Brisket

Beef · Brisket
ChuckRibShort LoinRoundBrisketPlateFlankShankShankSirloinTenderloinTop SirloinBot. Sirloin

Brisket comes from the lower chest of the animal and consists of two muscles — the flat and the point — separated by a layer of fat. It is one of the toughest cuts due to the high amount of connective tissue, but transforms into meltingly tender meat after 12 or more hours of low, slow cooking. It is the cornerstone of Texas barbecue and Jewish holiday cooking.

Names by country

CountryNameNotes
🇺🇸United StatesBrisketprimaryThe definitive Texas barbecue cut, smoked low and slow for 12-16 hours
🇬🇧United KingdomBrisket
🇲🇽MexicoPecho
🇦🇷ArgentinaPecho
🇫🇷FrancePoitrine
🇪🇸SpainPecho
🇵🇹PortugalPeito
🇧🇷BrazilPeitoUsed in Brazilian churrasco, slow-cooked over wood fire

Similar cuts

Paleronapproximate

Both require long, slow cooking to break down collagen into tender, flavourful meat, and are interchangeable in many braised dishes and stews, but brisket has a more distinct grain and is the preferred cut for smoking.