Last week hubs and I were feeling ambitious and decided to use our smoker for the first time. We had the choice of brisket or ribs from the deep freeze, and since I felt it would be a crime to screw up a rack of ribs, we settled on the brisket, hoping it would be more forgiving.
It took us awhile to get the temperature right, but once we figured out that we needed to create more air flow under the coals, we were on a roll.
I followed the advice of The Smoker King, rubbing the brisket down with mustard before applying this rub.
- 2 tablespoons kosher or coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper (use fresh cracked pepper)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano leaves (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
Our brisket was about five pounds, and we cooked it for five hours in the smoker at 225 degrees, followed by another hour foil wrapped in the oven at the same temp.
It was amazing. There was an embarrassing amount of moaning on both parts as we sliced off thin strips of the beef, soaked through with spicy, smoky flavor, and popped them our mouths.
I created a poor man’s version of our favorite BBQ joint Oklahoma Joe’s trademark Z-man by layering slices of brisket with a little sauce, smoked provolone, pickles and a beer-battered onion ring.
Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen or a newbie to the art of smoked meats, I’d recommend this as a starter project.
Your neighbors will thank you for the smell, and they’ll be a tad bit envious as they watch you carry your tasty hunk of meat inside while they sit down to their usual Tuesday night spaghetti.
OMG!! I’m drooling! We don’t have a smoker so I’m going to live vicariously through you!
Ours is a hand me down, but it’s pretty awesome to have! I’d recommend finding a cheap/free one at a garage sale. They don’t have to be pretty, just have to hold heat!
I totally just posted this on my Dad’s wall. He is constantly smoking stuff, and always does it for tailgating too.
I bet he’s a smoking PRO. He’d make me look like McDonald’s.
That looks DELICIOUS!!!
It was. And so unhealthy. Whoops.
I’m moaning now but you can’t hear it. It is embarrassing because my hubby is giving me a weird look.
A weird look? Or a sort of excited look? LOL!
Must.
Buy.
Smoker.
That sandwich made me cry a little, it looks so good.
If I had buns instead of white bread, it would have been legendary!
Holy cow, woman. YUM. That’s all I can say. I’m just going to go eat my WW-friendly chicken and veggis now. Not really…it’s only 7am.
That is a fabulous skill to have! Next up, ribs! And a dinner party (hint, hint).
HAH! I live in a teensy, tiny house but you guys are welcome to come over one day for some grub!
Looks like you did a great job…I think I’m coming over for lunch!
Thanks! Haha, I wish I could open a food truck in my front yard or something.
That looks and sounds amazing. I’m wiping the drool off my keyboard now.
Is it yours or Brian’s?
You really ARE smoking the good stuff! Yum! I’m gonna be thinking about this all day now. Thanks for that.
I’m sorry! But it’s something you can do too!
Yum! Yum!! YUM!!! Guess I am going to have to go out and get a brisket! That looks so good. My mouth is watering! It certianly tops my protein shake that I’m having for lunch!
Go for it! Let me know how yours turns out!
I can’t wait to visit my folks and taste test my dad’s smoked ribs. Nothing like some home smoked meat!
Also, a beer battered onion ring should be topped on all meat products. FTW!
Please come cook me dinner.
Wow this looks delicious!!!
I read this whole post in spite of not being a red meat fan (and loved it). The day I let my husband spend smoking a pork loin put him in a fine mood. The next time I need a girls night, I’ll bookmark this and buy a brisket as a preemptive strike.
Love your header and your tags.
I will take this minus the pickles. Thank you.
This is amazing. I am now getting in the mood t smoke a brisket. Thanks for the recipe!