Brisket has a reputation for being the kind of dinner that takes over your whole day: long marinades, 14-hour smokes, and a nervous eye glued to the thermometer. It doesn’t have to be that dramatic.

1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, onion powder, cumin and garlic powder. Rub the mix into the brisket and let sit at room temperature, 45 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Meanwhile, prepare your ...