Charcoal-Grilled Brisket with Sweet and Spicy Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy brisket grilled over charcoal with a sweet and spicy glaze reminiscent of Kentucky BBQ traditions. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 160 minutes pairs beef brisket, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire 3 lbs beef brisket. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Prepare a charcoal grill with enough briquettes to maintain medium heat around 275°F. Place the brisket on the grill grate over indirect heat and close the lid. Grill for 90 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp hot sauce, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a bowl to create the glaze.
  4. Step 4: After 90 minutes, brush the brisket generously with the glaze, then continue grilling for another 30 minutes, brushing every 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the grill and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Brisket with Sweet and Spicy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (40 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Brisket with Sweet and Spicy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Brisket with Sweet and Spicy Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Brisket with Sweet and Spicy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Brisket with Sweet and Spicy Glaze?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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