Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is a flavorful, richly marbled cut of beef taken from the breast or lower chest of the cow. Renowned for its tenderness when cooked slowly, brisket is a favorite in a wide range of cuisines, from classic American barbecue to traditional Jewish and Asian dishes. Its high collagen content breaks down during long, slow cooking methods such as braising, smoking, or slow roasting, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat with a deep, beefy flavor. This versatile cut is perfect for hearty stews, pot roasts, or sliced thin for sandwiches, making it a staple ingredient for comforting, crowd-pleasing meals. When selecting brisket, look for a piece with even marbling and a good layer of fat to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.

Beef brisket is typically found in the fresh meat section of most grocery stores, often near other large beef cuts such as chuck roast and short ribs. Look for a refrigerated display case, usually along the perimeter of the store, where butchers stock various cuts of beef. Brisket is often sold as a whole, flat, or point cut, and may come pre-packaged or available at the butcher counter where you can request a specific weight or cut. If you’re having trouble locating it, ask a store associate or visit the butcher’s section, as some supermarkets may keep brisket in a separate area reserved for specialty or larger cuts. For the freshest option, the butcher counter is your best bet, and you can also inquire about custom trimming or recommendations for your recipe.