Slow-Smoked Texas Brisket with Housemade BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, smoky Texas-style brisket slow-smoked to perfection, served with a tangy, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 555 minutes blends pounds beef brisket, tablespoons kosher salt, tablespoons 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 650 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: 15 min Cook: 540 min Serves 8 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder in a bowl to make a dry rub. Pat 4 pounds beef brisket dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture evenly all over the meat. Let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F using oak or hickory wood chips for smoke. Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for about 6-7 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While the brisket smokes, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon chili powder in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Wrap the brisket tightly in foil and continue smoking for another 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 203°F and the meat is tender when probed.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Serve with generous amounts of the housemade barbecue sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Texas Brisket with Housemade BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 555 minutes (15 min prep + 540 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Texas Brisket with Housemade 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 Texas Brisket with Housemade 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 Texas Brisket with Housemade 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 Texas Brisket with Housemade 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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