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Flavorful Smoked Brisket Recipe with Easy Homemade Coffee Dry Rub

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This smoked brisket recipe features a homemade coffee dry rub that adds a subtle earthy bitterness balanced by brown sugar sweetness and smoky paprika. Slow-smoked to tender perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 56 pounds whole beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat (flat cut recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground medium roast coffee
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Wood chips or chunks (preferably hickory or oak; soaked in water for 30 minutes before use)

Instructions

  1. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat, leaving about ¼ inch for flavor and moisture. Rub the olive oil all over the meat to help the dry rub stick.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until evenly blended.
  3. Generously coat the brisket on all sides with the coffee dry rub. Press gently to adhere. Wrap the brisket in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to let the flavors penetrate.
  4. Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Soak wood chips or chunks in water for 30 minutes beforehand. Set up for indirect heat and add soaked wood to the firebox or charcoal.
  5. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker grate. Close the lid and maintain 225°F. Every hour, check the smoker temperature and add wood chips if necessary. Avoid opening the lid too often.
  6. Around 160°F, when the brisket hits the stall phase, wrap it tightly in butcher paper or foil to lock in moisture and speed cooking.
  7. Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F, ensuring the meat is tender.
  8. Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest, wrapped, at room temperature for at least one hour to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice the brisket against the grain in ¼-inch thick slices. Serve warm with your favorite sides or barbecue sauce.

Notes

Maintain a steady smoker temperature of 225°F for best results. Wrap the brisket during the stall phase to retain moisture and speed cooking. Rest the brisket for at least one hour before slicing to keep it juicy. Use hickory or oak wood chips for classic smoky flavor. Avoid opening the smoker lid frequently to maintain temperature and smoke consistency.

Nutrition

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