Grilled Texas-Style Brisket with Bold Dry Rub

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

A richly seasoned Texas-style beef brisket grilled low and slow with a bold dry rub for a smoky, tender finish. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 780 minutes pairs beef brisket, kosher salt, coarse black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 10, 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: 300 min Cook: 480 min Serves 10 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp coarse black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl to make the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub 5 lbs beef brisket all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then generously apply the dry rub mixture, pressing it into the meat. Let the brisket rest uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to maintain a steady temperature of 225°F for indirect cooking. Add 2 cups soaked wood chips to the smoker box or charcoal.
  4. Step 4: Place the brisket fat side up on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and smoke for 6-8 hours, maintaining 225°F and adding wood chips as needed, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  5. Step 5: Wrap the brisket tightly in foil and place it in a roasting pan with 1 cup beef broth. Let rest for 1 hour to allow juices to redistribute.
  6. Step 6: Slice the brisket thinly against the grain and serve with your favorite sides or BBQ sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Texas-Style Brisket with Bold Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 780 minutes (300 min prep + 480 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 Texas-Style Brisket with Bold Dry Rub?

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 Grilled Texas-Style Brisket with Bold Dry Rub?

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 Texas-Style Brisket with Bold Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 Texas-Style Brisket with Bold Dry Rub?

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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