No Salt Brisket Rub Recipe (Simple Yet SUPER Tasty)

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Love that salty crust on your brisket?

But trying to cut back on sodium?

So where does that leave you if you are a huge barbecue grill fan?

Don’t despair!

There are plenty of no or low-salt rubs you use can and below are some of my favorites.

Are There Any Low Sodium Alternatives?

Surprisingly, there are quite a few alternatives to using salt.

Garlic or onion powders have a similar ‘salty’ flavor base.

Salt-free rubs tend to be a little spicier than the standard kosher salt and pepper rubs.

But with a little bit of taste bud change, you’ll find the flavor will be amazing.

Is Brisket Naturally High in Sodium?

Red meat itself is not naturally high in sodium.

Most of the sodium intake comes from the seasonings and salts added when cooking.

So, on its own, the meat itself won’t contribute to your daily allowance of sodium.

What Are Healthy Sodium Levels?

The human body needs some sodium to function.

It’s an electrolyte needed to regulate the levels of water in the cells.

Only small amounts are required though, less than 1/4 teaspoon daily.

Too much sodium however can be damaging to the heart and cause high blood pressure.  

Due to the high levels of salt in many convenience and takeaway foods, a lot of us consume too much on a daily basis.

This eventually leads to the need to cut back and go on low salt diets.

Low salt diets don’t have to mean sacrificing your favorite foods.

All you need is a little more careful label reading and recipe modifications.

Why Choose a No Salt Brisket Rub?

Choosing a no salt brisket rub is the perfect way to achieve the delicious flavors you enjoy.

And without the extra sodium.

There’s no need to feel like you are missing out because of diet restrictions.

This no-salt brisket rub isn’t only for brisket.

It will work just as well on chicken, meat, and fish. And it tastes so delicious, you won’t even notice it’s no salt!

Can You Buy Salt-Free Rubs?

In this modern age, there is a wider variety of salt-free brisket rubs available for sale.

Perfect if you are running low on time and still want a tasty brisket.

Just be sure to read the labels so you know exactly what you are buying.

If time permits, making your own mix is the best way to guarantee what the ingredients are going in.

You have complete control over your flavors and additives.

What if I Want to Brine My Brisket?

No salt brisket rubs don’t have to be only for dietary restrictions.  

If you’ve pre-brined your brisket, you may prefer to use a seasoning that’s low or no salt.

This cuts back on the overly salty flavor throughout your meat.

Brine is a way to help boost tenderness and keep moisture.

Brine solutions tend to be salt or a salt water mix.

The sodium draws the moisture in, trapping it in the muscle cells.

Often the usual seasoning and spice rubs are also high in salt. So the taste result can be quite salty.

But there is a solution if you are a diehard briner.

Simply rinse the brisket off completely once the brining process is complete.

What Can I Do Instead of Brining the Brisket?

Skipping the brining process doesn’t mean your brisket is condemned to a life of dry, toughness.

As long as the brisket is cooked at low temperatures, for a longer time it will be fine. 

Low and slow cooking gives the collagen and fat marbling time to break down.

The end product is a juicy, tender brisket. 

Will No Salt Affect the Brisket Flavor?

Salt tends to be the key ingredient in most brisket rub seasoning recipes.  

It’s a key ingredient used to lock in the moisture, as well as enhance the natural meaty flavor.

But skipping the salt doesn’t necessarily mean the meat will suffer.  

Other ingredients can be used in place of salt and will produce just as good a flavor.  

And using a rub ensures you still have a great crispy bark!

Salt-Free Rub for Brisket Recipe

This no-salt brisket rub works well with briskets. It’s also the perfect blend for other cuts of meat, poultry, and fish.

You can change the amount of each ingredient, depending on your tastes.

While it may look spicy, the flavors will tone down once smoked.

Ingredients:

100 grams of brown sugar

3 tablespoons smoked paprika powder

3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon chipotle or cayenne pepper

Method:

Step 1 – Making the Rub

Blend all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well.

Step 2 – Apply the Rub

Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted butter to the surface of the raw brisket.

Evenly coat all sides of the brisket.

Allow resting for at least an hour for the flavors to develop.

Step 3 – Cook the Brisket

Cook the brisket as desired.

Salt-Free Rub for Brisket

This no-salt brisket rub works well with briskets. It's also the perfect blend for other cuts of meat, poultry, and fish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course condiment, Dinner, lunch, main, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Barbecue, bbq, dinner, grill, lunch
Servings 8 servings
Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 100 grams of brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika powder
  • 3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle or cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1 – Making the Rub

  • Blend all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well.

Step 2 – Apply the Rub

  • Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted butter to the surface of the raw brisket.
  • Evenly coat all sides of the brisket.
  • Allow resting for at least an hour for the flavors to develop.

Step 3 – Cook the Brisket

  • Cook the brisket as desired.
Keyword Brisket, Smoked Brisket

Any leftover dry rub mix can be stored in an airtight container, in a cool dry place.

No salt doesn’t have to equal no flavor and an end to your favorite recipes. 

With this great recipe, you’ll be enjoying a healthier dinner, and your guests will be none the wiser!

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).

I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.

You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!

You can read more about me on our About Us page.

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