Southern-Style BBQ Beef Brisket with Tangy Coleslaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-smoked beef brisket coated in a smoky spice rub served alongside a crisp and tangy vinegar coleslaw for a classic Southern BBQ experience. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 510 minutes pairs beef brisket flat, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Rub mixture evenly over 3 lbs beef brisket flat.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F. Place brisket fat side up on the smoker and cook low and slow for 6-8 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F, spritzing with water every hour.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage, and 1 medium grated carrot to the dressing. Toss until well coated and chilled until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Let brisket rest 30 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve slices with a generous scoop of tangy coleslaw.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style BBQ Beef Brisket with Tangy Coleslaw take to make?

Total time is about 510 minutes (30 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Southern-Style BBQ Beef Brisket with Tangy Coleslaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef brisket flat from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style BBQ Beef Brisket with Tangy Coleslaw?

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 Southern-Style BBQ Beef Brisket with Tangy Coleslaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Southern-Style BBQ Beef Brisket with Tangy Coleslaw?

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.

Related recipes