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The Best Brisket Rub Recipe

The Best Brisket Rub Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 24 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Smoky Texas-style brisket rub elevates backyard barbecue magic with perfectly balanced spices and deep flavor layers. Pitmasters and grill enthusiasts will discover an irresistible blend that turns ordinary meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Spices:

  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

Aromatic Spices:

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Optional Heat and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Create a robust flavor blend by thoroughly whisking together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and mustard powder in a mixing vessel until the spices are uniformly distributed.
  2. Meticulously dry the brisket surface using clean paper towels to ensure optimal rub adherence, then methodically massage the spice mixture across every exterior surface of the meat, pressing firmly to help the seasoning penetrate and adhere.
  3. Allow the seasoned brisket to rest at ambient temperature for half an hour, which permits the spices to awaken and meld with the meat’s natural juices, alternatively refrigerate for up to a full day while tightly wrapped in plastic film to intensify flavor absorption.
  4. Select your preferred cooking technique – smoking, grilling, or oven roasting – focusing on low-temperature, slow-cooking methods that will develop a caramelized, crispy exterior bark while maintaining interior moisture and tenderness.
  5. After completing the cooking process, permit the brisket to relax and redistribute internal juices by letting it rest undisturbed for approximately 25 minutes, then slice decisively against the natural muscle grain to maximize succulence and ensure each portion remains tender and flavorful.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper for spice-sensitive diners or those craving extra kick.
  • Ensure even flavor absorption by massaging rub thoroughly into meat’s surface, creating a complete seasoning coating.
  • For low-sodium diets, reduce salt content or use alternative salt-free seasoning blends while maintaining robust flavor profile.
  • Maximize tenderness by allowing brisket to rest completely before slicing, which helps redistribute internal meat juices and prevents dryness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-24 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 1300 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg