Mesquite-Grilled Brisket Sandwiches with Smoky BBQ Sauce

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

Thinly sliced mesquite-smoked brisket piled on toasted buns and topped with a homemade smoky barbecue sauce for a hearty sandwich. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 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 600 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tsp onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over the entire 4 lb beef brisket.
  2. Step 2: Soak 3 cups mesquite wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat smoker or grill to 250°F (121°C) and add the soaked wood chips to create smoke.
  3. Step 3: Place brisket fat-side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 6-8 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender.
  4. Step 4: While brisket smokes, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp molasses, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove brisket from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sandwiches by placing sliced brisket on 8 toasted buns and spooning smoky BBQ sauce over the meat before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mesquite-Grilled Brisket Sandwiches with Smoky BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mesquite-Grilled Brisket Sandwiches with Smoky 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 Mesquite-Grilled Brisket Sandwiches with Smoky 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 Mesquite-Grilled Brisket Sandwiches with Smoky 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 Mesquite-Grilled Brisket Sandwiches with Smoky 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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