Texas BBQ Brisket is a smoky, tender, and flavorful dish, revered across the Southern United States.

This traditional Texas recipe involves slow-cooking a large beef brisket, allowing the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing a savory, smoky essence.

It’s a perfect centerpiece for gatherings, offering both a crowd-pleasing taste and rustic appeal.

Why This Recipe

This Texas BBQ Brisket recipe is ideal for barbecue lovers and anyone craving an authentic Southern barbecue experience.

The combination of a smoky, peppery rub and hours of slow cooking makes for a truly mouthwatering meal.

While it does require time and patience, the payoff is well worth it, resulting in a brisket that’s packed with flavor and irresistibly tender.

About This Recipe

Texas BBQ Brisket is a staple in American barbecue cuisine, known for its focus on simple seasonings and slow smoking techniques that bring out the beef’s natural flavors.

With this recipe, you’ll achieve a traditional Texas taste with a homemade rub, a low and slow cooking process, and the smoky goodness that defines the Lone Star State’s barbecue style.

Ingredients

5 lbs beef brisket (trimmed)
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup black pepper
2 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)
Wood chips or chunks (preferably hickory or mesquite)

Prep Time and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-12 hours (depending on the size of the brisket and smoker)
Total Time: Approximately 8-12 hours

Estimated Calories

Serving Size: 1 portion (6 oz)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 300 calories

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Rub
In a bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Rub the seasoning mix generously over the entire brisket, covering both sides and pressing the rub into the meat for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or mesquite wood for authentic Texas flavor. Once the smoker is at temperature, place the brisket on the grates, fat-side up.
Smoke the Brisket
Smoke the brisket for about 8-10 hours, maintaining a temperature of 225°F throughout. Every hour or two, spritz the brisket with apple cider vinegar to keep it moist and add depth to the flavor.
Wrap the Brisket
Once the internal temperature reaches around 165°F, wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil to retain moisture. Continue smoking until the internal temperature hits 195°F to 203°F for ultimate tenderness.
Rest and Serve
Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve the brisket with your favorite barbecue sides and enjoy!

FAQs

Q: Can I use an oven if I don’t have a smoker?
A: Yes! You can cook the brisket in an oven at 225°F. Although it won’t have the same smoky flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the rub for a similar effect.

Q: How do I know when the brisket is done?
A: The brisket is typically ready when the internal temperature reaches between 195°F and 203°F. At this temperature, the meat becomes tender and easy to slice.

Conclusion

This Texas BBQ Brisket is the ultimate slow-cooked, smoky meal for any barbecue enthusiast.

From its flavorful crust to its tender interior, every slice is packed with the rich, bold taste of Texas barbecue.

Serve it up with sides like cornbread or coleslaw, and you’ve got an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress.