What is Beef Brisket Called in the UK? A Complete Guide to This Flavorful Cut

Beef brisket is an extremely popular cut of meat in the United States, known for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked correctly. But what about in the UK – what do the British call this iconic barbecue staple?

Beef brisket comes from the breast or lower chest area of the cow. It’s a large, tough cut that contains a lot of connective tissue. This connective tissue is composed mainly of collagen, which must be melted down through long, slow cooking to make the meat tender.

There are two portions that make up a whole brisket – the “flat” or “first cut”, which is leaner, and the “point”, also called the “deckle” or “second cut”, which is fattier. These portions are sometimes separated and sold individually. When left whole, the brisket contains both the lean flat and the fatty point.

What Beef Brisket is Called in the UK

In the United States, this cut is simply known as “brisket”. However, in the UK, beef brisket goes by a few different names:

• Rolled brisket – This refers to a whole brisket where the point and flat have been left attached The butcher will trim the brisket and roll and tie it to form an even shape.

• Brisket joint – Similar to a rolled brisket this is a whole untrimmed brisket rolled and tied into a joint.

• Brisket slices/brisket cuts – These are slices or portions cut from the brisket flat or point.

• Silverside – This name refers specifically to the lean brisket flat. It gets its name from the silvery connective tissue covering one side of the cut.

Where to Find Beef Brisket in the UK

Because it’s less commonly cooked in the UK compared to the US, brisket can be tricky to find at standard supermarkets. Your best bet is to check out:

• Traditional butchers – Old-school, independent butchers are likely to stock whole briskets. Make friends with your local butcher and they can source and prepare brisket just the way you like it.

• Speciality meat online retailers – To access a wider range of cuts from quality producers around the UK, order online from retailers like The Village Butchers, Turner & George, or Farmison & Co. They offer brisket in multiple sizes from smaller 1kg joints up to 6kg monsters.

• American food retailers – Stores specialising in American groceries often stock cuts of meat popular in the US like brisket. Try stores like American Fizz for American and Texan-style barbecue supplies.

• Farms and food markets – Check out your local farmers market or food fair and chat to producers directly to see if they have beef brisket for sale. Visiting local farms is also a great way to find whole briskets.

Getting your hands on a quality brisket joint may take a bit more work than grabbing one from the supermarket. But seeking out a properly butchered, well-marbled piece of meat is worth the effort for the final mouthwatering dish.

How to Cook Beef Brisket

Cooking brisket properly is an art form, but get it right and you’ll be rewarded with meat that melts in your mouth. Here are four classic ways to cook brisket:

Slow roast – Season liberally with salt and pepper and let rest overnight. Slow roast the brisket fat-side up at 120C for around 1.5 hours per kilo. Baste hourly with the juices. Roast until fork tender.

Oven braise – Brown the brisket all over then braise in stock on low heat for 2-3 hours until very soft, topping up the liquid during cooking.

Slow cooker – Layer sliced onions, brisket and your choice of sauce or rub in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8+ hours. Shred with forks before serving.

Smoke – The ultimate! Fire up your smoker or barbecue with wood chips. Rub brisket with spices and mustard, then smoke over indirect heat for 8-12 hours at 110C ish until super tender.

The most important thing is maintaining a low temperature over an extended period of time to properly break down the connective tissue. Be patient and let the brisket work its magic.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Brisket

Brisket makes for amazing sandwiches and tacos when shredded, but can also be carved into slices and served with classic barbecue sides:

• BBQ baked beans
• Mac and cheese
• Crunchy coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Green salad
• Grilled veggies like peppers and courgette
• Roasted new potatoes or sweet potato
• Cornbread, brioche buns or pickles for sandwiches

The rich meatiness of brisket can handle zesty rubs and bold barbecue sauces. A sweet and smoky Kansas City-style sauce or a peppery, spicy Texan-style sauce both complement brisket wonderfully.

Storing and Freezing Brisket

Like most meats, brisket should be stored carefully in the fridge or freezer to maximise its shelf life. Here are some top tips:

• Let cooked brisket cool completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Cooked brisket will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. Ensure all air is pressed out before freezing.

• Wrap raw brisket well and use within 4 days. It can be kept in the freezer for up to one year.

• For the best texture and flavor, thaw brisket overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a low oven.

With proper storage techniques, both cooked and uncooked brisket will keep well for maximum enjoyment and less waste.

While brisket has yet to achieve the same wildly popular status in the UK as it has in America, its popularity is definitely on the up. More Brits are discovering just how delicious this economical cut can be when prepared just right.

The key is finding a properly butchered brisket and cooking it low and slow to break down the connective tissue and fat. Be patient with this cut, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most flavorful, succulent beef around. Armed with the knowledge of the different UK brisket names and where to source it, you’re now ready to tackle this barbecue favorite.

So go on, grab yourself a gorgeous brisket joint and get smoking, roasting, braising or slow cooking! Your tastebuds will thank you.