RECIPES
Smoked Beef Brisket
ADVERTISEMENT
Smoked Beef Brisket
Ingredients:
- For the Brisket:
- 1 whole beef brisket (10-12 pounds), trimmed
- 1/4 cup olive oil or mustard (as a binder)
- For the Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- For the Spritz (Optional):
- 1 cup apple juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- For the BBQ Sauce (Optional):
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brisket:
- Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat cap for moisture.
- Rub the brisket with olive oil or mustard to help the dry rub adhere.
- Make the Dry Rub:
- In a bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients.
- Generously apply the dry rub all over the brisket, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Preheat the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using your choice of wood (oak, hickory, or mesquite are great options).
- Smoke the Brisket:
- Place the brisket on the smoker, fat side up.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket.
- Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches about 160°F (71°C), which may take 6-8 hours.
- Spritz the Brisket (Optional):
- Mix apple juice and water in a spray bottle.
- Every hour, spritz the brisket to keep it moist.
- Wrap the Brisket:
- Once the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, wrap it tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil.
- Return the wrapped brisket to the smoker and continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C), which may take an additional 4-6 hours.
- Rest the Brisket:
- Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest in the wrap for at least 1 hour before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Make the BBQ Sauce (Optional):
- In a saucepan, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve:
- Slice the brisket against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Serve with BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.
Enjoy your perfectly smoked and tender beef brisket!