Brown Sugar and Chili Smoked Brisket

Written by
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Derrick Riches
Updated 01/19/20
Brown sugar and chili smoked brisket

DHuss / Getty images
  • Total: 10 hrs 15 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 10 hrs
  • Yield: Serves 8 to 10
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
1175 Calories
61g Fat
13g Carbs
137g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: Serves 8 to 10
Amount per serving
Calories 1175
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 61g 78%
Saturated Fat 23g 116%
Cholesterol 435mg 145%
Sodium 4175mg 182%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Protein 137g
Calcium 102mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This delicious brisket is coated in a sweet rub and slow-smoked to perfection. Of course, you can adjust the heat by using mild or hot chili powder.

Ingredients

  • 1 beef brisket (about 8 to 10 pounds)
  • For the Rub:
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup salt (coarse salt works best)
  • 1/3 cup paprika
  • 1/3 cup chili powder (hot or mild)
  • 1/4 cup black pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat smoker and add wood chips (follow your instruction manual).

  2. Clean and dry the brisket. Apply brisket rub evenly. Place brisket in smoker for 8 to 10 hours. Keep the smoker temperature at about 220 F. To increase tenderness, take the brisket out of the smoker, wrap in aluminum foil and place in oven at 180 to 200 F for the last two hours. Typically after 8 to 10 hours a piece of meat will have absorbed as much smoke as it can and additional smoking may impart a bitter flavor.

  3. Allow brisket to sit for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing it.