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Better Than Sex Brisket

A showstopper brisket recipe with smoky, tender, and rich flavors that will elevate any meal and impress your guests.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: BBQ, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brisket and Rub Ingredients
  • 4 lb Brisket “point” Use the highest quality beef for best results.
  • 2 parts apple wood Combined with hickory for flavor.
  • 1 part hickory Combined with apple wood for flavor.
  • 2 tbsp beef base Adds depth of flavor.
  • 2 tbsp garlic salt Infuses the meat with flavor.
  • 2 tbsp fresh ground pepper Smoked black pepper recommended.
  • 2 tbsp chili powder For a hint of heat.
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar Balances flavors.
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika Adds color and flavor.
  • 2 tbsp chopped shallots For mild onion flavor.
  • 2 tbsp apple juice or sweet tea Adds sweetness and acidity.
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce For glazing the brisket.
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Brings brightness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Remove any fat cap from the brisket. Score the meat on both sides and rub beef base all over.
  2. Mix garlic salt, fresh ground pepper, chili powder, light brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chopped shallots in a bowl. Rub this mixture generously onto the brisket.
  3. Cover the brisket and refrigerate overnight.
Setting Up the Smoker
  1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F using indirect heat.
  2. Use a combination of 1 part hickory and 2 parts apple wood for smoking.
The Smoking Process
  1. Place the brisket on the smoker and smoke until it reaches 170°F, approximately 7.5 hours for a 5 lb brisket.
The Texas Crutch
  1. When the brisket reaches 170°F, wrap it in foil with apple juice or sweet tea and return to the grill for 2 hours.
Finishing the Brisket
  1. Remove the brisket from the foil, glaze with BBQ sauce, and place back on the smoker for 20 minutes.
  2. Tent with foil for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain into 1/4-inch slices.

Notes

Invest in quality meat, use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness, and experiment with different wood types for a unique flavor.