This Homemade Smoked Brisket Rub Recipe is the key to creating the perfect smoked brisket. This homemade rub will give your brisket a beautiful bark with a ton of flavor.
Combine coarse salt, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, chili powder, and dry mustard powder in a small bowl or jar. Stir with a whisk or fork to combine.
Coat the brisket in a thin layer of yellow mustard.
Press the rub into the meat heavily (~2 tbsp/lb) until fully covered.
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight.
Bring the brisket to room temperature, then smoke fat side up.
Notes
Amount. Go heavy, about 2 tablespoons per pound, if you want a thick, dark bark like mine. Drop to ½ tablespoon per pound if you'd rather get a deeper smoke ring.
Storage. Keeps in an airtight glass jar in the pantry for about 3 months before the flavor starts to flatten out. Skip the freezer - it doesn't add shelf life and just invites condensation when you open the jar.