Description

Sink your teeth into this Juicy Brisket with Rich Homemade Barbecue Sauce, a bold and flavorful dish that transforms a simple cut of beef into a slow-cooked masterpiece. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser — fork-tender meat with a smoky dry rub crust and a homemade barbecue sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, holiday food ideas, or just an impressive yet easy recipe for your next get-together, this brisket delivers every time. Perfect for meal prep, backyard BBQs, or hearty dinner ideas that keep people talking.

Ingredients

4–5 lb beef brisket

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp yellow mustard

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp ground cumin

0.5 tsp cayenne pepper

1.5 cups ketchup

0.25 cup apple cider vinegar

0.25 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp molasses

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp smoked paprika

0.5 tsp garlic powder

0.5 tsp onion powder

0.25 tsp ground mustard

0.5 tsp chili flakes

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from brisket, leaving about ¼ inch of fat cap. Pat dry and coat with olive oil and mustard.

2. Combine all dry rub ingredients and massage thoroughly into brisket. Refrigerate overnight or rest at room temp for 1–2 hours.

3. Preheat smoker or oven to 225°F. Add wood chips if smoking. Place brisket fat-side up on a rack or grate.

4. Cook uncovered until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 4–5 hours). Wrap in foil or butcher paper.

5. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 195–203°F (another 2–3 hours).

6. Remove and rest brisket, still wrapped, in a cooler or warm oven for at least 1 hour.

7. Meanwhile, combine sauce ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

8. Slice brisket against the grain. Spoon warm barbecue sauce over top and serve hot.

Notes

Always slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Resting the meat after cooking is non-negotiable — it seals in the juices.

Make extra barbecue sauce — it doubles as a dipping sauce or sandwich spread.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz
Calories: 430
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: brisket, barbecue, easy dinner, slow-cooked beef, BBQ ideas, homemade BBQ sauce