Houston-Style Smoked Brisket with Molasses BBQ Sauce

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

Slow-smoked beef brisket glazed in a rich molasses BBQ sauce inspired by Houston’s renowned barbecue culture, perfect for a hearty meal or casual gathering. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 390 minutes blends trimmed 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 550 calories and feeds 8, 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: 30 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over all sides of the 4 lbs trimmed beef brisket.
  2. Step 2: Prepare a smoker with charcoal or wood chips and preheat to 225°F. Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker grate. Smoke for about 6 hours, maintaining a steady 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup molasses, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp cracked black peppercorns. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
  4. Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the molasses BBQ sauce liberally over the brisket every 10 minutes to build a sticky glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the smoker and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Houston-Style Smoked Brisket with Molasses BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 390 minutes (30 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Houston-Style Smoked Brisket with Molasses 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 Houston-Style Smoked Brisket with Molasses 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 Houston-Style Smoked Brisket with Molasses BBQ Sauce 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 Houston-Style Smoked Brisket with Molasses 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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