This brown sugar brisket rub is a perfect blend of sweetness and heat that pairs perfectly with the smoke flavor of smoked brisket. Brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness to the smoked meat, and the chili powder and cayenne pepper add just the right amount of heat to balance it out.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can find all the ingredients at your local grocery store. With this brown sugar brisket rub recipe, you can easily become the backyard BBQ hero you always wanted to be.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to fire up your pellet smoker, grab your BBQ tongs, and let’s make some mouth-watering brown sugar brisket!
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. Trimming excess fat 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 brown sugar rub seasoning ingredients in this brown sugar brisket rub 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.
Why Brown Sugar Rubbed Brisket?
Brown sugar is a popular ingredient in brisket rubs because it adds both sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat. When the sugar caramelizes during the cooking process, it creates a delicious crust on the outside of the brisket.
The natural molasses in brown sugar also adds a slightly savory note to the rub, which complements the smoky flavor of the brisket. Additionally, the sugar helps to balance out the spiciness of other ingredients in the rub, such as chili powder and cayenne pepper.
Overall, brown sugar is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can enhance the flavor of your brisket and take it to the next level.
How To Make Brown Sugar Brisket Rub Recipe
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
To make your brown sugar rub, you will need a mixing bowl. Combine dark brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in the bowl. Use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients together thoroughly. This will ensure that all of the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the rub.
Note: you can use regular paprika or smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika, depending on your preferences and what’s available at your local grocery store.
Step 2: Break Clumps
When you’re mixing the ingredients together, make sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar or spices. This will ensure that the rub coats the brisket evenly. Brown sugar can easily clump together, so use the back of a fork or a whisk to break up any lumps. Once you have mixed all of the ingredients together, you will have your brown sugar rub ready to go.
Step 3: Rub Brisket
With your brown sugar rub ready, it’s time to apply it to your brisket. Make sure that the brisket is dry before applying the rub. This can be done by patting the brisket with paper towels.
Generously apply the rub to the brisket, making sure to cover all sides of the meat. Use your hands to massage the rub into the raw meat, making sure that it gets into all the crevices and corners. This will help to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the brisket.
Step 4: Rest Then Cook Brisket
After you have applied the rub to your brisket, allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the rub to penetrate the meat and help to enhance the flavor. Preheat your smoker and smoke the seasoned brisket over low heat. Brisket can be heated with bbq sauce.
Step 5: Store Any Unused Brisket Rub
If you have any unused brisket rub, be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can use the leftover rub for future brisket smoking sessions or try it on other meats like pork or chicken. 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 brown sugar 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. Freeze-smoked brisket in an air tight box can be done for up to 2 months. 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
Do 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 classic seasoning option, or even a coffee brisket rub, we’ve got you covered!
- Texas-Style Brisket Rub Recipe
- Classic Brisket Rub Recipe
- Coffee Brisket Rub
- Brown Sugar Steak Rub
- Smoked Pork Rib Roast
- Sweet Brown Sugar Rub Recipe
Brown Sugar 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
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup sweet paprika
- 1/3 cup chili powder mild
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2/3 cup of dark brown sugar, 1/3 cup of sweet paprika, 1/3 cup of mild chili powder, 1/4 cup of kosher salt, 2 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of cayenne pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together thoroughly to create your brown sugar rub.
- Apply the brown sugar rub generously to your brisket, making sure to cover all sides of the meat.
- Allow the brisket to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before placing it on your pellet smoker.
- Store any unused smoked brisket rub in an airtight container.
Brown Sugar Brisket Rub Recipe FAQs
What is the purpose of a brown sugar brisket rub?
The brown sugar rub adds flavor, texture, and a sweet crust to the brisket as it cooks.
How much brown sugar brisket rub should I use?
Apply the brown sugar rub generously to the brisket, making sure to cover all sides of the meat. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat.
Can I Use A Brown Sugar Brisket Rub On Other Types Of Meat?
Yes, you can use brown sugar brisket rub on other types of meat, such as pork or chicken.
Can I Adjust The Amount Of Cayenne Pepper In The Rub?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your personal preference for spice in brown sugar brisket rub.
How do I store any unused brown sugar brisket rub?
Store any unused smoked brisket rub in an airtight container.
Can I Make A Brown Sugar Brisket Rub In Advance?
Yes, you can make the rub in advance and store it in an airtight container until you are ready to use it. The rub can be stored for up to 6 months if kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.