Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce

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

Slow-smoked beef brisket infused with hickory wood smoke and served with a rich homemade BBQ sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 620 minutes blends beef brisket, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 10, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 600 min Serves 10 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 2 tsp smoked paprika. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire 5 lbs beef brisket, pressing it into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Prepare your smoker by preheating to 225°F and adding 2 cups soaked hickory wood chips for smoke. Place brisket fat-side up on the smoker grate.
  3. Step 3: Smoke the brisket for 8-10 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender when pierced.
  4. Step 4: While brisket smokes, combine 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Remove brisket from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve with warm homemade BBQ sauce drizzled over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 620 minutes (20 min prep + 600 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce?

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 Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce 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 Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce?

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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