Slow-Smoked Prime Beef Brisket with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

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

Tender, slow-smoked beef brisket infused with hickory smoke and paired with a tangy Carolina mustard BBQ sauce for a perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors. 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 450 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of hickory wood chips to create a steady smoke. Meanwhile, season 4 lbs beef brisket evenly with 2 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tbsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for around 8 hours, maintaining 225°F until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: While the brisket smokes, whisk together 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp honey in a bowl until smooth and well combined; this is your Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
  4. Step 4: Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest covered loosely with foil for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve slices drizzled generously with the prepared mustard BBQ sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Prime Beef Brisket with Carolina Mustard 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 Slow-Smoked Prime Beef Brisket with Carolina 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 Slow-Smoked Prime Beef Brisket with Carolina 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 Slow-Smoked Prime Beef Brisket with Carolina 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 Slow-Smoked Prime Beef Brisket with Carolina 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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