Description
This smoked brisket recipe is a BBQ lover’s dream. Slow-cooked on a pellet grill, it delivers a perfect blend of tender meat, smoky flavor, and crispy bark that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
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1 (5-6 lb) whole brisket
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¼ cup kosher salt
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¼ cup coarse black pepper
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2 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp onion powder
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1–2 cups wood pellets (hickory or oak)
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Butcher paper or aluminum foil (for wrapping)
Instructions
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Trim the Brisket
Use a sharp knife to trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch of fat on the fat cap. -
Season the Brisket
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. Rub the seasoning mix generously over the brisket. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. -
Preheat the Pellet Grill
Preheat your pellet grill to 225°F. Add hickory or oak wood pellets for a rich, smoky flavor. -
Smoke the Brisket
Place the brisket fat-side up on the grill. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket. Close the lid and smoke for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. -
Wrap the Brisket
Remove the brisket from the grill and wrap it tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil. Return it to the grill and continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (approximately 3-4 more hours). -
Rest the Brisket
Once the brisket reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
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Slice and Serve
Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with your favorite BBQ sauce, pickles, or side dishes.
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.You can experiment with different wood pellet flavors (e.g., applewood for a sweeter touch).Resting the meat after cooking is key to keeping it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 9-12 hours (depending on size)
- Category: Main Dish, BBQ
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Keywords: best pellet grill & smoker recipes, smoked brisket, pellet grill brisket, BBQ brisket, pellet smoker recipes, easy smoked brisket