This brisket rub is a simple, flavorful blend built on a classic salt-and-pepper base. It highlights the richness of the meat and enhances the natural beef flavor, helping create a deeply seasoned crust or “bark” when smoked.
A well-balanced rub can turn any cut of beef into something special. While this blend is ideal for Texas-style smoked brisket, it also works beautifully on smoked chuck roast, ribeyes, beef ribs, prime rib, and other beef cuts you want to smoke or roast.
Ingredients In Brisket Rub
- Coarse salt: coarse salt helps build a good bark on smoked meat.
- Coarse ground black pepper: coarse pepper gives the classic Texas BBQ bite.
- Granulated garlic and granulated onion: these coarser forms stick better to meat than powders.
- Ground coriander: adds a bright, slightly citrus note (coriander seeds are the seed of what’s commonly called cilantro).
- Chili powder: a mild chile-and-spice blend that adds depth and a touch of warmth.
How to make Brisket Rub
- Measure the ingredients into a small bowl.
- Stir thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a sealed jar and store until ready to use.
How to Use Brisket Rub
- If you like, apply a binder such as yellow mustard or a thin coat of oil to help the rub adhere.
- Evenly sprinkle the rub over the entire brisket, pressing it into the meat so it sticks.
- Smoke or cook the brisket following your preferred recipe and temperatures.
Brisket Dry Rub FAQs
You can apply the dry rub immediately before cooking, or let it rest on the brisket for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Mustard works well as a binder to help the rub adhere, but it isn’t required. A binder can also help form a better crust during smoking.
Yes, you can season the fat cap. Scoring the fat and pressing the rub into the scoring helps season the meat and contributes flavor to slices that include fat.
Flavor Variations
- Spice: swap the chili powder for chipotle or another chile powder for smoky heat.
- Garlic: increase the granulated garlic for a stronger garlic profile.
- Coffee: add finely ground coffee for a deeper color and an earthy, robust note.
Storage Information
Store the rub in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or spice cabinet. Properly stored, the rub will keep its flavor for several months.
More BBQ Recipes
- Smoked Chuck Roast Burnt Ends
- Smoked Pork Belly
- Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Smoked Baked Beans
Brisket Rub
Ingredients
- ¼ cup coarse salt
- ¼ cup coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
-
Stir until evenly mixed, then store in a sealed jar until ready to use.
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 13 g |
Protein: 3 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.