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BBQ brisket recipe - featured image

Flavorful BBQ Brisket Recipe with Easy Zesty Homemade Rub


  • Author: neuriox
  • Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes to 10 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A crowd-pleasing BBQ brisket recipe featuring a zesty homemade rub that balances smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for gatherings and easy enough for home cooks to master.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5-pound beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Wood chips or chunks (hickory or oak recommended)

Instructions

  1. Trim the brisket by removing large fat chunks but leave about ¼ inch of fat to keep the meat moist.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Lightly brush olive oil over the entire surface, then generously rub the seasoning mixture all over the brisket. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Prepare the smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips or chunks for smoke and maintain steady temperature.
  5. Place the brisket fat side up on the grate away from direct heat. Close the lid and smoke, spritzing occasionally with apple cider vinegar or water to keep the surface moist.
  6. When the internal temperature reaches about 165°F (74°C) and the bark looks set, wrap the brisket tightly in aluminum foil or butcher paper and return it to the smoker.
  7. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C), about 3-4 more hours.
  8. Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest wrapped for at least 1 hour to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice against the grain into ¼-inch thick pieces and serve with your favorite sides and BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Keep smoker temperature steady at 225°F to avoid drying out the meat. Resting the brisket after cooking is essential for juicy results. Spritz with apple cider vinegar every hour to maintain moisture. Wrap brisket at 165°F internal temperature to lock in moisture and develop bark. Slice against the grain for tenderness. If no smoker is available, use a charcoal grill with indirect heat or a slow cooker with liquid smoke.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 ounces (113 grams)
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 25
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: BBQ brisket, smoked brisket, homemade rub, barbecue, slow cooked brisket, zesty rub, smoked meat, easy BBQ recipe