Description
Discover the best smoker recipes for meats, seafood, and veggies. Master smoking techniques, wood pairings, and expert tips for perfect BBQ flavors
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Brisket:
- 1 whole beef brisket (10–12 lbs)
- ¼ cup coarse salt
- ¼ cup coarse black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
For Spritzing (Optional):
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice
- 1 cup water
For Wrapping (Optional):
- Butcher paper or aluminum foil
Instructions
Step 1: Trim the Brisket
- Trim excess fat, leaving about ¼ inch fat cap to keep the meat moist.
- Remove silver skin and any hard fat that won’t render down.
Step 2: Season the Brisket
- Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Apply the rub generously, covering all sides of the brisket.
Step 3: Preheat the Smoker
- Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Use hickory, oak, or mesquite wood for strong, smoky flavor.
Step 4: Smoke the Brisket
- Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker grates.
- Smoke at 225°F for 8-10 hours, spritzing every 2 hours with apple cider vinegar.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil.
Step 5: Continue Smoking
- Place the wrapped brisket back in the smoker and cook until 195-203°F (about 4-6 more hours).
- Use a meat thermometer—it should probe like butter when done.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
- Let the brisket rest for 1 hour, wrapped, in a cooler or warm oven.
- Slice against the grain for the best texture.
Notes
✔️ Best Wood Choice: Hickory or oak for bold flavor, cherrywood for a mild, sweet taste.
✔️ Brisket Size Matters: Smaller briskets (6-8 lbs) cook faster, while larger ones may need extra time.
✔️ Don’t Skip Resting: Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender slices.
✔️ Smoke Ring Secret: Use a water pan in the smoker for humidity, enhancing the smoke ring.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g