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Flavorful Coffee Rubbed Brisket Recipe with Easy Chipotle BBQ Sauce

coffee rubbed brisket - featured image

This brisket recipe features a unique coffee rub that creates a rich, smoky crust paired with a smoky, slightly sweet chipotle BBQ sauce. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, it’s a comforting and exciting meal perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 pounds whole beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat (leave about 1/4 inch fat for flavor)
  • Coffee Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground dark roast coffee
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Chipotle BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat but leave about 1/4 inch for flavor and moisture.
  2. In a bowl, combine coffee grounds, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly all over the brisket, pressing it into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  4. While the brisket is resting, whisk together ketchup, chopped chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside.
  5. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Place brisket fat side up in a roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil.
  6. Roast for about 4-6 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C).
  7. Remove foil and brush brisket generously with chipotle BBQ sauce. Return uncovered to oven for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  8. Tent brisket loosely with foil and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
  9. Slice against the grain into thin slices. Serve with extra chipotle BBQ sauce and garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
  10. Alternative slow cooker method: After applying rub, cook brisket on low for 8-10 hours. Add BBQ sauce during the last hour to thicken and coat the meat.

Notes

Let the coffee rub rest on the brisket overnight for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect tenderness. Caramelize the BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes to avoid burning sugars. Slice against the grain for easier chewing. For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are certified gluten-free. Slow cooker method is a great hands-off alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: brisket, coffee rub, chipotle BBQ sauce, slow cooker, smoked paprika, barbecue, beef, easy brisket recipe