The BEST Brisket Rub
On May 09, 2022 (Updated May 10, 2024)
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This brisket rub is a beautiful salt and pepper-based rub that has 4 added seasonings to bring out the richness of the brisket while amplifying the overall flavor of your perfectly smoked brisket. I’m not kidding when I say it is the best brisket rub around! If you’re looking for a rub for smoking a Texas-style brisket, this is the one!
Smoked Brisket Rub
This rub is a great savory rub when you are looking to kick things up a notch when smoking brisket. A good rub will accentuate the flavors of the beef without overpowering them, and this rub does just that. It only contains 6 ingredients, many of which you likely have in your pantry right now. Simpy mix them in a small bowl and store them in a airtight container (I like using these glass spice bottles) for storing all my homemade spices and rubs, and they will last at least a month. The longer you store this rub, the more you lose the potency of the seasonings. While it can last longer, I highly recommend using in less than 4 weeks.
This rub is gorgeously balanced. Salt and pepper add a classic base, onion powder and garlic powder bring earthy, aromatic elements, and the smoked paprika adds color and a kiss of flavor. The coriander is a bit acidic, and it almost tastes citrusy. It’s a bright note to lift the flavor of the beef.
Beef Brisket Seasoning
This rub is perfect when liberally coated on beef brisket. It begins with a salt and pepper base in equal parts. This simple mixture is often called a Dalmatian rub by Texas pit masters. If you’re a beef brisket purist, you’ll likely stick to these two simple seasonings. Although, if we’re being honest, I’ve spent a lot of time in central Texas, working with pitmasters in some of the biggest restaurants there, and none of them use salt and pepper only, I like to get a little adventurous with my flavors and try something new.
Enter: Susie’s flavor-packed beef brisket rub for smoking. By adding my own flavor profile of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander to the salt and pepper base, this rub beautifully compliments the richness of beef without being too overpowering.
The most important part of this rub is the pepper and salt. And believe me when I say you can’t use fine ground table salt or fine black pepper like you would put in your shaker for this rub.
For best results, use coarse grind or restaurant grind black pepper and coarse salt (I find the best for rubs is Morton kosher salt). It is a flat, almost flaky salt with a nice, clean flavor. By having more coarse granules on the outside of a brisket, they help to form the crispy bark on the outside of the brisket.
Ingredients for the Best Brisket Rub
The ingredients in this brisket rub are key to having a beautifully balanced, fantastically flavorful brisket. This rub combines 6 flavorful elements to help you achieve the best-flavored brisket around.
- Coarse kosher salt
- Coarse black pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Ground coriander
How to Make Brisket Rub
Once you have all the ingredients assembled you’re ready to make this brisket rub! It’s so ridiculously easy to make rubs from scratch at home, and this one is no exception! Here’s how to make this brisket rub recipe.
- Combine. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Use a fork to evenly mix and break up any clumps that form.
- Use or store. This rub is ready to be used immediately, or you can store it for later use. I like to make my rub ahead of time so it’s ready to go when I make my brisket. I store all my homemade rubs and seasonings in these glass spice jars and they fit right in with my storebought seasonings.
Beef Brisket Recipes
This rub is made to perfectly compliment the low and slow smoked flavor of beef brisket. Check out these recipes below to begin smoking a brisket.
- Texas Crutch: Smoked Brisket in Foil
- Texas Style Smoked Beef Brisket
- How to Smoke a Brisket
- Drunk Brisket with Bacon BBQ Sauce
Best Brisket Rub Recipe
Here’s hoping this brisket rub recipe helps you make the most amazing Texas-style beef brisket of your life. If you need a quick refresher on making a brisket, best sure to check out my post for Brisket 101. I cover all the basics to making an awesome brisket.
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Quick note: This post was originally published in July 2019. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.
Brisket Rub
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons coarse black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
Instructions
- Combine. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Use a fork to crush any clumps of seasonings.
- Use or store. This rub can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is this recipe different from the beef rub that you sell?
It is!
Quick question about this rub. How much surface will this cover for a typical brisket (i.e. 10lb, 16lb)? I know there is no definite, but from your experiences, is this good enough for a 15lb brisket? I’m smoking one tonight, your way sister! Cheers!!
Did receive a response ? I’m cooking up a 15lb this weekend, would love some feedback
Double the recipe just to be safe!
Do you recommend coating the brisket in mustard?
It would help as a binder but doesn’t add any flavor.
Smokin a big brisket right now for Christmas Eve with your rub.
Do we put it on and let it sit for a bit or start smoking it right away
What would be the amount of rub needed for a 11 lb brisket?
I tried Harry Soo’s rub recipe and found it way too salty. This looks like a great balance while introducing other great flavors! I’m trying it next weekend! AND way to go on that BBQ challenge show! You should be proud! (you were by far the cutest contestant too!)
The rub sound great, but I don’t know where I found / buy the smoke paprika. I want to make it but I don’t know
You can get it in the spice isle of pretty much any grocery store!
I found your recipes I think on Facebook 2-3 years ago and have been a fan ever since. The apple jalapeno ribs are a favorite in our house. I can’t wait to try this brisket rub!
That’s so cool! Thank you so much for all your support!
This rub sounds great. Can’t wait to try it!
Awesome! Come back and let me know how you like it!
This is a great rub. I also used it on tritip with a pinch of red pepper flakes
I’m trying you rub recipe
Can I store the brisket over night with the rub on
The put it on the smoker in the morning shat do you recommend?
That will work fine!