Brisket Homemade Rubs - Three Easy Recipes

So, you are interested in brisket homemade rubs? Well, you have come to the right place. We love to experiment, so here are three easy to make homemade brisket rubs for your next BBQ!

My First Brisket

I’ll never forget my first brisket. I thought it was pretty good, but my family thought otherwise! The rub was a homemade dry rub for brisket and tasted good. My issue was I over cooked it a little, because the flat was really dry.

Lessons learned and I continued to learn and experiment over the years. After several trial and errors my brisket these days are much juicier and flavorful.  

What is a Brisket Rub?

So what exactly is a brisket homemade rub? I’m glad you asked. It is a BBQ rub that can be as simple as salt and pepper, or much more complex.

A brisket rub can also be more creative with a blend of spices and herbs. When you make the rubs yourself, your creativity can blossom.

Each of the homemade brisket rubs below is designed to boost flavor and create that delicious outer crust we know as “bark”.

Homemade Brisket Rub – A Few Essential Ingredients

These are your homemade beef brisket rub foundation, mix them in equal parts for a classic base. Then experiment and build your own rub that fulfills your flavor profile!

• Salt: Tenderizes and enhances the flavors with a dry brine process.
• Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, earthy kick and is crucial for building bark.
• Paprika: Brings color and a subtle smokiness (smoked paprika ups the BBQ vibe).
• Garlic Powder: Deepens the savory profile.
• Onion Powder: Rounds out the taste with a hint of sweetness.

Three Homemade Brisket Rubs to Get You Started

1. Classic Texas Rub

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Instructions: Mix in a bowl. Sprinkle this classic Texas Brisket Rub generously over the brisket and press it in. Let the rub sit for at least an hour.

Note: Simple but bold, great for traditionalists.

2. Sweet and Spicy Rub

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions: Combine thoroughly. Apply evenly, letting it sit for an hour.

Variation: Dial up the cayenne for extra heat!

3. Coffee and Cocoa Rub

• 1 tablespoon ground coffee
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions: Blend well. Coat the brisket and let it rest overnight before it goes on the pit.

Why It Works: Coffee deepens the flavor, while cocoa adds a rich, unexpected twist.

In Conclusion

Ok, so there you have it, quick, simple, easy brisket homemade rubs you can make at home. The beauty of a homemade rub is the freedom to experiment.

Start with these recipes, use your imagination and tweak them to your taste. In no time you will have a signature blend that is all your own.

What’s your go to homemade brisket rub? Drop your recipe in the comments below, I’d love to hear your ideas!

Side note, you may need to double or triple these recipes, depending on the size of your brisket.

Also, I know some of us are pressed for time, no worries! We have you covered. Our Butcher BBQ Texas Bark is a simple salt, pepper, garlic rub (SPG rub). It is simple, delicious, and makes amazing bark.

See for yourself in one of our recent blog “Texas Brisket Rub for Smoking”.