Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Spiced Rub

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

Tender brisket slow-smoked over hickory wood with a bold spice rub, delivering deep smoky flavors and a perfect bark crust. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 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 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 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 paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp yellow mustard all over the surface of the 4 lbs beef brisket to help the rub adhere, then evenly coat the brisket with the prepared spice rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Prepare your smoker by heating to a steady 225°F and adding 2 cups hickory wood chips for smoke flavor.
  4. Step 4: Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker grate, close the lid, and smoke for approximately 6-8 hours, maintaining 225°F, until an internal temperature of 195°F is reached and the meat is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the smoker, wrap tightly in foil, and let rest for 45 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin slices for serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Spiced Rub take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Spiced 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 Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Spiced 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 Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Spiced Rub 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 Hickory-Smoked Beef Brisket with Spiced 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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