Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

This take a little extra time but well worth it. Got this recipe off Emeril Salutes Houston, TX episode.

• Ready In: 6 hrs
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  lbs beef brisket, trimmed
• 2  tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 2  tablespoons paprika
• 2  tablespoons salt
• 1  tablespoon garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon onion powder
• 1  tablespoon black pepper
• 1  tablespoon cayenne
• 2  teaspoons dry mustard
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
•  mesquite wood chips

• Barbecue Sauce

• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped yellow onion
• 2  tablespoons  chopped garlic
• 4  cups ketchup
• 1⁄2 cup dark brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons  cane syrup
• 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1⁄2 cup yellow mustard
• 1⁄4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3  tablespoons  hot red pepper sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more to taste

• Essence Creole Seasoning

• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons paprika
• 2  tablespoons salt
• 2  tablespoons garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon black pepper
• 1  tablespoon onion powder
• 1  tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1  tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1  tablespoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Set the brisket on a large sheet of plastic wrap.
2. In a medium bowl combine the dark brown sugar, chili power, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, dry mustard, and cumin thoroughly.
3. Rub the mixture onto the brisket and wrap tightly in the plastic wrap.
4. Place on a baking sheet and let marinate refrigerated at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Remove the meat from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature.
6. Soak mesquite wood chips in a large bowl of water for 1 to 2 hours.
7. Remove, drain and set aside.
8. Prepare a smoker with charcoal and the wood chips according to the manufacturer's instructions to 180 to 200 degrees F.
9. Place the water pan in the smoker and add water to the fill line, about 2/3 full.
10. Place the unwrapped brisket on the lower rack off the direct heat, close the lid, and cook, regularly stoking the fire and adding additional chips, until an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees F, about 4 to 5 hours.
11. Remove the meat from the grill and let rest for 20 minutes before carving the meat against the grain.
12. (Alternately, prepare a stove-top smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the unwrapped brisket on the rack over low heat. Close the lid and smoke for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Remove the meat from the smoker and wrap in) BBQ Sauce: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
13. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes.
14. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
15. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cane syrup, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire, hot sauce, Essence, and red pepper flakes and bring to a boil.
16. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the flavors marry, 15 to 20 minutes.
17. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before serving.
18. Essence: Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.