Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Dry Rub and Mop Sauce

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

Tender smoked brisket seasoned with a classic Texas dry rub and basted with a tangy mop sauce for deep smoky flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 620 minutes blends beef brisket, kosher salt, coarse 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: 600 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp coarse black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp chili powder in a bowl to create the dry rub. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire 5 lb beef brisket, pressing it into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Prepare your smoker and preheat to 225°F. Add 2 cups of wood chips (oak or hickory) to generate smoke. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker grate.
  3. Step 3: In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp honey to make the mop sauce. Every hour, baste the brisket with this mop sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
  4. Step 4: Smoke the brisket for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, maintaining a steady 225°F heat. Let the brisket rest wrapped in foil for 1 hour before slicing against the grain into 1/4-inch slices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Dry Rub and Mop Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 620 minutes (20 min prep + 600 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Dry Rub and Mop 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 Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Dry Rub and Mop 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 Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Dry Rub and Mop 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 Smoked Texas-Style Brisket with Dry Rub and Mop 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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