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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 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 Texas brisket rub 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.
Why This Is My Best Brisket Rub Recipe
- Smoky, spicy, and savory
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Just a few minutes to stir together
- Ideal for any brisket recipe!

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.
VARIATION: Add brown sugar.
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 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.
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!

Frequently Asked Questions
- 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!
Tools To Make Texas Brisket Rub
- Glass Storage Jars – This set on Amazon has everything you need to start blending your own spice mixes, and they are the perfect size to store one full recipe for homemade brisket rub. You can get similar ones from Target, too!
- Measuring Spoons – A must for making the perfect spice mix! I love this 6-piece set from Amazon.
- Label Maker – Now that I’ve got a pantry of homemade seasonings, I need to label them properly so that they don’t get mixed up! You can get a label maker from Amazon or Target.
The Best Texas Brisket Rub Recipe
Brisket Rub Recipe (The Best!)
The best brisket rub makes the best brisket! This 5-minute Texas brisket rub recipe uses simple spices like garlic powder, paprika, & oregano.
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Stir all ingredients together.
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Store in an airtight jar.
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Use 1 tablespoon of brisket rub per pound of meat.
Last Step: Leave A Rating!
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 teaspoon
Makes 1/2 cup.
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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15 Comments
Sonia
0For this recipe, how many pounds of brisket would I need?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sonia, I suggest 1 tbsp per pound of meat.
Frank
0This brisket turned out amazing. I thought it was going to be spicy or a little too salty but after letting it set overnight it tasted great once it was done. I used butcher paper at 165° and let it rest for an hour once it reached 202°. So good I wanted to smoke another one the next day. Definitely going to fix another one real soon.
Journa Liz Ramirez
0This makes a great brisket rub. I love how simple and satisfying this is. Highly recommended!
Cam
0Tried this last night and it was sooooo delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Dana
0I love making my own seasoning blends! This one is a keeper for whenever we’re doing brisket.
Greta
0I was looking for a brisket rub for the weekend and thanks to you I found the easiest and delicious one. Thanks x
jess
0This is exactly what I needed! thank you so much for sharing this spice combination!
Kristyn
0This rub makes everything taste so good!! I keep a big jar handy!!
Journa Liz Ramirez
0This brisket rub is easy to make. I tried it and it turned out so good! Thanks, Maya, for this brisket rub recipe.
Rosemary Murphy
0Love Texas bbq rub and sauce now I have the recipe going to try it out on my ribs.
Michael D Cooper
0What size brisket would your recipe card be sufficient for.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Michael, The actual recipe to prepare the Beef Brisket is here. It is a 4 lb. brisket flat used in the recipe.
Nellie Tracy
0Such a great rub! Will forever use it as my go-to for brisket
Gina
0This rub is awesome! Love using it on brisket I make in the Instant Pot. Great spice combo and so easy to throw together!