How to Cut a Brisket: 12 Steps
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1. Choose the right brisket: Start by selecting a high-quality, full-packers cut brisket with a good balance of fat and lean meat, usually weighing between 10 to 15 pounds. This will ensure you have the right piece of meat for a delicious meal.
2. Prepare your tools: Sharpen your knives before beginning to ensure clean cuts. You’ll need a long, serrated slicing knife and a large cutting board with plenty of surface area to work on.
3. Chill the brisket: After cooking the brisket, wrap it in foil or butcher paper and rest it in a cooler for at least an hour. Chilled meat is easier to slice without falling apart.
4. Trim excess fat: Once chilled, identify the two main muscles (the flat and the point) of the brisket and trim any excess fat or loose pieces that may have formed during cooking.
5. Locate the grain direction: The grain is composed of muscle fibers that run parallel to each other in one direction. It is important to slice against the grain so that each piece of meat has shorter fibers, which will make it more tender.
6. Separate the flat and the point: Identify the fat seam connecting the flat and the point muscles, then gently slide your knife under the seam along its length, separating the two pieces.
7. Slice the flat: Positioning your knife perpendicular to the grain direction, evenly slice across the flat in sections about 1/4-inch thick until you reach its end.
8. Slice at an angle for burnt ends: When you reach the tapered end of the flat section, adjust your knife angle and begin slicing at a slight diagonal about 1/2-inch thick for perfect burnt ends.
9. Slice the point: Swap back to slicing perpendicular to the grain direction while slicing through the point muscle. These slices should also be approximately 1/4-inch thick.
10. Cut burnt ends from the point: Dice the point slices into 1-inch cubes to create delicious burnt ends for your guests.
11. Arrange the slices: Place your sliced brisket onto a serving platter, fanning out the slices for a visually appealing presentation. Be sure to include both flat and point meat, as well as burnt ends.
12. Serve and enjoy: Now that you’ve masterfully cut your brisket, share the delicious meal with friends and family, and enjoy! Remember to pair it with your favorite barbecue sauce and sides for a satisfying feast.