• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Sauces & Seasonings » Brisket Rub Recipe

Published: February 19, 2020 Last Modified: February 19, 2020 By Sara 41 Comments

Brisket Rub Recipe

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Brisket Rub Recipe #spices #beef #bbq #dinner #dinneratthezoo

This brisket rub is a blend of barbecue spices that pairs perfectly with beef, as well as chicken, pork and fish. It’s great for grilled, roasted, braised or smoked brisket, and you can even use it on vegetables and potatoes.

When I’m looking to feed a crowd, I like to prepare a large piece of meat such as prime rib, beef tenderloin or brisket. The key to a great brisket is a fabulous brisket rub, and this version takes just minutes to make.

Brisket Rub Recipe #spices #beef #bbq #dinner #dinneratthezoo Brisket Rub Recipe #spices #beef #bbq #dinner #dinneratthezoo

A jar of homemade brisket rub spice mix.

Brisket is a flavorful and inexpensive cut of meat that’s perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. The best way to season this type of meat is with a brisket rub. My rub contains a variety of spices and has the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.

How do you make brisket rub?

This recipe is a blend of brown sugar and spices. The flavor profile includes two types of paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and mustard power. Simply measure out the sugar and spices, then stir to combine. Use your rub right away, or store for later use.

Brown sugar and spices in a mixing bowl.

Tips for the perfect brisket rub

  • This rub will stay fresh in a sealed container at room temperature for 4 months. I often make a double or triple batch so that I always have some on hand.
  • Don’t be tempted to substitute the smoked paprika for more regular paprika. The smoked version adds a ton of flavor and is readily available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
  • This rub can be used on other types of meat such as pork or beef ribs, chicken, pork tenderloin or pork shoulder.
  • I recommend using freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.

How long should dry rub be on brisket?

Place a generous amount of rub onto your meat, then use your hands to rub it all over every surface of the brisket. You can do this right before you cook the meat, or let the rub sit on the meat for up to 24 hours. If you’re planning to brown your meat, I recommend adding the rub after the meat has been browned. The rub contains sugar and can burn if you place it on your meat before you brown it.

Sugar, salt and spices mixed together in a bowl.

How do you cook brisket?

There are three main methods to cooking brisket: in a smoker, in a slow cooker, and in the oven. All three methods rely on a long cook time at a low temperature to help tenderize the meat and get that melt-in-your mouth texture. Here is my favorite recipe for smoked brisket. You can make your brisket in a slow cooker by coating your meat in rub, then simmering it in barbecue sauce for 8 hours on low heat. To bake brisket in the oven, coat it with this rub and barbecue sauce, then cover the pan and bake it at 300 degrees F for 4 hours.

Brisket rub spread over a beef brisket.

Brisket rub flavor variations

I love this rub recipe as it’s written, but you can absolutely add other flavors to the mix to customize it to your tastes.

  • Spicy BBQ Rub: Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, or ground chipotle pepper to the mix.
  • Garlic Lovers Rub: Double the amount of garlic in the recipe.
  • Mexican Rub: Add 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon ground coriander to the mix.

Sliced beef brisket on a sheet pan.

This rub turns regular old brisket into something extraordinary. You’ll definitely want to keep this spice blend on hand for many different culinary applications!

More recipes you’ll enjoy

  • BBQ Spice Rub
  • Smoked Pork Tenderloin
  • Juicy Smoked Chicken
  • Smoked Pulled Pork
  • BBQ Smoked Ribs

Brisket Rub Video

A jar of homemade brisket rub spice mix.
Print Pin
5 from 33 votes

Brisket Rub Recipe

This brisket rub is a blend of barbecue spices that pairs perfectly with beef, as well as chicken, pork and fish. It’s great for grilled, roasted, braised or smoked brisket, and you can even use it on vegetables and potatoes.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 53kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Mix all of the ingredients together. Stir in an airtight container until ready to use.
  • Brisket rub keeps for up to 4 months in an airtight container when stored in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 388mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2300IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1.2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Sauces & Seasonings

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
    Beef Brisket Recipe »

    Comments

    1. bill tinker says

      December 13, 2021 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      i own a bbq restaurant and bar i make all my rubs myself homemade thought i would try urs on a smoked chuck roast or i call it a poor mans brisket and wow i was really surprised on how great it was nice rub for sure and anyone who has never smoked a chuck roast try it as good as brisket any day has great marbling

      Reply
    2. Karen Rhoades says

      October 25, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      Well this recipe work in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 26, 2021 at 9:19 am

        Yes you can cook brisket in a slow cooker!

        Reply
    3. Jim says

      September 2, 2021 at 10:00 am

      How much rub do I need for a 15lb brisket

      Reply
      • Sara says

        September 3, 2021 at 9:32 am

        I’d double the recipe!

        Reply
    4. Cheryll Craig says

      July 5, 2021 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      I follow the recipe almost 100%…I didn’t have regular paprika so I used 2 table spoons of the smoked paprika. I smoked our brisket. After it was done we put it in a pan with beef stock and left it on the smoker for another 2 hours. OMG! This is the best tasting and most tender brisket we have ever smoked. EVERYONE loved it. We got tons of compliments. I definitely recommend this rub!

      Reply
    5. Katie says

      May 19, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      Y’all this dry rub is 20/10, it was SO GOOD 🤤 I added rosemary and thyme and cooked it on low for 10 hours in the crockpot and the flavor was absolutely divine. I recommend this recipe 150%

      Reply
    6. Jason Taber says

      May 7, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      I am using this rub now on a 10 LBS brisket in my smoker. This will be about a 25 hrs smoke “Low and Slow” at 175 degrees. I will post more after 🙂 I have about 3 hours left LOL

      Reply
    7. Tammy Thorstad says

      March 18, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Directions on doing it in the smoker please

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 18, 2021 at 7:12 pm

        Here is my smoked brisket recipe! https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/smoked-brisket/

        Reply
    8. Marie mcmasters says

      March 17, 2021 at 6:32 am

      I didn’t have dry mustard so I rubbed the brisket with .ustard added liquid smoke since I didn’t have smoked paprika

      Reply
      • Rob says

        April 5, 2021 at 5:12 pm

        I would recommend getting dry mustard and smoked paprika they both really contribute a lot to a dry rub.

        Reply
    9. Nancy says

      February 18, 2021 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      Love it, the Brisket was perfect with good flavor, not overpowering. Have used the rub on Tri Tip and whole chicken, have not been dissatisfied at all. Thanks for the rub!

      Reply
    10. Timothy says

      February 7, 2021 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Nice Rub. Used it today and my brisket came out great! Thanks

      Reply
    11. Judy says

      December 11, 2020 at 5:39 am

      How much bbq sauce do you use if cooking it in the oven? thank you

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 11, 2020 at 9:08 pm

        Here is my oven bbq brisket recipe: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/beef-brisket-recipe/

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Winter Soups

    A pot full of cabbage roll soup garnished with parsley.

    Cabbage Roll Soup

    A bowl of cheeseburger soup

    Cheeseburger Soup

    Manhattan clam chowder with tomatoes, potatoes, vegetables and bacon.

    Manhattan Clam Chowder

    This recipe for mexican meatball soup is loaded with seasoned beef meatballs, black beans and plenty of vegetables in a flavorful and spicy broth. Add your favorite toppings and you've got a complete meal in a bowl!

    Mexican Meatball Soup

    A bowl of lasagna soup topped with ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

    Lasagna Soup

    A bowl of crock pot chicken noodle soup with carrots, garnished with parsley.

    Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    A plate of Instant Pot carnitas with rice, beans, salsa and tortillas.

    Instant Pot Carnitas

    This recipe for greek chicken souvlaki is skewers of tender chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. FosterFarmsOrganic AD

    Chicken Souvlaki

    A bowl of rice topped with Korean ground beef and mixed vegetables.

    Korean Beef Bowls

    This recipe for shrimp pesto pasta is spaghetti tossed in a flavorful pesto sauce, then topped with sauteed shrimp and tomatoes. A fresh and easy dinner that's quick to make and packed with flavor!

    Shrimp Pesto Pasta

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food