Juicy and Tender: Texas-Style Brisket Recipe

Attention all meat lovers and BBQ enthusiasts! Are you in the mood for a hearty, smoky, and utterly delicious meal? Look no further than this Coffee-Rubbed Texas-Style Brisket recipe!

This dish is the perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and bold flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The secret to its incredible depth of taste is found in the dry rub mixture made with a generous amount of coffee grounds. The combination of aromas from the coffee, chili powder, smoked paprika, and other spices creates a perfect balance that you won’t find in any other brisket recipe.

And if you’re looking for the most authentic Texas-style brisket experience, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe was crafted by none other than Lou Lambert, a renowned pitmaster and chef known for his incredible briskets. His unique coffee rub formula takes this dish up a notch and adds something special that you won’t find anywhere else.

In this article, I will guide you through each step to make an unforgettable meal that your family and friends will rave about for weeks to come. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on making some mouthwatering smoked beef brisket with a Texas twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you on the hunt for a smoky and mouth-watering brisket recipe that will transport you to the heart of Texas? Look no further than this coffee-rubbed Texas-style brisket recipe!

What makes this recipe stand out? For starters, the dry rub consists of classic BBQ spices like black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and dried ancho chile powder. But what sets this recipe apart is the addition of ground coffee to the rub. The coffee creates a deep and rich smoky flavor that permeates throughout the entire cut of beef while creating a beautifully caramelized crust.

But it’s not just the flavor that makes this recipe a standout. This slow-cooked beef brisket is cooked using an authentic Texas method that involves smoking the meat over low heat for hours until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The end result is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to impress your loved ones with an unforgettable meal, this coffee-rubbed Texas-style brisket recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up the smoker and let’s get cooking!

Ingredient List

Before You Begin

Making coffee-rubbed Texas-style brisket will require a little bit of planning, gathering ingredients and preparing the proper tools. Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare before you start cooking:

• Brisket (12-14 pounds): This recipe calls for the whole beef brisket, which is a tough cut of meat that is perfect for smoking as it requires low and slow cooking. You may have to visit your local butcher shop to find this cut in its entirety. Look for a brisket with the fat cap still on that is evenly marbled throughout.

• Coffee Rub: The rub for this recipe has a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, owing to the unique combination of seasonings and freshly ground coffee. You will need ground black pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried ancho chile powder, kosher salt, dark brown sugar, and 2 cups of ground coffee.

• Tools: A smoker or grill with ample space, a large disposable aluminum tray or a foil pan, heavy duty aluminum foil to wrap the brisket, an instant-read thermometer and oven mitts.

Ingredient List

Coffee Rub

• 2 cups ground coffee
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried ancho chile powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Brisket

• 12 to 14 pounds whole beef brisket

With these ingredients in hand and your tools ready, let’s move on to the how-to section and create some smoky and delicious Texas-style coffee-rubbed brisket!

The Recipe How-To

Preparing the Beef Brisket

Start by buying a beef brisket that is 10-12 pounds in weight. Look for a cut that has an even distribution of fat, as this will ensure juicy and succulent results. Rinse the brisket well and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Making the Coffee Rub

In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup ground coffee, ¼ cup dark brown sugar, 2 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp onion powder, 2 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.

Rubbing the Brisket

Apply the coffee rub to both sides of the brisket generously. You should use about 3-4 tablespoons of the rub per pound of meat. Using your hands, make sure that every inch of the brisket is coated in the rub.

Preheating the Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hardwood lump charcoal or wood chips such as oak, hickory or mesquite. This will give you a smoky flavor that complements the coffee rub perfectly.

Smoking the Brisket

Place the rubbed brisket into your smoker fat side up and let it smoke for around 6-9 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F for tender and fully cooked brisket. During this time be sure to maintain a consistent temperature inside your smoker for best results. You should also try not to open your smoker too often to preserve heat and smoke.

Resting The Brisket

Once your brisket has reached an internal temperature of at least 195°F, remove it from heat and wrap it tightly in foil to rest for about an hour. This allows for any juices to evenly distribute throughout and makes carving easier.

Carving And Serving

After resting for an hour, slice against the grain of the beef (this creates more tender slices) with a sharp knife to reveal beautiful layers covered in a smoky-sweet coffee rub. Serve with homemade bbq sauce and sides like mashed potatoes, corn casserole or coleslaw.

Enjoy your delicious coffee-rubbed Texas-style beef brisket!

Substitutions and Variations

When it comes to cooking, there is always room for creativity and experimentation. If you want to add some personal flair to your coffee-rubbed Texas-style brisket recipe or adapt it to suit your dietary preferences, there are several substitutions and variations worth considering.

One potential substitution is swapping out the beef brisket for an alternative protein source, such as pork or chicken. While these meats will have a different texture and taste, they can still be delicious when cooked with the same coffee rub and spices.

If you are looking to reduce your sugar intake or avoid brown sugar altogether, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia instead. Coconut sugar also makes for a good alternative with its caramel-like flavor profile.

For those who prefer a smokier flavor in their barbecue dishes, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. This small change can make a big difference in the overall taste of the dish.

Alternatively, if you want something with an even stronger coffee flavor profile, try adding additional ground coffee to the rub mixture. Just be cautious not to overdo it as too much coffee can be overpowering.

Finally, when it comes to serving and pairing your coffee-rubbed Texas-style brisket, get creative! Serve with roasted vegetables, sweet potato mash or grilled corn on the cob for a colorful, balanced meal. Add your favorite barbecue sauce on top to amp up the smoky-sweet flavor profile even further.

Overall, don’t shy away from experimenting with different substitutions and variations. These small changes can add new dimensions of flavor to your cooking repertoire and elevate an already fantastic recipe.

Serving and Pairing

Once your coffee-rubbed Texas-style brisket is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This smoky and boldly flavored beef brisket pairs perfectly with a wide variety of sides, from classic baked beans and cornbread to creamy coleslaw and potato salad.

For a true Texan experience, you might want to serve your brisket with a side of pickles and raw onion slices. Traditional barbecue sauce is also a great addition, but keep in mind that the smoky sweetness of the coffee rub is usually enough to satisfy your taste buds.

When it comes to drinks, beer is always a popular choice when enjoying BBQ. A refreshing lager or an ice-cold IPA can be the perfect match for your meaty, smoky meal. If you prefer wine, a full-bodied red like Syrah or Zinfandel can hold up to all the flavors in this dish.

Whether you choose to enjoy this coffee-rubbed Texas-style brisket with classic side dishes, tangy sauces or refreshing drinks, you are sure to impress your guests with the flavorful and authentic taste of this slow-cooked masterpiece.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The beauty of this Texas-style brisket recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, stored and reheated with great success. Smoking a brisket is a labor of love, and you’ll want to make sure you can enjoy the fruits of your labor even after the initial cooking time has passed.

To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point where you’ve smoked your beef brisket to the desired level of tenderness. You can then remove the brisket from the smoker and allow it to cool down to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or butcher paper. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating.

When it’s time to serve, you can reheat your brisket by placing it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) or on a grill with indirect heat until heated through. This will take about an hour depending on the size of your brisket. It’s best to let it rest for at least 30 minutes after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute evenly.

If you’d like to freeze your brisket for even longer storage, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap or freezer paper before storing. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost your brisket overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.

Pro tip: When making this recipe with leftovers, try using them as fillings for tacos, quesadillas or sandwiches for an added bonus meal. The smoky and rich flavor profile makes a perfect addition to any dish.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure that your Coffee-Rubbed Texas-Style Brisket is cooked to perfection, here are some tips that you may want to keep in mind:

Start with a good quality beef brisket

The key ingredient in this recipe is the beef brisket. Make sure you get a good quality cut of meat. It should be well-marbled and have a nice balance of meat and fat. This will help ensure that your brisket stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.

Allow enough time for the rub to penetrate the brisket

One of the secrets to perfecting this recipe is allowing enough time for the coffee rub to penetrate the beef brisket. Aim to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator, ideally for 12 hours or more. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a rich and delicious taste.

Use an instant-read thermometer

Another tip for perfecting Coffee-Rubbed Texas-Style Brisket is using an instant-read thermometer instead of relying on guesswork. Insert it into the thickest part of the brisket; you want it to reach an internal temperature of 190°F before taking it out of the oven or smoker. This will ensure that it has reached its desired tenderness and can be easily shredded or sliced.

Choose your cooking method wisely

While you can cook this brisket in an oven, we recommend smoking it for authentic Texas-style flavor. Use a smoker with a reliable temperature gauge to achieve consistent heat, ensuring that your brisket cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Let your brisket rest before slicing

Once cooked, allow your brisket to rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, enhancing its flavor and tenderness further. Wrap it tightly with foil and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing into thin pieces against the grain.

With these tips, you’re well-equipped to make Coffee-Rubbed Texas-Style Brisket that’s impossible to resist. Enjoy!

FAQ

As with any recipe, there may be some questions that arise during the cooking process. Therefore, it’s important to take some time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions to ensure you get the best possible results from your Coffee-Rubbed Texas-Style Brisket Recipe. So, let’s dive in and address some potential queries that you might have when preparing this delicious dish.

Why do you put coffee grounds on brisket?

Looking to take your grilled meats to the next level? Consider adding coffee to your meat rubs for enhanced flavor and texture. By creating a coffee-infused rub, you’ll be able to develop a delectable black crust that will envelop your meat with an extra layer of flavor. Follow these steps to create the ultimate coffee-infused meat rub.

What does coffee do in a rub?

A rub that contains coffee has the ability to form a delightful crust on meat, enhancing its natural flavors and providing a delectable sear. Additionally, coffee’s acidity level allows it to tenderize the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.

How long should dry rub sit on brisket?

For the most delicious and succulent brisket, it’s essential to season it a day prior and allow it to rest in the refrigerator or cooler for at least 6 hours.

What is the secret to moist brisket?

Hey there, coffee lovers! It’s crucial to keep your brisket moist and tender during the cooking process, and luckily there are various ways to do so. Once your brisket has been cooking for a couple of hours, consider adding some moisture to prevent it from drying out. You can choose to spritz it with water, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, or apple juice based on your preference. Doing so every 30 minutes or every hour will keep the brisket juicy and flavorful.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the “Coffee-Rubbed Texas-Style Brisket Recipe” is a must-try for any meat lover who wants to indulge in an authentic Texan-style barbecue experience. This recipe is perfect for a summertime cookout, casual dinner party, or any occasion where good food and great company abound. The rich flavors of smoky sweet coffee rub combined with the slow-cooked beef brisket create an explosion of deliciousness in your mouth that you won’t forget easily.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and impress your guests with this flavorful and tender brisket. Remember to follow the tips, substitutions, and variations provided in this article to get the perfect result every time. With this recipe, you can make your own variation by adjusting ingredients and spices to suit your taste.

Moreover, coffee has been used as a dry rub for grill meats such as beef brisket for many years now, and it remains one of the staples in authentic Texan-style barbecues. So why not join other meat-lovers and embrace the unique flavor that coffee adds to grilled beef? You will be amazed at how much coffee can enhance the natural flavors of beef brisket.

In conclusion, this coffee-rubbed brisket recipe is all about taking your barbecuing game to the next level. With its robust flavors and tender texture, it’s no wonder that it has become a favorite of many Texans and fans of authentic barbecue around the world. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!

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