Smoked brisket is the crown jewel of barbecue – a tender, juicy cut of beef that’s been slow-cooked to perfection over hardwood smoke. With its deep, smoky bark and melt-in-your-mouth texture, brisket is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. Whether served at a backyard cookout, a family gathering, or a weekend feast, smoked brisket never fails to impress.
What makes brisket so special is the transformation it undergoes during the smoking process. Starting as a tough, marbled cut from the lower chest of the cow, brisket requires low and slow cooking to break down the connective tissue. Hours of gentle heat and flavorful smoke create a finished product that’s incredibly rich, tender, and infused with bold, beefy flavor.
The seasoning is simple but essential. A classic rub of salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of garlic or paprika allows the natural flavor of the meat to shine while creating that signature dark, flavorful crust known as the bark. As it smokes, the brisket forms a pink smoke ring just beneath the surface – a hallmark of perfectly smoked meat.
Smoked brisket is incredibly versatile. It can be sliced thick or thin and served as the star of a plate with traditional sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or mac and cheese. It also makes a killer sandwich, especially when piled high on a soft bun with pickles and a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce. Leftovers can be chopped and used in tacos, breakfast hash, or even mixed into chili for an extra punch of flavor.
Few dishes command the respect and anticipation that smoked brisket does. It requires time, patience, and a good deal of love, but the reward is well worth it. With its smoky aroma, juicy texture, and unforgettable flavor, smoked brisket is more than a barbecue staple—it’s a true labor of love that brings people together around the table.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds beef brisket Choose a well-marbled cut
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt For seasoning
- 2 tablespoons black pepper Freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons paprika Preferably smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder For added flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder For added flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Add more if you like heat
Instructions
- Prepare your smoker and preheat it to 225°F (107°C).
- Mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to create the seasoning rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the brisket.
- Place the brisket on the smoker grates, fat side up.
- Smoke the brisket for about 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C).
- Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the brisket against the grain and serve.
Nutrition
Isn’t brisket supposed to be cooked longer? 8 hours sounds short. Idk.
Little too salty for my taste. I’d cut the salt maybe?
I totally agree, I think 1 tablespoon of salt would be enough. Too much salt can ruin the flavor!
Not that great. I think the cayenne pepper was too much for me. Maybe I’ll try less next time.
I get it! Cayenne can be intense. Maybe try paprika instead for a milder kick next time?
Tried this at a party and everyone was raving about it! Thumbs up!
This recipe is amazing! The brisket came out so tender and juicy. My family loved it!
I agree! This is the best brisket recipe I’ve ever tried. The marinade really makes a difference!
Took me 12 hours to smoke mine and it didn’t turn out like that! What did I do wrong?
I had a bit of trouble keeping the smoker at 225°F. Any tips?
I found that using a water pan in the smoker helps maintain a steady temperature. Give it a try!
Good but not the best brisket recipe I’ve tried. 3/5.
So simple yet so delicious. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know… 8-10 hours? Sounds like too much work for just some meat. Can’t you just buy it pre-smoked?
Absolutely! Love how easy it is. Can’t wait to try it myself!
This injuried my kitchen! I burned the brisket. Help!
Aw, sorry to hear that! Maybe next time try watching it a bit closer or using a meat thermometer to avoid burning.
Wow, just wow. Best BBQ I’ve ever made! Will definitely make again!