Brisket Flat with Coffee Rub
All Recipes

Brisket Flat with Coffee Rub

Time14 hrs
DifficultyHard
Serves8–10 people

A Texas-style brisket flat with a bold coffee and black pepper crust. Twelve hours of smoke, zero shortcuts.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 brisket flat (6–8 lbs), trimmed to 1/4" fat cap
  • 3 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp finely ground espresso or dark roast coffee
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Butcher paper for wrapping

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. 1

    Combine pepper, salt, coffee, garlic powder, and paprika. Apply a heavy, even coat over the entire brisket. Rest uncovered in the fridge overnight.

  2. 2

    Preheat smoker to 250°F with oak or post oak wood. Place brisket fat-side up.

  3. 3

    Smoke unwrapped for 6–7 hours until a dark bark forms and internal temp reaches 165°F.

  4. 4

    Wrap tightly in butcher paper and return to smoker. Continue cooking until internal temp hits 200–205°F, about 4–5 more hours.

  5. 5

    Rest wrapped brisket in a cooler for at least 1 hour before slicing.

  6. 6

    Slice against the grain into pencil-thick slices. Serve with pickles and white bread.

Tasting Notes

The coffee rub deepens the bark and adds a subtle bitterness that balances the rendered fat. Pair with DSTRKT pickled jalapeños for a hit of acid and heat.