How to Smoke a Brisket Texas Style

Texas-style smoked brisket is a great meal to serve at a barbecue. Brisket is fairly inexpensive, easy to cook, and it feeds many people. Bring the taste of Texas to your house with this tasty cooking style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Electric, propane, wood or charcoal smoker
• Beef Brisket
• Spices

1. Get your brisket. Most grocery stores sell nice briskets, but you're better off going to your local butcher. A 7-8 pound brisket is ideal for the smoker, but some Texas-style enthusiasts will opt for something even bigger such as 10 or 12 pounds. Texas-style brisket is usually beef, but pork can be an acceptable substitute.
2. Start the smoker. Electric and propane smokers take about fifteen to twenty minutes to pre-heat. If you have a charcoal or wood smoker, burn the fuel down until it turns gray. Fill the smoker pan halfway with water. Most Texas-style enthusiasts use mesquite wood chips, however substitute these for apple, hickory or pecan chips if that's your preference.
3. Make the rub using chili powder as your base. There are many different variations on the dry rub, but all of them have chili powder in them. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano and sugar are some ingredients you can add for a tasty rub.
4. Place the brisket fatty side up. Cook the brisket for at least five hours, rotating the meat as needed. The cooking time will differ depending on what type of smoking method you use and whether your smoker is outside or in a covered area. While cooking, remember to refill the water pan and add wood chips if needed.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside for doneness. When the temperature reads 165º, then it is done.
6. Let the brisket sit for a half-hour before you cut it. You can cut it into long slices or shred it and serve it in rolls. Make cornbread and potato salad for some sides.