Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

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

Tender, smoky beef brisket slow-cooked with a sweet-spicy rub and wood smoke for authentic Texas barbecue. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 510 minutes pairs beef brisket (flat cut), brown sugar, 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 10, 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 480 min Serves 10 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp salt in a bowl to form a rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat the 5 lbs beef brisket dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the brisket fat-side up in a smoker or oven-safe roasting pan, adding 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water to the pan to create moisture.
  4. Step 4: Smoke at 225°F for 6-8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, adding 1 cup hickory wood chips every hour.
  5. Step 5: Wrap tightly in foil, resting for 2 hours before slicing against the grain.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Texas-Style Smoked Brisket 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 Texas-Style Smoked Brisket?

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 cut) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Texas-Style Smoked Brisket?

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 Texas-Style Smoked Brisket for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 Texas-Style Smoked Brisket?

American grilling 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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