I’ve had a lot of fun teaching myself to make homemade seasonings over the last few years. I have to admit, I wasn’t exactly sure how to make Texas brisket rub at first, but I do know a good brisket when I eat one. So, I looked at the ingredients for a few store-bought versions and then tested out my own based on those. This homemade beef brisket rub recipe turned out even better than I expected! I think this is the best brisket rub I’ve ever tried. Try this beef brisket dry rub the next time you’re cooking up a slab of roasted or smoked brisket… though I’m willing to bet it’s delicious on other beef recipes, too. In fact, you can even use brisket spices on vegetables and roasted potatoes. Rub it into your juicy burgers, grilled sirloin steak, or beef short ribs for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for beef brisket rub, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Smoked Paprika – If you don’t have this kind of spice, make a quick substitute with 2 parts regular paprika and 1 part cumin. Sea Salt – Salt is a key component in a dry rub because it helps lock moisture in the meat. Fine or coarse salt would both work fine.Garlic Powder – So important in almost any savory seasoning recipe.Black Pepper – You can use other kinds of ground peppercorns to change the flavor if you like.Cayenne Pepper – Red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or chili powder will also work in place of cayenne pepper.Onion Powder – If you don’t have any, additional garlic powder would also work.Dried Oregano – You can use thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning as a substitute. Ground Cumin – Earthy and warm with an edge of citrus flavor, cumin adds an instant depth to this seasoning mixture.
How To Make Brisket Rub
This brisket dry rub recipe comes together in just a few minutes! To make it, simply stir the brisket seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl or jar, breaking up any clumps that form. Sometimes, brisket rub recipes also include brown sugar. I omitted this to keep it sugar-free, but you can add 1-2 tablespoons if you like. You can also use Besti Brown for a sugar-free option that still has brown sugar sweetness and flavor.
How To Use Brisket Rub
Simply sprinkle this rub generously your meat, and rub it in to help it stick. You’ll need 1 tablespoon brisket rub per pound of meat. For more detailed instructions, go to my beef brisket recipe. It’s super easy!
How long should dry rub be on brisket? Ideally, you want to give the beef brisket dry rub some time to flavor the meat. At minimum, apply beef brisket seasoning on at least an hour prior to cooking, but for optimal results, overnight is best. The max is 24 hours.
Is Texas brisket rub gluten-free? Yes, brisket seasoning is naturally gluten-free. Check labels carefully if you purchase a pre-mixed rub, because sometimes gluten-based starches are added as fillers or anti-caking agents.How do you apply rub to brisket? When applying this seasoning to BBQ brisket, simply sprinkle generously and rub into the meat to help it stick.Do you oil brisket before rub? No, you don’t need to add any olive oil or liquid to your meat before applying the seasoning since it is not a wet rub.
Storage Instructions
Store your homemade rub in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 2 years. However, it will be most-flavorful if used within a year.
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
If you like this easy Texas brisket seasoning recipe, you’ll probably like my other homemade seasoning and spice mixes. These are full of flavor – and no weird preservatives or fillers! Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it! Makes 1/2 cup.
