When it comes to mouth - watering meat dishes, smoked beef brisket stands out as a true classic. This dish, made with a tantalizing dry rub and a homemade barbecue sauce, is a masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of beef with the smoky goodness of slow - cooking.

Let's start with the star of the show - the beef brisket. Brisket is a cut of beef from the breast or lower chest of the cow. It's a tough cut, full of connective tissue, which is why slow - cooking is essential. When cooked properly, the connective tissue breaks down, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat.

To begin making this smoked beef brisket, you'll first need to prepare the dry rub. The dry rub is what gives the brisket its initial burst of flavor. You can make a simple dry rub using common pantry ingredients. Take about 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix all these ingredients together in a small bowl. The salt helps to season the meat, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps to create a nice crust on the brisket during cooking. The paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder bring in a depth of flavor that complements the beef.

Once your dry rub is ready, it's time to season the brisket. Place the brisket on a large cutting board and generously rub the dry rub all over the surface of the meat. Make sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. You can let the brisket sit with the dry rub on it for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it overnight for even more flavor penetration.

Now, onto the smoking process. You'll need a smoker or a grill set up for indirect heat. If you're using a smoker, pre - heat it to around 225°F (107°C). If you're using a grill, place the coals on one side and the brisket on the other side to achieve indirect heat. Add some wood chips or chunks to the fire for that signature smoky flavor. Popular woods for smoking beef include hickory, oak, and mesquite. Each wood imparts a slightly different flavor profile, so you can choose according to your preference.

Place the seasoned brisket on the smoker or grill grate. Close the lid and let the magic happen. The cooking time for a beef brisket can vary depending on its size, but generally, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours per pound. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket. The brisket is ready when the internal temperature reaches around 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). At this temperature, the connective tissue has broken down, and the meat will be tender and easy to pull apart.

While the brisket is smoking away, it's time to make the homemade barbecue sauce. This sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the smoked brisket. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir all the ingredients together over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has come to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 - 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once the brisket is done smoking, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it rest for about 15 - 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, you can slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve the sliced brisket with the homemade barbecue sauce on the side, and you have a meal that will surely impress your family and friends.

Smoked beef brisket is not just a dish; it's an experience. The combination of the slow - cooked, tender beef, the flavorful dry rub, and the tangy homemade barbecue sauce creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or having a cozy dinner at home, this smoked beef brisket is a must - try recipe that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

So, the next time you're looking for a delicious and impressive meat dish, don't hesitate to fire up the smoker and give this smoked beef brisket recipe a go. You'll be rewarded with a plate full of smoky, juicy, and mouth - watering goodness that will keep you coming back for more.