Texas Style Smoked Brisket

A mouthwatering Texas-style smoked brisket, seasoned with a simple rub and slow-cooked to perfection on a pellet grill.

This Texas-style smoked brisket recipe features a simple yet flavorful rub of coarse kosher salt and black pepper, creating a perfect crust on the tender meat. Slowly cooked on a pellet grill with regular spritzing of beef broth, the brisket absorbs a rich smoky flavor while staying moist and juicy. After a crucial resting period, the brisket is sliced thin and served with your favorite barbecue accompaniments, offering a truly authentic barbecue experience.

Servings

4-6

Prep Time

45 minutes

Cook Time

6-8 hours (including smoking and wrapping)

Total Time

7-9 hours (including resting time)

2-pound brisket
1/4 cup coarse kosher salt
1/4 cup coarse black pepper
1 cup beef broth (for spritzing)

Preparation

  • Trim the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch of fat on the surface.
  • Mix the coarse kosher salt and coarse black pepper together to create the rub.
  • Coat the brisket generously on all sides, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
  • Let the brisket rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the smoker heats.
  • Pour the beef broth into a spray bottle or bowl for spritzing later.

Cooking

  • Preheat the smoker or pellet grill to 225°F using oak, hickory, or mesquite wood.
  • Place the brisket on the grill fat side up.
  • Insert a thermometer probe into the thickest part of the meat.
  • Smoke at 225°F, spritzing with beef broth about once per hour to keep the surface moist.
  • Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches around 165°F and a dark bark forms.
  • Wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil.
  • Return it to the smoker and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 195–200°F and the meat feels very tender when probed.

Serving

  • Remove the wrapped brisket from the smoker and rest for at least 30 minutes (longer is even better).
  • Unwrap and slice thinly against the grain.
  • Serve hot with your favorite barbecue sides or sauces.