Grilled Mesquite-Smoked Brisket with Texas BBQ Glaze

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

A slow-grilled brisket infused with smoky mesquite flavor and glazed with a tangy Texas-style barbecue sauce, perfect for Father’s Day celebrations. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 465 minutes pairs pounds beef brisket, tablespoons kosher salt, tablespoon black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, 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: 45 min Cook: 420 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to 225°F for low and slow cooking. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Rub this dry spice blend evenly over the entire 4-pound beef brisket.
  2. Step 2: Lightly brush 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons yellow mustard over the seasoned brisket; this helps the rub stick and forms a flavorful crust. Soak 2 cups mesquite wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then place them on the hot coals or in a smoker box to infuse smoke.
  3. Step 3: Place the brisket fat side up on the grill grates away from direct heat. Smoke and cook for about 6-7 hours, maintaining a steady temperature of 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  4. Step 4: While the brisket cooks, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the Texas BBQ glaze generously over the brisket every 10 minutes to build layers of flavor and caramelization. Remove the brisket once done and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mesquite-Smoked Brisket with Texas BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 465 minutes (45 min prep + 420 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 Grilled Mesquite-Smoked Brisket with Texas BBQ 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 pounds beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mesquite-Smoked Brisket with Texas BBQ 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 Grilled Mesquite-Smoked Brisket with Texas BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Grilled Mesquite-Smoked Brisket with Texas BBQ 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.

Related recipes