Sweet and Tangy Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub

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

Slow-smoked beef brisket rubbed with a robust blend of coffee and spices, finished with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce for deep flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 570 minutes pairs trimmed beef brisket, finely ground ground coffee, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 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.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp ground coffee, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chili powder to create the rub. Pat dry the 5 lb beef brisket, then rub the spice mix evenly over all surfaces. Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Prepare your smoker to 225°F using oak or hickory wood chips. Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for about 6 hours, maintaining temperature and replenishing wood chips as needed.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp smoked paprika in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until thickened.
  4. Step 4: After 6 hours, brush the brisket generously with the tangy barbecue sauce and smoke for an additional 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove brisket from smoker and let rest covered with foil for 30 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain and serving with remaining sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Tangy Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub take to make?

Total time is about 570 minutes (90 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 Sweet and Tangy Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub?

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 trimmed beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Tangy Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub?

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 Sweet and Tangy Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub 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 Sweet and Tangy Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub?

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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