Difference Between a Flat Cut and Point Cut Brisket

St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching and the most commonly served meal on that day (at least in America) is corned beef. Where does corn beef come from? The answer is the brisket. The part of the cow brisket is located is in the front of the cow, toward the bottom, near the cow’s front legs. Since the cow uses that area a lot this is a tough cut of beef, so a slow cooking method must be used. Yet it is worth your time because it is a flavorful cut.

When choosing a brisket, unless you buy the entire brisket, you will have to choose between a flat cut and a point cut. It is very easy to tell the difference by just looking at the cuts.

Point Cut Brisket

A point cut comes to a point at one end. The point cut has a lot of fat running through it, so when you cook it, it comes out nice and juicy. This cut is rarely found in supermarkets, as it isn’t as attractive of a cut as the flat. This is a good choice if you plan on shredding the meat when finished cooking.

Flat Cut Brisket

The flat cut is a much leaner cut than the point. However it still has a layer of fat on the bottom, that will keep the meat moist. This is the cut you will most often find in supermarkets, as it looks more appealing the the point cut. If you are looking for brisket that will slice up nicely, this is your best bet. It is also the cut used most often when you buy packaged corned beef.

Which is Brisket Cut is Better: Flat or Point
It just depends on what you are going to do. Point Cut is good for shredding, but for corned beef opt for the flat cut. In the Good Eats episode “Pickled Pink”, Alton Brown choose a flat cut to make his own corned beef.

Answers to Corned Beef Questions
Why Do We Eat Corned Beef on St. Patrick’s Day?
Why Is It Called “Corned” Beef?
What is Uncured Corned Beef?