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Coffee-Rubbed Smoked Brisket

coffee-rubbed smoked brisket - featured image

A smoky, flavorful twist on classic BBQ brisket using a unique coffee rub that creates a tender, juicy bite with a crisp, addictive crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5-pound beef brisket, preferably flat cut
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee, finely ground (medium roast recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch of fat cap intact.
  2. Pat the brisket dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground coffee, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
  4. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the brisket surface.
  5. Generously coat the brisket with the coffee rub mixture, pressing it in gently but thoroughly.
  6. Let the brisket rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  7. Preheat smoker to 225°F using hardwoods like oak or hickory.
  8. Place brisket fat side up on smoker grate and smoke for about 1.5 hours per pound until internal temperature reaches 195°F to 205°F.
  9. When internal temperature hits around 160°F, wrap brisket tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil.
  10. Once done, remove brisket and let it rest wrapped for at least 1 hour.
  11. Slice brisket thinly against the grain and serve.

Notes

Use fresh, good-quality ground coffee for best flavor. Avoid opening the smoker frequently to maintain temperature and smoke flow. Wrapping at 160°F helps retain moisture and push through the stall. Resting the brisket wrapped for at least an hour is essential for juicy meat. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar for a natural option. Cayenne pepper is optional for heat. For oven cooking, slow roast at 225°F with soaked wood chips nearby to mimic smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: coffee rub, smoked brisket, BBQ, beef brisket, smoked meat, coffee seasoning, grilling, slow smoked brisket