Smoky Texas BBQ Brisket with Spiced Rub

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-19 · Updated 2026-05-19

Slow-cooked brisket with a bold smoky flavor enhanced by a spice rub featuring paprika and chili powder. This American-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 500 minutes, pairs beef brisket, kosher salt, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs beef brisket
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups, soaked in water for 30 minutes apple wood chips

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar to create the spice rub.
2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over the 4 lbs beef brisket, then massage the spice rub all over the meat, covering every surface.
3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add soaked 2 cups apple wood chips for smoke.
4. Step 4: Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for 6-8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the bark is dark and firm.
5. Step 5: Remove the brisket and wrap it tightly in foil. Let it rest for 1 hour before slicing thinly against the grain to serve.