Texas-style smoked brisket Recipe
American · Main course · 750 min total
A classic Texas-style brisket, slow-smoked with a simple salt and pepper rub until tender and juicy, with a deep smoky flavor and a beautiful bark.
30
min prep
720
min cook
12
servings
580
kcal/serving
Ingredients
- 1 whole packer brisket (12-14 lbs)
- 1/4 cup coarse black pepper
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- Yellow mustard (as needed for binder)
Instructions
- Trim the brisket: Remove excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch fat cap. Trim any hard fat or silver skin.
- Apply binder: Coat the brisket lightly with yellow mustard to help the rub adhere.
- Season: Mix salt and pepper. Apply evenly all over the brisket. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Prepare smoker: Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) using oak or hickory wood. Use a water pan to maintain humidity.
- Smoke: Place brisket on smoker grate, fat side up. Smoke until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C), about 6-8 hours.
- Wrap: Wrap brisket tightly in pink butcher paper or foil. Return to smoker until internal temp reaches 203°F (95°C), about 2-4 more hours.
- Rest: Remove from smoker, wrap in towel, and place in a cooler for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours) before slicing.
- Slice: Slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Serve with pickles, onions, and sauce if desired.
Tips
- For best results, use a whole packer brisket with both point and flat.
- Maintain steady temperature; avoid opening smoker frequently.
- Let brisket rest properly to redistribute juices.
- Leftover brisket can be reheated in a low oven or vacuum sealed.
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