When it comes to a rub for brisket, keeping it simple is best, like they do in central Texas. And the best rub for brisket gets no simpler. Its just two ingredients. Seriously, just two! You dont need to add a bunch of spices and other flavors when you buy a quality brisket and smoke it low and slow all day long to perfection.
Its a combination of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt and coarse 16 Mesh Ground Black Pepper in a 50:50 ratio is all thats needed to bring out the natural flavors of the beef and complement the smoky flavor from smoking with wood.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
More ingredients dont always make for a better brisket. Its really a matter of your flavor preferences, so start basic and mix in new ingredients based on the flavors you love.
Mix the salt and pepper to make the seasoning rub. Apply the rub to the brisket. Place the brisket on the smoker. Add more woodchips as necessary to supply smoke throughout cooking.
How to Apply the Rub
Seasoning your brisket evenly is key. Its a big piece of beef, that can take quite a bit of rub, so dont be shy with it.
After trimming the brisket, its time to combine equal parts Kosher salt and black pepper (plus any other add-in ingredients you choose to add) in a leftover spice container, small bowl or a dry rub shaker. Season the brisket at least one hour before cooking (or up to 24 hours before) to make sure the salt is fully absorbed. You can season it the night before if you prefer.
- Use a binder (optional) such as oil, beef tallow, mustard or even water to help the rub stick to the surface (I personally dont use a binder).
- Sprinkle the rub from about 12″ to 18″ above the meats surface for even coating. Avoid getting the rub into crevises or below flaps, as it wont cook as well in the smoker.
Learn more about beef brisket by checking out the Beginners Guide Brisket guide.
After the main meal, the brisket leftovers are out of this world as well. This simple rub isnt just great for brisket, its also wonderful on pork ribs, steak and lamb.
The rub should be applied to the brisket at least 1 hour prior to cooking, but the day before or overnight works great, too.
A slather (sometimes referred to as a binder) is simply something applied to the surface of the meat that helps the dry rub stick (or bind). A slather can be as simple as water, oil, mustard, or even tallow (made from brisket trimmings). I personally find using a slather necessary for brisket, as the rub sticks just fine. But you are wanting to get some extra stickiness, just apply a little slather right before you sprinkle on the dry rub.
A dry rub is a mixture of dried spices, herbs and seasonings that is applied to the surface of the meat and helps make for a flavorful crust. A wet rub might include similar ingredients to a dry rub, but it also includes liquids such as oils, vinegar, citrus juice or other strong flavored liquids. Combining wet and dry rubs creates a paste that can easily be applied to the meats surface.
BEST Brisket You’ll Ever Eat | Salt Pepper and Fire
FAQ
Can I just use salt and pepper on brisket?
How long to let salt sit on brisket?
What should I season my brisket with?
How do you get seasoning to stick to brisket?
Can you rub brisket with salt & pepper?
To minimize cross-contamination, remember to use one hand to move the meat and apply the rub while using the other hand to pour the salt and pepper onto your brisket. The important thing to remember about your rub is that the salt is going to draw out moisture from your meat.
How much kosher salt & pepper for brisket?
As a rule of thumb, try for a ratio of 1 to 1 for kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use 1 tablespoon of this blend for every pound of brisket. For example, an 8-pound brisket flat will need 8 tablespoons (or 1/2 cup) of the salt and pepper mixture.
How do you rub a brisket in Texas?
Classic Texas barbecue brisket is famous for emphasizing the flavor of the meat itself through simple, light rubs. The method of choice for this approach is a straightforward salt and pepper rub. For best results, use kosher salt and 16-mesh ground black pepper (mesh is the measure of how coarse the pepper granules are).
How do you use brisket seasoning?
Pour the seasoning liquid into a spray bottle and use this to spritz the brisket as it smokes to add delicious, juicy, tender flavors to the brisket. This is best used if the brisket is pre-seasoned with only salt and pepper, or the flavors may become too intense. The best brisket seasonings highlight the flavors of the meat itself.