Brisket: What Is It & Is It A Good Part Of The Cow?

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  May 27, 2022

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Brisket is a tough, fatty cut of beef that is best cooked slowly over low heat. This cooking method tenderizes the meat and results in a flavorful, juicy dish. Brisket is often used in Texas-style barbecue and can be smoked, grilled, or braised.

What is brisket

What part of the cow is brisket?

The brisket is located in the breast or lower chest area of the cow. The brisket muscles support a large portion of the animal’s weight, so they are quite tough and require slow, low-heat cooking methods to tenderize them.

Is brisket expensive?

Brisket is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef, especially when compared to other cuts that are suitable for slow cooking methods like brisket. This makes it a great option for budget-minded cooks.

What are the different types of brisket?

There are two types of brisket: the flat cut and the point cut. The flat cut is the leaner of the two and is more suitable for grilling or smoking. The point cut is fattier and more marbled, making it ideal for braising or stewing.

Is brisket a good cut of meat?

Brisket is an excellent cut of meat for slow cooking methods like grilling, smoking, or braising. When cooked properly, it results in a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish. It is also a relatively inexpensive cut of beef, making it a great option for budget-minded cooks.

What does brisket taste like?

Brisket has a rich, meaty flavor that is enhanced by slow cooking methods like grilling, smoking, or braising. The fat content of the meat also adds to the flavor and gives the meat a chewy texture. When cooked properly, brisket should be juicy and tender.

What is brisket called at the grocery store?

When you go to buy brisket at the grocery store, you need to ask for a “flat cut”. Be sure to tell the butcher to leave the “fat cap” on, the fatty layer in between two sections so you get all the flavor.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.