Smoked Brisket

Prep: 720 min Cuisine: American

Smoked brisket offers tender, flavorful meat infused with smoky richness and subtle seasoning. Perfect for gatherings or hearty family dinners, this dish delivers a deliciously savory experience with a hint of smokiness, complemented by a tangy barbecue sauce. Ideal for those who enjoy slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue classics.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (5 to 6 lb.) trimmed brisket
  • 1 bottle liquid smoke
  • garlic salt
  • celery salt
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the brisket in a roaster.
  2. Pour liquid smoke over the brisket.
  3. Sprinkle garlic and celery salt over the brisket.
  4. Cover the brisket with chopped onion.
  5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the rub. If you don't have liquid smoke, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Adjust the garlic and celery salt to your taste preference, and consider adding black pepper for extra seasoning. For best results, let the brisket marinate overnight to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the smoked brisket with a side of tangy coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue meal. It pairs beautifully with Sauerkraut And Ribs for a hearty feast. Slice the brisket thinly against the grain and drizzle with extra Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. Consider using leftovers in sandwiches or as a topping for loaded baked potatoes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the brisket in foil and warm it in the oven at 250°F until heated through. Alternatively, slice it and reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Smoked Brisket contains roughly 190 calories, with 9g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value).

190 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 11.6g 15% DV
Carbs 12.4g 4% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 196.1mg 9% DV
Potassium 103.9mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 23.4mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.8mcg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 11.7mg 1% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke the brisket instead of using liquid smoke?

Absolutely! If you have a smoker, you can smoke the brisket for 8-10 hours at 225°F for an authentic flavor. Just ensure you monitor the internal temperature to achieve the desired doneness. This method will give you a beautifully smoky flavor that cannot be replicated with liquid smoke.

What type of wood is best for smoking brisket?

Hickory and oak are excellent choices for smoking brisket, providing a robust flavor. Alternatively, fruit woods like apple or cherry can add a sweeter, milder smoke. Experimenting with different wood blends can also yield unique flavor profiles to suit your taste.

How do I know when the brisket is done?

The best way to determine if your brisket is done is by using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 195°F to 205°F for optimal tenderness. The meat should feel tender when pierced with a fork and have a nice bark on the outside. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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