Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Cherry Wood

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

Tender, smoky beef brisket infused with cherry wood smoke and a simple dry rub, perfect for a weekend BBQ. This bbq & smoked-inspired beef ready in about 440 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: 420 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl to make the dry rub. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire 5 lb beef brisket, covering all sides.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F using soaked cherry wood chips for a sweet, mild smoke. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker grate.
  3. Step 3: Smoke the brisket for about 6-7 hours, maintaining a steady 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender when poked with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove the brisket from the smoker and wrap it tightly in butcher paper. Let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature before slicing against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Cherry Wood take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Cherry Wood?

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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Cherry Wood?

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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Cherry Wood 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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Cherry Wood?

BBQ & Smoked beef 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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