Brisket is the perfect choice for a weekend BBQ. This recipe for Brisket Rub ensures that your brisket will be juicy and flavourful. The combination of paprika, chili powder, and cumin creates a savory rub that is perfect for both beef and pork.
This recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and is a delicious way to impress your guests! Though this dry rub recipe is perfect for brisket, you can substitute specific ingredients to adjust for your own personal tastes with any of our recipes.
We encourage creativity at BBQ Hero, so feel free to experiment with the spices in this recipe to create your own ideal dry rub perfect for a Sunday brisket dinner.
How To Prepare Brisket For Smoking
Before seasoning your brisket, it’s important to trim it properly. While some may think that removing all of the fat is necessary, this can actually cause the meat to become tough and dry during the smoking process.
Instead, it’s recommended to trim any thick pieces of fat while leaving a thin layer of fat from the fat cap. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful while also providing a barrier to prevent it from drying out.
Once your brisket has been trimmed, it’s time to marinate it with your rub of choice. There are many options available for seasoning your brisket, including pre-made rubs and spice blends, but we recommend making your own homemade rub using the beef brisket seasoning ingredients in this recipe.
When applying your dry rub, be sure to generously coat the surface of the brisket with the seasoning, massaging it into all the nooks and crannies of the meat. This will help to ensure that every inch of the brisket is evenly seasoned.
Finally, after applying the seasoning, allow the brisket to rest for at least an hour before placing it in the smoker. This will allow the spices to penetrate the meat and develop a delicious flavor profile.
How To Make This Brisket Dry Rub Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Step 3: Apply the Brisket Rub
This will help to ensure that every inch of the brisket is seasoned evenly. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of the rub – it’s better to have too much than too little, as this will help to create a flavorful bark on your brisket.
Step 4: Store Any Unused Brisket Rub
Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its flavor and freshness. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious brisket rub that will elevate the flavor of your smoked brisket and impress all of your friends.
The Best Brisket Recipes
Brisket is a staple in the world of BBQ, and for good reason. When cooked low and slow, this tough cut of meat transforms into a juicy, tender, and flavorful masterpiece.
While seasoning the brisket is important, cooking it to perfection is equally as crucial. Here are some of our most popular beef brisket recipes that create the most tender brisket you’ll ever try!
More Homemade Brisket Rub Recipes
If you want to try your hand at another brisket seasoning recipe, give one of these a try!
We’ve got all kinds of recipes for different spice blends and brisket rubs. Whether you want to make a Texas-Style brisket, a sweeter brisket with a brown sugar beef brisket rub, or want to experiment and make brisket rub with coffee, we’ve got you covered!

Brisket Rub Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Funnel (optional – if storing)
- Airtight Container (optional – if storing)
- Anti-Moisture Silica Packet (optional – if storing)
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp coarse salt (or kosher salt)
- 2 tbsp granulated garlic powder
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp of brown sugar, 2 tbsp of sea salt, 2 tbsp of garlic powder, 2 tbsp of smoked paprika, 1 tbsp of onion powder, 1 tbsp of black pepper, 1 tsp of cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp of cumin.
- Mix the ingredients well to create your brisket rub.
- Apply the brisket rub generously to the surface of your brisket, making sure to massage it into all the nooks and crannies of the meat.
- Store any unused smoked brisket rub in an airtight container.