Texas-Style Brisket With BBQ Sauce Recipe
Texas-style brisket is a legendary dish that brings together bold smoky flavors, tender meat, and a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce. Cooked low and slow, this brisket melts in your mouth with every bite and carries the signature taste of true Southern barbecue.
Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or craving a hearty comfort meal, this recipe will deliver every time.
Why You’ll Love This Texas-Style Brisket With BBQ Sauce Recipe?
- Authentic Flavor: Smoky, rich, and infused with bold Texas-style BBQ taste.
- Tender & Juicy: Slow-cooked to perfection for mouthwatering texture.
- Homemade Sauce: A perfectly balanced BBQ sauce made from scratch.
- Great for Gatherings: Perfect centerpiece for parties, holidays, and cookouts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for planning ahead.
Ingredients For Texas-Style Brisket With BBQ Sauce
Before you start, gather everything you need for both the brisket and the homemade BBQ sauce. Each component plays a key role in delivering that authentic Texas-style flavor.
For the Brisket
- 5–6 lb beef brisket (flat or packer cut)
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp coarse black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard (acts as a binder)
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Step By Step Instruction To Make Texas-Style Brisket With BBQ Sauce
Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect brisket with a bold, smoky BBQ sauce. Don’t rush the process—low and slow is the key to great brisket.
Step 1: Prep the Brisket
Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4-inch fat cap for flavor and moisture. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Apply the Rub
Rub a thin layer of yellow mustard all over the brisket to help the spices stick. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Apply the dry rub generously and evenly across all sides.
PRO TIP: Let the brisket sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before smoking to promote even cooking.
Step 3: Smoke the Brisket
Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hickory, oak, or mesquite wood for an authentic Texas flavor. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker grates.
Smoke for 6–8 hours until the internal temperature reaches around 165°F. Then, wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil and return it to the smoker.
Continue smoking for another 4–6 hours or until the internal temp hits 195–203°F.
PRO TIP: Use a meat thermometer and probe for tenderness. The probe should slide in with little to no resistance.
Step 4: Rest the Brisket
Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest, still wrapped, in a cooler or warm oven for at least 1 hour. This helps redistribute the juices.
Step 5: Make the BBQ Sauce
While the brisket rests, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir occasionally and let the sauce reduce for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
FAQs or Tips Section
Here are answers to some common questions and tips for making your Texas-style brisket with BBQ sauce even better.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While brisket is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cuts like chuck roast. However, they may not have the same tenderness or flavor as brisket when cooked low and slow.
How long does it keep?
Cooked brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it slowly to maintain its juicy texture.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Brisket actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can also freeze leftover brisket for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
How do I know when the brisket is done?
The brisket is done when the internal temperature reaches between 195°F–203°F, and the meat is tender when probed. If it’s not tender enough, cook a little longer.
Variations or Serving Suggestions
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of chili powder or cumin to the dry rub for a slightly spicy kick.
- Pair with sides: Serve your brisket with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or pickles to cut through the richness.
- Make it a BBQ sandwich: Slice the brisket thinly and serve it on a soft bun with extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and onions for a Texas-style sandwich.
- Spicy twist: Add some heat to the BBQ sauce by mixing in a teaspoon of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
Nutrition + Summary
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on a 6 lb brisket and 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Summary: This Texas-style brisket with BBQ sauce is a smoky, savory delight that will impress your guests. Perfect for any BBQ occasion, it offers a mouthwatering balance of tender meat and tangy-sweet sauce. The slow-smoking process ensures that the brisket comes out perfectly juicy, while the homemade BBQ sauce adds a delicious finishing touch. Whether served as a main dish or in a sandwich, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.