Are you a meat lover who has been left confused by the different names for beef brisket in the UK and the US?
Or perhaps you’re an American living in the UK and wondering if you can find your beloved brisket here?
Fear not, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of beef brisket, its origins, and what it’s called in the UK.
Whether you’re a seasoned brisket connoisseur or a curious foodie, read on to discover all you need to know about this delicious cut of meat.
What Is Beef Brisket Called In The UK?
Beef brisket is a popular cut of meat that comes from the chest area of the cow. In the UK, it is simply called “brisket.” Unlike in the US, where there are different names for different sections and versions of brisket, in the UK, brisket refers to the entire cut.
Brisket is a working part of the animal that moves around quite a bit during its lifetime. As a result, it has a large amount of fat that is marbled throughout, adding bags of flavor to the meat. It is usually sold boned and rolled as a full joint, and the high amount of fat and connective tissue means it needs to be slow-cooked to render it all down.
In the US, brisket tends to be fattier due to a grain-fed diet. This is why it is such a popular meat to smoke. In contrast, cattle in the UK are grass-fed and slaughtered at a younger age.
The Origins Of Beef Brisket
The origins of beef brisket can be traced back to Jewish cuisine in Central and Eastern Europe. The Ashkenazi Jewish community favored this cut for holiday celebrations, such as Rosh Hashanah, Passover, Hanukkah, and Shabbat, as it was located in the front of the cow and therefore kosher. However, the meat from this area was very tough, muscular, and had many connective tissues, making it a very cheap cut of meat accessible to poor families.
To make brisket soft and tender, these communities learned to marinate it for a very long time and let it slow cook on low heat for even more time. This ingenuity led to the creation of smoked brisket as we know it today. The Ashkenazi Jewish refugees brought their Shtetl cooking to America, where brisket became a part of Southern history.
In the early 1900s, smoked brisket appeared on Jewish deli menus across Texas. The first mention of smoked brisket appears in newspaper advertisements in 1910 geared towards the Jewish community of Texas. By the mid-1900s, smoked brisket had become a staple of Texan cuisine and was known as “The National Dish of Texas.”
Today, brisket is enjoyed all over the world and is cooked in many different ways. In Germany, it is braised in dark beer with celery, carrots, onions, and thyme. Brisket is also cooked all over Asia, New Zealand, Italy, and Pakistan. Despite its humble origins, beef brisket has become a beloved cut of meat that has been adapted to many different cultures and cuisines.
What Is Beef Brisket?
Beef brisket is a cut of meat that comes from the lower chest or breast area of a cow. This area is well-exercised, which means that the meat is tough and full of connective tissue. This is why brisket needs to be cooked over low heat for a long time to break down the tissue without overcooking the meat. Brisket can be quite a large cut of meat, weighing between 3 and 14 pounds, and is rich in collagen, which contributes to its toughness.
A full brisket consists of two muscles that overlap: the “flat,” or the “first cut,” which is the thinner part, and the “point,” also called the “deckle point” or the “second cut,” which is the thicker and fattier section of the brisket. Brisket can be sold as a single cut or divided into these two sections.
Brisket is one of the nine beef primal cuts and one of the four main barbecue meats. It is a popular cut for smoking due to its high fat content, especially in the US where cattle are grain-fed. In contrast, cattle in the UK are grass-fed and slaughtered at a younger age, resulting in less fatty meat. In the UK, brisket is simply called “brisket” and usually sold boned and rolled as a full joint. Its high fat and connective tissue content means it needs to be slow-cooked to render it all down and create tender, flavorful meat.
Different Names For Beef Brisket In The US And UK
Unlike in the UK, in the US, brisket is often referred to by different names depending on the cut and style. The first cut, also known as the flat cut, thin cut, or center cut, is the leaner piece of meat. The second cut, also known as the point cut or deckle, has more flavor due to a bit of extra fat. Some other names for brisket in the US include flank or cowboy barbecue.
Additionally, brisket is often used for barbecue and other dishes in the US. It comes in a variety of cuts and is usually smoked or braised to tenderize the meat. Some other names for brisket in the US include pot roast, pastrami, and pho.
It is important to note that while the terminology may differ between the US and UK, both countries appreciate and enjoy this delicious cut of beef. Whether you are smoking it in Texas or slow-cooking it in the UK, brisket is a versatile and flavorful meat that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Where To Find Beef Brisket In The UK
If you’re looking to try your hand at cooking beef brisket in the UK, you may have a bit more trouble finding it than in the US. While it’s not as commonly found in supermarkets, there are still a few options for sourcing this flavorful cut of meat.
Specialist butchers are likely to stock brisket, and some may even carry American-style beef packer brisket for low and slow cooks. These cuts are specifically prepared for barbecuing and smoking, and can be a great choice for those looking to replicate the American-style barbecue experience.
Another option is to look online for suppliers who specialize in low and slow barbecue cuts. Some of these suppliers will offer grass-fed brisket that may not have as much intramuscular fat as grain-fed American brisket, but still has a great flavor. Some of these suppliers even offer delivery direct to your door.
Finally, if you’re looking to try beef brisket at a restaurant, look for barbecue joints that specialize in low and slow cooking. These restaurants are likely to have brisket on the menu, and may even source their meat from specialist suppliers.
Cooking Tips And Recipes For Beef Brisket
Cooking a perfect beef brisket can be a challenge, but with the right tips and recipes, it can be a delicious and satisfying dish. Here are some cooking tips and recipes for beef brisket:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F and place a rack inside a large roasting pan. Lay a couple of sheets of foil on top of the rack and place the brisket, fat cap up, in the middle of the aluminum foil. Bring the foil together and close it, covering the brisket loosely. Bake for about an hour and 15 minutes per pound until the brisket reaches 185°F. Open the foil and bake for another 45 minutes to an hour until internal temperature reaches 200-202°F.
2. Mix together some barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and water to create a simple sauce. Slather the beef brisket with the sauce and wrap it in aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for several hours until it’s falling apart tender.
3. Use our seven-step guide for perfect smoked brisket every time. From selecting, trimming, to smoking, this guide will help you make a delicious smoked whole brisket recipe.
4. For those who do not have a smoker, it is still possible to perfectly cook a brisket double wrapped in aluminum foil with some veggies and sauce overnight in an oven set to 225°F.
5. When cooking brisket, sear it all over to caramelize the meat and develop flavor before slow cooking it. Submerge the brisket in liquid and add aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and transfer to a 225°F oven for several hours until it’s falling apart tender.
6. Brisket is delicious in hearty stews, noodle soups, and barbecue sandwiches. From sweet-and-sour brisket to red wine-braised beef brisket, there’s a recipe out there for everyone.
Remember to cut the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. With these cooking tips and recipes, you’ll be able to make a delicious beef brisket every time!
