What is brisket? Brisket is a flavorful cut of meat that is full of fat and connective tissue. It’s perfect for the low, consistent smoke that a Traeger grill gives off. This simple information will help you get started if you want to try making your first brisket.
Beef brisket is a large cut of meat from the breast or the lower chest of a cow. It is one of the nine beef primal cuts and one of the four main barbecue meats. It is a relatively tough piece of meat because the animal works it while moving. Because brisket has a lot of connective tissue, it needs to be cooked slowly for a long time so that the tissue breaks down without making the meat too tough.
Historically, the word “brisket” is a synonym for “breast” or “breast meat. While “chicken breast” could be called “chicken brisket,” we don’t know of anyone who does.
Beef brisket is a popular cut of meat that comes from the chest area of a cow. When shopping for brisket at your local grocery store or butcher shop, you may come across a few different names used to describe it. So what exactly is brisket called at the store? Let’s break it down.
The Different Cuts of Brisket
There are a few main cuts of brisket to know:
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Whole brisket – This refers to a full packer brisket, which contains both the flat cut and the point cut of brisket. It has a thick fat cap on top.
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Brisket flat cut – The brisket flat is the leaner rectangular half of a full brisket. It’s a uniform thickness.
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Brisket point cut – The point cut comes from the fattier front half of a full brisket. It has fat marbling throughout for tenderness.
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Ground brisket – Trimmings and smaller pieces are ground up into brisket burger meat, It has rich beefy flavor
Identifying Brisket at the Grocery Store
When you visit the butcher counter or meat section, brisket will typically just be labeled as “beef brisket.” It’s not always labeled with the specific cut. Here are some tips for identifying it:
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Check for a large flat cut of beef with a thick fat cap on one side. This is usually a full brisket.
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Look for a rectangular cut of leaner beef. This is likely a brisket flat.
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See if they have any smaller, triangular-shaped cuts. These are brisket point cuts.
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Ask the butcher if you are unsure. They can explain the different brisket options.
Other Helpful Tips for Buying Brisket
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Look for good marbling or fat distributed throughout the meat for tenderness.
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Opt for choice or prime graded brisket when possible for best flavor.
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Ensure the brisket feels firm and not slimy. Avoid any with discoloration.
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For stews or pot roasts, choose a cut from the thicker end.
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For slicing, look for a cut from the flat end.
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Buy a bigger cut around 5-10 pounds for slow smoking or roasting.
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Smaller 1-2 pound brisket cuts work well for faster grilling.
How is Brisket Used?
Brisket is very flavorful and versatile. It does well with slow, moist cooking methods like braising, stewing, smoking, or roasting. You can also grill smaller cuts over direct high heat. Here are some popular uses:
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Smoked brisket – Slow smoked for up to 18 hours into tender, fall-apart meat. Often served sliced on sandwiches.
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Corned beef – Brisket cured in a salt and spice blend. Used for corned beef and cabbage.
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Pot roast – Brisket makes a delicious, tender pot roast when braised for hours.
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Stews – Diced brisket can add beefy flavor to stews and chili.
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Grilled brisket – Quickly grilled brisket has a nice char but remains juicy.
What Temperature is Brisket Done?
Most pitmasters aim for a target internal temperature of 195- to 200-degrees Fahrenheit for brisket.
The MEATER 2 Plus wireless meat thermometer is the best way to tell if the meat is done. It gives you real-time information about your cook to make sure you get the perfect result. It won’t look good if you have to cut into the meat to test it, and you’ll lose the tasty juices that keep the meat tender.
How Much Brisket to Buy per Person
A good general guideline for all main meat dishes is three-quarters of a pound per person. A brisket is made up of meat and no bones. It should weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and feed at least 15 people.
Is corned beef a brisket?
FAQ
Is there another name for beef brisket?
What does brisket look like in a grocery store?
Is chuck roast the same as brisket?
Where to buy brisket?
Most butchers and warehouse stores sell a whole brisket that has been chopped into two cuts flat and point but some butchers and warehouse stores also sell a full cut.
What is a full cut of brisket called?
The full cut of brisket is often referred to as the packer brisket. This packer brisket is one entire brisket, cut from the left or right breast of the cow. This packer brisket can be broken down into two separate muscles separated by a layer of fat, the deckle. After the separation the two cuts are called the flat and the point.
Is beef brisket known by another name?
Is beef brisket known by another name? Brisket is the name given to a basic cut of beef. Each portion has its own name when divided by its two primary muscles, the point and the flat. Brisket is transformed into corned beef, pastrami, pot roast, pho, and more after being brined, cured, or roasted.
What is brisket used for?
Brisket is the name given to a basic cut of beef. Each portion has its own name when divided by its two primary muscles, the point and the flat. Brisket is transformed into corned beef, pastrami, pot roast, pho, and more after being brined, cured, or roasted. In the grocery shop, what is brisket?