Good Brisket Rub
Make perfectly seasoned brisket every time with this bold yet balanced Brisket Rub recipe using everyday pantry ingredients.
The Best Brisket Rub Recipe For Bold, Smoky Flavor
When you’re making brisket, seasoning can make or break the final result. We make our own dry rub for brisket for the same reason we make our own salad dressings, sauces and marinades: We can control what’s in it!
What makes this brisket dry rub special is the balance. It leans heavily on spice pantry staples like garlic powder and paprika, but a touch of espresso powder adds an unexpected richness without making the brisket taste like coffee.
If you’ve been searching for a good brisket rub that you can rely on every time – for roasting, smoking or braising – this is the one.
Heads up! Need a reliable method for cooking brisket in the oven? We have it:
Why You Will Love Dry Rub For Brisket
- Buying pre-made rubs can be expensive, especially if you need enough for a 5+ pound brisket. Making your own rub is cost-effective, using spices you likely already have in your pantry.
- It’s perfect for any cooking method, so you can use it for roasting, smoking, braising, or any other way you want to cook brisket.
- Made with simple ingredients that are all pantry staples. No fresh herbs needed.
Good Brisket Rub Ingredients
A full recipe card, including exact ingredient amounts, appears at the bottom of this post.
- ground black pepper – essential for that classic peppery brisket bite.
- ground coriander – adds bright, citrus-like flavor.
- kosher salt – this enhances the overall flavor of the meat, as well as all of the other ingredients in the rub.
- smoked paprika – adds a rich red color and a warm, smoky flavor.
- garlic powder – adds a savory and aromatic element to the beef brisket spice rub.
- onion powder – adds a subtle onion flavor and contributes to the overall savory taste.
- light brown sugar – this adds a touch of sweetness but also helps the meat caramelize as it’s cooking.
- cayenne pepper – adds a hot and spicy kick. The amount can be adjusted according to personal preference for heat.
- espresso powder or ground coffee – optional but highly recommended, as it deepens the flavor without making the meat taste like coffee.
How To Make Beef Brisket Spice Rub
- STIR. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
- RUB. Pat brisket dry and coat generously with the rub, pressing it into all sides. Let rest in the fridge at least 4 hours (or overnight) for maximum flavor penetration.
Brisket Rub Recipe Home Chef Tips
- When you’re ready to use your best brisket rub, make sure your brisket is dry by patting it down with paper towel. Then, apply the rub generously, ensuring it covers every nook and cranny.
- Give the meat a bit of a massage. Don’t just lightly coat the meat with the rub; really massage it in a little bit so the flavor penetrates the meat.
- This rub also works great for other cuts of meat like beef ribs, pork and chicken!
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Brisket Dry Rub Recipe Storage
Dry rub for brisket can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It can last up to six months, but for best flavor, try to use it within three to four months.
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Brisket Rub Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder or ground coffee (optional, see Notes)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Pat brisket dry and coat generously with the rub, pressing it into all sides.
- Let rest in the fridge at least 4 hours (or overnight) for maximum flavor penetration.
Notes
- The espresso powder or ground coffee is optional but highly recommend, as it deepens the flavor without making the meat taste like coffee.
- This recipe makes enough for a 5 to 6 pound brisket.
