Brisket Rub

This super easy beef Brisket Rub recipe is so delicious and will make your brisket the BEST! Only six spices that are already in your pantry waiting to be mixed. Mix it up, grab your beef brisket, fire up the smoker and you will be enjoying brisket with the perfect bark in no time at all!

When making a delicious brisket one of the keys is the rub, in my opinion. The perfect dry rub for smoked brisket will bring out the flavors in your beef without overpowering it. That’s why I love this recipe. It’s only six ingredients and the perfect blend to make the best brisket on your smoker.

Brisket is one of my favorite cuts of meat on the smoker. Properly smoked brisket has a delicious crust and is moist and so flavorful. 

I love putting together different rubs for the specific cuts of meat. Great rubs like Dry Rub for Ribs, Sweet and Smoky Rub or Montreal Steak Seasoning and now I’m sharing my delicious rub just for brisket!

After you make this rub and smoke your own brisket you will be judging every restaurant’s brisket against it. This really is the best brisket rub, I’ve yet to find one that beats it!

why you’ll love this recipe

• You probably don’t have to make a trip to the grocery store to buy any of the 6 spices that make up this rub.
• Your brisket is going to have a perfect crust after being rubbed with this perfectly sweet and savory mixture.
• Everyone is going to be asking you for the recipe and it’s so easy, you could make up little packets as housewarming gifts!
• This rub honestly takes 90 seconds to measure out and stir together, you can’t possibly think of an excuse not to make it.

Why make my own rub?

Flavor of course! This really is the best beef brisket rub. I love being able to control the spices. Like more spice? No problem! Prefer a little sweetness? Easy enough!

Also knowing what is and isn’t in your food is important! Many store-bought brands contain MSG. And though it is a flavor enhancer, MSG does not have good health benefits. Suffice to say I don’t want to feed it to my family. Pretty sure you don’t either!

Ingredients for Brisket Rub

• Kosher salt – We recommend using a coarse salt like Morton Kosher Salt for the crispiest bark.
• Brown sugar – Adds a little bit of sweetness to your brisket.
• Garlic powder – Lends an earthy aromatic element to the rub.
• Black pepper – If possible, use a coarse grind or restaurant grind black pepper.
• Smoked paprika – If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular works, but smoked has a really unique flavor that takes this rub over the top.
• Cumin – Gives off a warm, slightly nutty flavor. This is our secret ingredient!

how to make homemade brisket rub

Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir well to mix evenly together.

when to apply the rub?

You can put the rub on the brisket the night before you are going to smoke, or just before you will be putting it on the smoker to allow the flavors to really sink into the meat while it is smoking.

how do you apply rub to a brisket?

Generously! I use lots of rub on my brisket. The rub creates a crust on the meat as it smokes which gives each bite more flavor. Don’t sprinkle the rub on the meat, make it a workout! Work the rub into the meat to get flavor into the meat.

Rub all sides of the brisket. Get the seasoning on every inch of the meat and into all the nooks and crannies. Then it’s ready to smoke!

what to serve with brisket

Oh boy, where do we even start? It is nice to use the grill outside while you’ve got a brisket in the smoker so I love a good side of Sweet Potato Wedges or a classic Baked Potato on the grill.

Easy Grilled Veggies are a big hit in our house as well as Grilled Corn on the Cob. If you have leftover grilled corn from a previous night, a Grilled Corn Salad is so yummy and perfect for a cookout.

When your brisket is cooked, throw this delicious Apple Crumble on the smoker for dessert!

how to store brisket rub

I use a small mason jar to store brisket rub because it can be sealed well with a screw top. Brisket rub can be stored in the pantry in a cool, dry spot or in the refrigerator.

how long does a spice rub last?

Over time spices lose their potency, they really don’t spoil. If it’s been in the cupboard for a while, just give it a taste test. Is it flavorful or is it bland and lifeless? If it doesn’t have any taste, it’s time to toss it and mix up another batch! A spice rub can usually last about 6 months but is best enjoyed within a month of mixing.

This rub is sure to change your brisket game for the best! Whip it up in a pinch or keep it on hand if you smoke brisket often, either way, you’ll be glad you did!

More homemade dry rubs

• Want to know our secret to making the perfect ribs? It starts with this Dry Rub for Ribs!
• Throwing a pork loin on the grill? Try this Dry Rub for Pork to make it perfect!
• Beef Rub is made for all of your steaks, roast beef, burnt ends and more.
• If you want to know the rub that my pantry is never without it’s this Sweet & Smoky Rub. It’s great on ALL grilling!