Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Bourbon Glaze

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

Tender smoked beef brisket infused with rich hickory smoke and finished with a sweet and tangy maple-bourbon glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 465 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 650 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: 45 min Cook: 420 min Serves 8 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the rub by combining 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder in a bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the 5-pound beef brisket. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F using indirect heat and add 2 cups of soaked applewood chips for smoke. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker rack and smoke for approximately 6 hours, maintaining a steady temperature.
  3. Step 3: While the brisket smokes, prepare the glaze by combining 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the glaze thickens slightly, about 8 minutes.
  4. Step 4: After 6 hours, brush the brisket generously with the maple-bourbon glaze and continue smoking for an additional 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender to the touch.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest covered loosely with foil for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving with remaining glaze on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Bourbon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 465 minutes (45 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 Maple-Bourbon Glaze?

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 Maple-Bourbon Glaze?

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 Maple-Bourbon Glaze 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 Maple-Bourbon Glaze?

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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