How to Grill Brisket

Step 1

Whisk together the sugar, salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Rub the outside of the brisket evenly with the rub. Allow the rubbed brisket to sit on a cutting board on the counter for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Pour the wood chips in one of the foil pans and add enough water to just cover the chips. Cover with foil and cut slits in the foil to allow smoke to escape.

Step 3

Light your grill and scrape the grates clean.

Step 4

Turn the burners on one half of the grill off. Keep the burners on the other half set to LOW heat.

Step 5

Place the brisket directly on the lit side of the grill, fatty side up and grill for about 5 minutes. Turn the brisket over and grill for 5 minutes more.

Step 6

Place the brisket into the remaining, clean foil pan (fat side up) and move it to the unlit side of the grill. Place the covered foil pan with the wood chips in it on the lit side of the grill and close the grill.

Step 7

Allow the brisket to cook for approximately three hours. You want your grill temperature to remain at about 300 degrees which can be achieved by adjusting the grill vents. With my gas grill keeping one side lit on low and one side off, plus opening the vents, kept it at this temperature.

Step 8

In about the final 30 minutes of grilling time, turn the brisket over so the fat side is down next to the foil and baste the non-fatty side of the brisket with your favorite barbecue sauce. I have linked to my favorite barbecue sauce in this post if you would like the recipe for Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce.

Step 9

Remove the brisket from the grill and baste again. Allow to rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.