Maple-Glazed Smoked Brisket with Mustard BBQ Sauce

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

Slow-smoked beef brisket finished with a sweet maple glaze and tangy mustard barbecue sauce, perfect for backyard gatherings. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 660 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 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: 300 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly all over the 4 lbs beef brisket. Let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add wood chips of your choice. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker rack and smoke for approximately 6 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the maple glaze generously over the brisket every 10 minutes to build a sticky, flavorful crust.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the smoker and wrap tightly in foil. Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with the mustard barbecue sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Smoked Brisket with Mustard BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 660 minutes (300 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 Maple-Glazed Smoked Brisket with Mustard 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 Maple-Glazed Smoked Brisket with Mustard 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 Maple-Glazed Smoked Brisket with Mustard 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 Maple-Glazed Smoked Brisket with Mustard 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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