Brisket Flat Cut

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Commonly known as the thin cut or brisket-deckel-off, this cut is one of two that are produced from the Beef Brisket. Located in the carcass between the fore shank and the plate, the Beef Brisket is removed and trimmed into two distinct cuts, the Flat Cut (first cut) and the Point Cut (second cut). Due to the size of the full Brisket, which may weight between 8 to 12 pounds, it is cut in half when prepared for sale. The Flat Cut, which is the piece typically cut to be sold as the Brisket, is a leaner and thinner cut of meat. A full layer of fat should be present on one side of the meat surface enabling the Flat Cut to remain moist and flavorful when cooked.

The second cut from the Beef Brisket known as the Point Cut and also referred to as the Deckel or Deckle, is a thicker piece of meat containing significantly more internal fat running throughout the cut. The Point Cut is not often found in many meat markets or food stores because it is not requested as often and the appearance is not as well structured as other cuts. It has a tendency to appear too fatty. However, it can be equally as flavorful as the Flat Cut.

The fat in both cuts of Beef Brisket help to moisten the meat when the cuts are pot roasted, slow cooked or prepared as a London broil. When purchasing either the Flat Cut or the Point Cut, select or request pieces that have a fair amount of fat to keep the meat moist as it cooks, since some butchers may trim the fat prior to selling the cut.