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

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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.

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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