What is Brisket?

Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the breast or lower chest of a cow. It is full of flavour and is easily found in butcher shops and grocery stores. The meat is most commonly used for slow-cooking methods such as smoking and braising, as it can easily turn tough when cooked quickly over high heat. Since the cut comes from the tougher and less tender areas of the animal, it benefits from the low and slow cooking method, making it juicy and tender.

Brisket Basics

Brisket is made up of two different muscles. The outside layer is referred to as the flat, and the rounded piece is called the point. During the slow-cooking process, the meat develops a layer of bark, which is the layer of hard, crusty exterior that is formed. This bark can be made up of pepper, salt and a mixture of other spices.

The flat is generally used for slicing, and some breeds of cattle have more fatty marbling throughout the meat, which adds to the flavour of the meat. The point is usually pulled or shredded for dishes such as pulled beef or chopped beef.

It is important to know the weight of your brisket before you buy one, as it is not generally sold in standard sizes. It is also necessary to check the weight and size of your cooking vessel, as an oversized cut of brisket can easily turn your smoker, oven or Dutch oven into a cramped space.

Cooking Brisket

As mentioned previously, brisket should be cooked slowly. This will give the meat time to break down and tenderize, creating a delicious piece of meat when it is done. Before you place the brisket in your cooking vessel, be sure to apply a generous coating of oil or butter. This helps create a crust, as well as keeping the cut from drying out during the long cooking process.

Brisket can be cooked over a charcoal or gas grill, in a smoker, in an oven or in a Dutch oven. Each of these methods are great for slow-cooking the meat, and many people have their own personal preferences for what type of vessel to cook their brisket in.

The temperature you cook your brisket will depend on the cooking method you use; generally speaking, it is best to cook the meat at a temperature of around 225-250⁰F (110-121⁰C). The length of time the brisket needs to cook depends on the weight and thickness of the cut, but a good rule of thumb is to plan to cook it for around 1-1.5 hours per pound (450 g).

Serving Brisket

There are so many ways to enjoy brisket. It can be served as is, with barbecue sauce or a spicy rub, atop a burger or sandwich, or shredded for tacos or a wrap. Brisket is also amazing in soups, salads, and on pizza. The options are truly endless!

No matter how you choose to enjoy brisket, most agree that it is delicious and one of the most flavourful cuts of beef. Give it a try the next time you are feeling adventurous with your cooking, you won’t be disappointed!