Sweet and Smoky Beef Brisket
Sweet and Smoky Beef Brisket is a perfectly balanced, melt-in-your-mouth main course featuring tender, slow-cooked beef combined with a signature blend of sweet caramelized sugars and smoky spices. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy meat with bold flavors, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus at least 2 hours resting time
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes plus overnight resting if desired
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Roasting or Smoking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 5 pounds well-marbled beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or mustard
- Prepare Your Brisket: Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving enough to keep the meat moist during cooking. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels to ensure the rub sticks properly.
- Create the Spice Rub: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika if using for extra smokiness, and mix thoroughly.
- Apply the Rub: Brush the brisket with olive oil or mustard to help the spice rub adhere. Generously coat all sides of the brisket with the rub, pressing gently to secure the seasoning.
- Let It Rest: Cover the brisket and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Cook Low and Slow: Preheat your oven or smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the brisket fat side up on a rack inside a roasting pan or smoker. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) for maximum tenderness.
- Rest Before Slicing: Remove the brisket from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices for juicy and flavorful slices.
Notes
- Choose a well-marbled brisket cut (flat or point) for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Cook low and slow to bring out the richest flavors and perfect tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature and avoid drying out the meat.
- Wrapping the brisket in foil partway through cooking helps retain moisture.
- Allow the brisket to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Slice against the grain to ensure tender bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (about 113g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: beef brisket, smoked brisket, sweet and smoky, slow cooked beef, main course, barbecue, oven roasted brisket