Brisket is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of beef or veal. The beef brisket is one of the nine beef primal cuts, though the definition of the cut differs internationally. The brisket muscles include the superficial and deep pectorals.

What cut is brisket?

Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the lower breast or pectoral muscles of a cow. Because this area is so well-exercised, it makes for quite a tough piece of meat that's full of connective tissue.

Is there another name for beef brisket?

Brisket refers to a primal cut and has just one name. When divided up by its two main muscles, the point and the flat, each part has its own name. After the brisket is brined, cured, or roasted, it becomes corned beef, pastrami, pot roast, pho, and more.