Sweet and Smoky Beef Brisket
This Sweet and Smoky Beef Brisket recipe delivers a tender, flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet and smoky notes. Ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks, it uses simple pantry ingredients and a low-and-slow cooking method to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich, layered flavors. Perfect for casual dinners, parties, or special occasions.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4-12 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (excluding marinating overnight)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking/Smoking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 5–6 pounds Beef Brisket (well-marbled)
- Brown Sugar (amount as preferred for rub)
- Smoked Paprika (amount as preferred for rub)
- Garlic Powder (amount as preferred for rub)
- Onion Powder (amount as preferred for rub)
- Chili Powder (amount as preferred for rub)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (for tenderizing and balance)
- Barbecue Sauce (optional, for glaze)
- Prepare the Brisket: Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving a thin layer to keep it juicy. Pat it dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere and create a crispier crust.
- Make the Rub: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful dry rub.
- Apply the Rub: Coat the brisket generously with the dry rub on all sides, massaging it into every crevice for maximum flavor absorption.
- Marinate: Wrap the rubbed brisket tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to deepen flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Cook Low and Slow: Preheat the oven or smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place the brisket fat side up on a roasting pan or smoker grates. Cook for 6 to 8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F to 200°F (90°C to 93°C) for optimal tenderness.
- Rest the Brisket: Wrap the cooked brisket tightly in foil and let it rest for 30 to 60 minutes to redistribute juices and ensure moist, flavorful meat.
- Optional Glaze: If desired, brush barbecue sauce over the brisket during the last 30 minutes of cooking or just before serving for a sticky, glossy finish.
Notes
- Patience is key: Low and slow cooking yields tender brisket without drying it out.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature and avoid over or undercooking.
- Don’t skip the resting step to lock in juices.
- Apply rub liberally for more flavorful meat.
- Maintain consistent cooking temperature to prevent toughness or extended cook times.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz cooked brisket
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef brisket, sweet and smoky brisket, smoked paprika brisket, slow cooked brisket, barbecue brisket, tender beef brisket