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How to Smoke a 15-Pound Brisket

How to Smoke a 15-Pound Brisket

Smoking a 15-pound brisket is a rewarding process that requires patience and attention to detail. This guide will teach you how to achieve that perfect smoky flavor and tender texture, step-by-step.

  • Total Time: 15-20 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole packer brisket (15 pounds)
  • Mustard (optional, for slathering)
  • Dry rub (salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice)
  • Butcher paper or aluminum foil
  • Wood chips or pellets (your choice of wood)

Instructions

  1. Trim the fat cap of the brisket to about ¼ inch, and remove any silver skin or tough connective tissue.
  2. Season the brisket generously with a dry rub. Optionally, slather the brisket with mustard before adding the rub.
  3. Prepare your smoker. Set it to a steady 225°F using your preferred method (charcoal, wood pellet, or electric smoker).
  4. Place the brisket on the smoker fat side up. Maintain a consistent temperature of 225°F for the duration of the cook.
  5. Smoke the brisket for about 15 to 20 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F to 203°F.
  6. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper or aluminum foil once it reaches 170°F to prevent it from drying out during the “stall” phase.
  7. After smoking, let the brisket rest for 1 to 4 hours to redistribute the juices before slicing.
  8. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness, and enjoy your perfectly smoked brisket.

Notes

The key to a tender and flavorful brisket is patience. Don’t rush through the process, and always give it time to rest after cooking.

  • Author: Max Carter
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: brisket, smoking, barbecue, beef, tender, slow-cooked