Slow-Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Latin-Inspired Mojo Sauce

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

Tender brisket infused with smoky Texas barbecue flavors, complemented by a bright and zesty Latin-style mojo sauce. This latin american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 440 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: 420 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp garlic powder. Rub this dry mix evenly all over the 4 lbs beef brisket, massaging it into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker rack. Smoke for about 6 to 7 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the brisket smokes, prepare the mojo sauce by whisking together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Once the brisket is done, let it rest covered with foil for 20 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin pieces.
  5. Step 5: Serve the sliced brisket drizzled generously with the vibrant mojo sauce, allowing the citrus and spice notes to brighten the smoky meat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Latin-Inspired Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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-Style Brisket with Latin-Inspired Mojo 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-Style Brisket with Latin-Inspired Mojo 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-Style Brisket with Latin-Inspired Mojo 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-Style Brisket with Latin-Inspired Mojo Sauce?

Latin 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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