor profile.