Texas Style Brisket

I like to call myself an Expert Smoker because of the many times I have tested our Smoked Brisket Recipe to achieve the Best Brisket. This Texas Style Brisket is just as simple to make with dark bark texture, simple spices, and easy steps.

If you are new to making Easy Smoker Recipes then you have come to the right place. As a busy mom of 8, I like to use my smoker for smoke many meats and I even have these Smoker Recipes for Beginners to get you started. We have even made Smoked Queso Recipe and Smoked Cream Cheese for an easy addition when we have family over.

What Makes a Texas Style Smoked Brisket?

The best way to describe is this brisket cooked low and slow in the smoker for the most tender brisket. The simple seasoning that is brushed on the brisket and the wrapping of the brisket helps to create a crispy, flavorful crust.

Following these simple steps will create a brisket that is so delicious how easy it really is to create the most smoky flavor brisket.

Ingredients

• Whole Packer Brisket – For the best flavor, choose a quality brisket
• Simple Spices – All you need to season this brisket is Coarse Black Pepper, Kosher Salt and Garlic Powder

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Texas Style Brisket

Step 1 – Put the brisket on a work surface so that the fatty side is against the table.  Remove any silver skin and excess fat cap from the brisket. 

Step 2 – Turn the brisket over (fat side face up) and trim the fat from the brisket and connective tissue. Leaving approximately ¼ inch of layer of fat on the brisket.

Step 3 – In a small bowl, stir together the pepper, salt, garlic powder and onion powder.

Step 4 – Season both sides of the brisket with the pepper, salt and garlic powder (if using). Pat the seasonings into the brisket so that it stays. Let the brisket sit at room temperature with the seasoning mixture on.  

Step 5 – Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the brisket into the smoker directly on the grill grates. Place with the point end (thicker side) of the brisket pointing the fire box (heat source) in the smoker and close lid. 

Step 6 – Place the brisket in the center of a large piece of butcher paper.  Fold in the sides and wrap the brisket until it’s completely covered with the butcher paper.  Place the wrapped brisket (fat side up) back into the smoker with the seam of the butcher paper down so that it does not unwrap while cooking.  

Step 7 – Cook for 4-6 more hours (make sure the smoker maintains a temperature of 225 degrees F) until the brisket reaches an interval temperature of 202 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the meat.  Remove the brisket from the smoker.  Let it rest, still covered, for 2 hours. 

Step 8 – Unwrap the brisket, slice the brisket thinly against the grain and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy. 

Pro Tips

• Wrapping Brisket – We like to wrap the brisket in butcher paper but you can also use aluminum foil. Place the cooked brisket on the butcher paper and then fold sides and continue wrapping the brisket until it is completely covered. This will prevent the stall method by wrapping the brisket and to keep the brisket cooking and locks in the moisture.
• Resting Brisket – It is important not to skip this step covered in the butcher paper. This allows the juices to distribute throughout the brisket for the best flavor and tender brisket.
• Slicing Brisket – Place the beef brisket on a cutting board and with a sharp knife, slice brisket against the grain. This will result in tender brisket.
• Wood Chips – You can use oak wood chunks, hickory, pecan, mesquite wood chips for the best BBQ Brisket.

How Long to Smoke a Brisket

Smoking time will vary depending on the size of your smoker. The brisket is cooked uncovered for about 6-8 hours. Smoke until the brisket reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  Make sure to have a meat instant-read thermometer handy to check the temperature.

Then the brisket is wrapped and smoked for additional 4-6 hours. Total cooking time could be 10 – 12 hours so this brisket is the perfect cut of tender meat to cook on the weekends.

What to Serve with Texas Style Brisket?

Texas Style Brisket makes the perfect cut of meat at your next BBQ. Serve it with your favorite Smoked or Grilled Sides for a complete meal idea. These are some of our favorites.

• Smoked Baked Beans
• Grilled Red Potatoes
• Smoked Potato Salad
• For even more ideas Check out these Smoked Side Dishes

This brisket makes a great sandwiches made with white bread and slice pickles.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge – Store the leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer – Once the brisket has cooled, it can be placed in the freezer. I like to wrap the brisket slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and place in a freezer safe bag. This allows me to freeze in individual portions to easily reheat. If frozen properly the brisket will last about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat.
• Reheat – You can easily reheat the brisket in the oven or the microwave. For all the tips, see How to Reheat Brisket.