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A thick, juicy cut of Texas style BBQ brisket with a perfect smoke ring

BBQ Brisket (Texas Style)

A classic Texas-style BBQ brisket recipe focusing on a simple rub and long, slow smoking to achieve tender, smoky meat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Brisket
  • 1 large Beef Brisket whole packer
  • 0.5 cup Coarse Black Pepper
  • 0.5 cup Coarse Salt Kosher or sea salt
Smoking
  • 2-3 lbs Wood Chunks/Pellets Oak, Post Oak, or Pecan recommended
  • 2 cups Water for spritzing

Equipment

  • Smoker
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Meat Thermometer (probe)
  • Butcher Paper or Foil
  • Insulated Cooler

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim the beef brisket, leaving a uniform 1/4-inch fat cap on one side, then generously season all surfaces with a 50/50 mixture of coarse black pepper and coarse salt.
Smoking
  1. Preheat your smoker to a consistent temperature between 225-275°F (107-135°C), then place the seasoned brisket fat-side up or towards the main heat source and smoke until its internal temperature reaches 165-175°F (74-79°C). During the smoking process, spritz the brisket with water every 1-2 hours after the initial few hours to maintain moisture.
Finishing & Resting
  1. Once the brisket reaches the desired internal temperature (165-175°F / 74-79°C), wrap it tightly in butcher paper or foil and return it to the smoker, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F (93-96°C) and the meat is probe-tender. After cooking, allow the wrapped brisket to rest in an insulated cooler for 2-4 hours before slicing it against the grain for serving.

Notes

Patience is key for a truly tender brisket; monitor your smoker temperature carefully, and do not rush the resting period as it is crucial for juice retention.