After years of backyard barbecues and chasing the best brisket across Texas, I created this Traditional Texas Brisket Rub to deliver authentic smoky flavor without sugar or shortcuts. It's easy to make with pantry spices, builds a bold, flavorful crust, and lets the natural richness of the meat shine, just the way real Texas barbecue should.
Store the rub in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months, or use immediately to season your brisket.
Texas Smoked Brisket
To smoke brisket, generously coat all sides of the meat with the rub, pressing it into the surface. Use about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of rub per pound.
Let the meat rest at room temperature for 30–45 so that the rub has time to penetrate the meat.
Place the brisket fat-side down in a smoker preheated to 225°F (107°C).
Smoke for about 90 minutes per pound, until the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 160–170°F (71–77°C).
Wrap the brisket in butcher paper and return it to the smoker, seam-side down.
Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
Remove the brisket from the smoker, wrap it in a towel, and let it rest in a cooler or insulated container for 1 hour before slicing against the grain.
Notes
Yield: This recipe makes enough rub for an 8-pound brisket
Store leftover rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Coarse kosher salt is important for developing a thick, crispy bark. Avoid substituting table salt.
This rub also works great on ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, and steak.
For a little more heat, add extra cayenne to taste.
Nutritional calculations are estimates and based on a calculation of 1 tablespoon per serving.