TEXAS-STYLE BRISKET

Texas-Style Brisket image

Provided by Food Network

Time 12h45m

Yield 15 to 20 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Previous Next

One 15- to 22-pound whole or packer beef brisket
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup coarse black pepper
Apple juice in a spray bottle, for spritzing the brisket
Original BBQ Sauce, optional, recipe follows
6 cups ketchup
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons hot sauce, such as Louisiana
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

Prepare a smoker for cooking at 250 to 275 degrees F.
Trim the fat cap on the brisket to 1/4 inch, then trim out the top and bottom fat. Trim the lean flat edges so the meat is at least 1 1/2-inches thick.
Stir together the salt and pepper in a bowl until well blended to make the rub.
Shake an even layer of the rub on all surfaces of the brisket that will be exposed to the smoke. Do not pack the rub into folds or cracks, since that will turn the rub into a soggy paste.
Place the brisket in the smoker with the fatty point closest to the firebox. Smoke for 2 hours, rotating the brisket occasionally for even coloring and to prevent the edges from drying out. Spritz the brisket liberally with apple juice and continue smoking the brisket, spritzing every 30 minutes, until the meat has a dark mahogany color and the internal temperature reaches 203 to 205 degrees F, another 10 to 12 hours. Wrap the brisket tightly in unwaxed butcher paper and let rest 45 minutes to 1 hour before slicing and chopping. Serve with Original BBQ Sauce if using.
Combine the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, molasses, brown sugar, hot sauce and lemon juice together in a large pot and whisk until blended. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, then add the chili powder, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne. Continue to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep from burning.