Perfect BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe: Tender, Smoky, and Delicious
Brisket is the ultimate barbecue challenge—a cut revered for its depth of flavor and ability to transform into a tender, smoky masterpiece. But don’t be intimidated by brisket’s reputation as a tricky cut. With this recipe, featuring our grass-fed, grass-finished, hormone-free, antibiotic-free brisket, you’ll create a barbecue centerpiece that lets the meat shine. No need for over-the-top techniques or 4 a.m. wake-up calls—just simple, flavorful cooking.
Let the fat stay where it belongs: hugging the brisket like a moisture blanket, adding flavor and ensuring a juicy bite. Trim it later if you must, but don’t miss out on the crispy, smoky crust that makes brisket unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Brisket:
• 1 (5-pound) beef brisket (trim lightly if needed)
• 1/4 cup barbecue rub (see recipe below or use store-bought)
• 1 cup beef broth, water, or beer
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
For the Barbecue Rub:
•1/4 cup smoked paprika
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp sea salt salt
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin*
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper*
*Substitute coffee for cumin and cayenne for a coffee rub
Method
1. Prep the Brisket
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F-250°F using indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix all the barbecue rub ingredients.
3. Sprinkle the barbecue rub generously over the brisket and pat it into the meat to help it stick.
2. Smoke the Brisket
1. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker or grill grates.
2. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour per pound (approximately 7 hours for a 5-pound brisket) until the internal temperature reaches 150-155°F. Then wrap in untreated butcher paper (the red kind) and return to the smoker/grill and cook until 205°F (about 3 hours.)
3. Periodically check the smoker or grill to maintain a consistent temperature and add wood chips or chunks for smoke flavor as needed.
4. Baste with beer or water with vinegar every hour until wrapped, giving a good baste at time of wrapping.
3. Rest and Sauce
1. Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the smoker or grill and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 40 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
2. While resting, heat the beef broth (or water or beer) and barbecue sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
4. Slice and Serve
1. Unwrap the brisket and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thin slices for maximum tenderness.
2. Serve with the warm barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad.
Why Choose Grass-Fed Brisket from Sugar Hill Farmstead?
Grass-fed, grass-finished brisket delivers superior flavor, tenderness, and nutrients compared to conventional cuts. Sourced from happy, local cattle, our brisket is hormone-free and antibiotic-free, ensuring every bite is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Pro Tips for BBQ Brisket
