Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Texas with our Texas BBQ Brisket recipe. This Lone Star classic pays homage to the tradition of slow-smoking, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth brisket with a savory bark and a rich, smoky flavor. Fire up your smoker and get ready to savor the authentic taste of Texas BBQ right in your own backyard.
Texas BBQ Brisket is a revered dish that embodies the artistry of low-and-slow smoking. The brisket, generously seasoned with a dry rub, undergoes hours of patient smoking, allowing the meat to absorb the smoky essence of hardwood. The result is a tender and flavorful masterpiece, featuring a crispy bark on the outside and a juicy, succulent interior. This recipe captures the spirit of Texas BBQ, where simplicity and dedication to craft lead to barbecue perfection.
Ingredients
1 whole beef brisket, approximately 10-12 pounds
1/4 cup coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
1/4 cup coarse black pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
8 Servings
Prep Time:
0 Hrs 20 Mins
Cook Time:
10 Hrs 0 Mins
Total TIme:
0 Hrs 0 Mins
Directions
Step
The night before, mix the coarse salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to create the dry rub.
Step
Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat on one side. Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern.
Step
Generously coat the brisket with the dry rub, massaging it into the meat. Ensure all sides are well covered.
Step
Place the brisket in a large plastic bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight to allow the dry rub to penetrate the meat.
Step
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using hardwood such as oak or hickory.
Step
Remove the brisket from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 1 hour.
Step
Place the brisket on the smoker, fat side up. Smoke for 10-12 hours or until the internal temperature reaches around 200°F (93°C) and the brisket is tender.
Step
Allow the brisket to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Step
Serve the Texas BBQ Brisket with your favorite barbecue sauce or pickles on the side.
Tips for this recipe
Maintain a consistent smoker temperature throughout the cooking process for the best results. The overnight dry-brining allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. Serve the brisket with classic Texas sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad for a complete barbecue experience.
