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Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub

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This easy smoked brisket features a bold coffee rub that creates a smoky, caramelized bark and juicy, tender meat. Perfect for beginners and guaranteed to impress at any BBQ or family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole beef brisket (5–6 lbs), trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons dark roast coffee, finely ground
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2–3 large hickory or oak wood chunks
  • Water or apple juice (for water pan)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional, as binder)

Instructions

  1. Trim the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix the coffee rub: In a bowl, combine coffee, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir until blended.
  3. Rub mustard all over the brisket (optional).
  4. Coat the brisket generously with the coffee rub, pressing into all sides.
  5. Set up your smoker to 250°F. Add wood chunks and fill water pan with water or apple juice.
  6. Place brisket fat side up on grates. Smoke at 250°F, spritzing with water or apple juice every hour.
  7. After 3-4 hours, when brisket reaches 160°F, wrap tightly in butcher paper or foil. Return to smoker.
  8. Continue smoking until internal temperature reaches 200-205°F (about 2-3 more hours).
  9. Remove brisket and let rest, wrapped, for at least 1 hour.
  10. Slice against the grain into 1/4-inch slices. Serve with reserved juices.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, double-check spice brands. Substitute turbinado sugar for deeper bark. Omit cayenne for less heat. Oak, pecan, or cherry wood can be used instead of hickory. Espresso powder can replace ground coffee (use half the amount). Resting the brisket is crucial for juiciness. Save brisket juices for drizzling or leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket, coffee rub, BBQ, barbecue, beef, smoker, easy brisket, beginner BBQ, Texas brisket, backyard grilling

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/smoked-brisket-with-coffee-rub-easy-bold-bbq-recipe-for-beginners/