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Flavorful Applewood Smoked Brisket Recipe with Easy Coffee Dry Rub

applewood smoked brisket - featured image

A rich and tender smoked brisket featuring a unique coffee dry rub and mellow applewood smoke, perfect for weekend cookouts and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5-pound whole beef brisket, USDA Choice or higher
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Applewood chips or chunks (soaked for at least 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch for moisture and flavor.
  2. Pat the brisket dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, mix ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
  4. Generously coat the entire brisket with the coffee dry rub, massaging it into every nook and cranny. Let rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  5. Preheat smoker or grill to a steady 225°F (107°C). Add soaked applewood chips or chunks to the heat source.
  6. Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker grates and smoke for about 6-8 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  7. Wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil at 165°F to help push through the stall and retain moisture.
  8. Return the wrapped brisket to the smoker and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C), about 2-3 more hours.
  9. Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest, wrapped, for at least 1 hour.
  10. Slice thinly against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use a good quality meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature. Maintain steady smoker temperature between 225°F and 250°F. Rest the brisket for at least 1 hour after smoking to redistribute juices. The rub can be prepared ahead and stored up to 2 weeks. For a spicy kick, increase cayenne pepper. For herb flavor, add dried rosemary or thyme. If no smoker is available, use a charcoal grill with indirect heat or oven with liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket, coffee dry rub, applewood smoked, barbecue, smoked beef, easy brisket recipe, weekend cookout, coffee rub, smoked meat