Beef brisket is one of the most delicious and versatile cuts of meat When prepared properly, it results in incredibly tender and flavorful barbecue that literally melts in your mouth However, finding a high-quality brisket can be challenging if you don’t know where to look.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find amazing brisket near you, including:
- What to Look for When Buying Brisket
- The Best Places to Buy Brisket Online
- Top Local Stores and Butchers to Find Brisket
- Special Considerations for Buying Brisket
Let’s get started!
What to Look for When Buying Brisket
When it comes to brisket, you want to make sure you’re getting the best quality cut possible. Here are the key things to look for:
Select the Right Cut
There are a few different brisket cuts to choose from
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Whole brisket – This is the entire untrimmed brisket with both the flat and the point still connected. This is the most common cut for smoking.
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Brisket flat – The leaner flat half of the brisket. Best for slicing.
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Point cut – The fattier point half of the brisket. Best for pulled beef.
For the most versatility, I recommend getting a whole packer brisket. This will allow you to separate the flat and point after cooking for both sliced and pulled beef.
Check for Marbling
You want your brisket to have ample marbling, which is the white streaks of fat interspersed throughout the meat. The marbling bastes the brisket as it cooks, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful. Look for medium to heavy marbling.
Inspect the Fat Cap
The fat cap is the thick layer of fat on one side of the brisket. A thicker cap means more flavor and moisture. Ideally, look for a cap thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Consider the Grade
Higher USDA grades mean more marbling and fat, which translates to better flavor and tenderness after cooking. I recommend choosing USDA Choice or Prime grade brisket when you can find it.
Estimate 1 Lb Per Person
Plan on purchasing around 1 pound of uncooked brisket per person. Brisket loses around 40% of its weight during cooking due to moisture loss. An average whole brisket weighs 12-16 lbs, so a full packer can feed 12-16 people.
By keeping these criteria in mind when brisket shopping, you’ll be able to pick out an amazing cut of meat for your next backyard barbecue.
The Best Places to Buy Brisket Online
Shopping online for brisket can be hit or miss in terms of quality. To remove the guesswork, I recommend ordering from one of these top online retailers for guaranteed delicious brisket:
Snake River Farms
Snake River Farms offers premium American Wagyu brisket with gorgeous marbling. Their Kurobuta pork is also amazing if you want to throw a rack of ribs in your order. They ship their meat overnight on ice to ensure freshness.
Porter Road
Based in Nashville, Porter Road sources ethical meats from Kentucky and Tennessee. Their Wagyu briskets are well-marbled with a delicious buttery flavor. Shipping is free on orders over $100.
Crowd Cow
Crowd Cow partners with small local farms to deliver craft meat nationwide. Their brisket selection includes Wagyu, grass-fed, and USDA Prime options, so you can find the right brisket for your tastes.
Omaha Steaks
Omaha Steaks has been selling quality mail order meats since 1917. Their brisket flat cuts are nicely marbled USDA Choice beef. You can add other grilling favorites like steaks, hot dogs, and hamburgers to your order.
Holy Grail Steak Co.
Looking for the very best in Wagyu brisket? Holy Grail Steak Co. offers 100% fullblood A5 Wagyu brisket sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan. It’s pricey but the marbling, flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is unmatched.
When ordering brisket online, I recommend choosing overnight shipping with plenty of time before your cookout. This ensures you get the freshest brisket possible.
Top Local Stores and Butchers for Brisket
For the freshest brisket in your area, your best bet is to check out local butcher shops and specialty grocery stores. Here are some of the top local sources to find amazing brisket:
Your Local Butcher Shop
Independent butcher shops are my top choice for incredible quality brisket. They work directly with local ranches and farms to hand-select high-end cuts of meat. A good butcher will happily customize a brisket to your preferences.
Specialty Groceries Like Whole Foods
Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Central Market, and Trader Joe’s carry above-average quality brisket compared to regular supermarkets. Check the back meat counter for the best selection.
Restaurant Supply Stores
Restaurant supply shops like Restaurant Depot sell brisket in bulk for wholesale prices. You’ll find packer briskets ideal for smoking along with flats and points for other uses.
Local Meat Markets or Delis
Old-school local meat markets and delis are another good option, especially in Texas barbecue country. Many butcher their briskets in-house.
Costco or Sam’s Club
Warehouse clubs get in whole packer briskets that are perfect for backyard smokers. You can often find USDA Prime brisket for a great price if you check frequently.
Wherever you purchase brisket locally, inspect it carefully and ask questions to ensure the quality meets your expectations. Building a relationship with a good local butcher is ideal.
Special Considerations for Buying Brisket
Keep these additional tips in mind when brisket shopping:
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Buy early – The best briskets often sell out quickly on weekends and holidays when demand is high. Shop 1-2 weeks early.
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Understand price differences – Expect to pay more for higher grades like Prime and Wagyu compared to Choice. Grass-fed costs more than grain-fed. But the flavor payoff is worth it!
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Consider size – Estimate about 1 pound uncooked per person. Briskets average 12-16 lbs but can range from 8 to 22 lbs based on the animal. Choose what fits your needs.
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Check for flexibility – Look for a brisket that bends a bit rather than being stiff. This indicates more marbling and tenderness.
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Watch expiration dates – Fresh brisket should be cooked within 5-7 days. Frozen brisket is good for 9-12 months in the freezer.
Finding a quality brisket is the first step to barbecue success. By following this guide and shopping at a reputable source for meat, you’re guaranteed to get an amazing cut of brisket to enjoy. Happy smoking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Brisket
What grade of brisket is best?
The best brisket grades are Prime and high-end Choice. Both have ample marbling for flavor, tenderness, and moisture after the low and slow cooking brisket requires. Wagyu brisket with its extensive marbling is excellent too.
Should I get a whole brisket or a flat?
For maximum versatility, I recommend getting a whole packer brisket. This allows you to separate the leaner flat from the fattier point after cooking. The flat slices beautifully,