Is Brisket Beef or Pork? Unveil the Truth
Whether you’re an experienced pitmaster or a novice griller, you’ve likely encountered the term “brisket” on your barbecue journey. If you are asking the question “Is Brisket Beef or Pork?”, you’re in the right place. Here’s the quick answer: Brisket is beef, not pork.
The longer answer would go something like this: When someone uses the term “brisket” in the BBQ world, they are most often referring to beef brisket, which is an absolute staple in the BBQ community. In my opinion, you haven’t arrived as a BBQ Guru until you can smoke a respectable beef brisket!
However, there is such a thing as pork “brisket”. It’s definitely not as well-known as beef brisket but has grown in popularity in some regions (Kansas City, etc). I’ve never seen one on the menu at a restaurant, although I’ve heard they exist.
In this post, we will compare and contrast both meats. Strap in for this guided tour…
What is a Beef Brisket?
Beef brisket is a cut of meat from the lower chest or breast of cattle (cow or steer). Yes, you heard it right! Brisket is a cut of beef, not pork.
It’s hefty, dense, packed with marbled fat and connective tissues, which explains why it takes a good deal of time and patience to smoke it to perfection. Low and slow is the name of the game.
A well smoked beef brisket is absolutely awesome and is perhaps my favorite meat to smoke. Most folks I know LOVE IT; and especially the leftovers since they pair with lots of dishes.
What Is Pork Brisket?
The truth is, while there isn’t a direct “pork” counterpart to the beef brisket, there’s a cut of pork that’s often referred to as the “pork brisket.” It’s cut from the same area of a pig where beef brisket is cut from a cow.
The cut, consisting of part picnic shoulder and part pork belly, is basically leftover when other parts are removed during the butchering process. Since belly and shoulder are both fatty cuts of pork, the pork brisket is no exception. It’s fatty and flavorful, just like its beefy cousin.
While it’s not as commonly barbecued, with the right amount of smoke and patience, it can turn into a mouth-watering BBQ dish.
Here is more info on how to smoke pork brisket from seasoned pitmaster, Derrick Riches.
How Is Pork Brisket Different From Beef Brisket?
These two cuts of meat are fairly different. Upon quick visual comparison, you can see the size difference.
Photo courtesy of Texas Monthly
In addition to size, these cuts also differ in price, popularity, and fat content. Please reference the following table for a side by side comparison.
Comparison Table – Beef vs Pork Brisket
| Criteria | Beef Brisket | Pork Brisket |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Lower chest of beef cattle | Lower chest/shoulder of pig |
| Size of Cut | Large; often 12 – 20 lbs | Smaller; usually 2 – 5 lbs |
| Overall Price | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
| Ease of Cooking | Size leads to longer cook times | Easier, less time to cook |
| Popularity | BBQ Classic | Less commonly barbecued |
| Muscle Composition | Dense with connective tissue, collagen | Similar; slightly more tender |
| Fat Content | High | Extremely high |
What about Texas Brisket: Is it Beef or Pork?
The state of Texas has a longstanding tradition of slow-cooked, smokey bbq…and brisket is perhaps the ultimate star. With it’s rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, the traditional Texas-style brisket includes a basic dry rub of salt and pepper (and sometimes garlic and other spices depending on who you talk to) that are rubbed into the meat before it’s smoked low and slow.
I’m sure you would get some really funny looks if you asked this question, “Is brisket beef or pork?”, in Texas . Throughout Texas, the cut simply referred to as “Brisket” is definitely from cattle (i.e. beef).
Even though Texas is a huge state (2nd largest in the U.S.), you can hardly through a rock without hitting a cattle ranch. Beef is in abundance there for sure. Therefore, the culinary world in Texas is filled with all sorts of beefy goodness.
How To Choose Beef Brisket?
Choosing the perfect brisket for can feel a bit daunting, but with a little attention to detail you can knock it out. Here are some pointers to guide you:
| Look for marbling | Prime cuts have the best marbling, thin streaks of fat intertwined with the muscle. This renders down during cooking, making your brisket juicy and flavorful. |
| Check the thickness | You want your brisket to be thick and even throughout. A thin end cooks unevenly, resulting in a dry, overcooked piece of meat. |
| Consider the weight | A whole packer brisket, including the point and the flat, usually weighs between 12 to 20 pounds. |
| Flex the brisket | You are looking for a cut that bends easily. It will likely be well-marbled and therefore tender when cooked. |
Remember, the best brisket is the one that fits your personal taste and the preferences of your guests. Experiment to find what you like the most!
How to choose Pork Brisket?
Choosing a pork brisket may not be as common as picking a beef brisket, but it can be just as tasty if you know what to look for. Here’s how to pick the best pork brisket for your next BBQ session:
| Availability | Pork brisket may not be available in all stores, so it might be necessary to seek out a specialty butcher or inquire with your local butcher to procure this particular cut. |
| Marbling | Just like with beef, you want a pork brisket with good marbling. Those little streaks of fat will melt during the cooking process, infusing the meat with juiciness and flavor. |
| Size | A larger pork brisket will take longer to cook, but it can also feed more people. If you’re cooking for a crowd, a bigger brisket might be the way to go. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both beef brisket and pork brisket offer delicious options for BBQ and smoked dishes. While they share similarities in terms of their position on the animal, they also have notable differences.
I hope you experiment with both beef and pork cuts. Barbecue brisket is a staple, but pork brisket is also an excellent, although less common, choice. They are both delicious and can satisfy your BBQ craving!
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FAQ
Can a brisket be pig?
Yes, as discussed above in our article, there is a cut on a pig which is sold as a “brisket”. However, it’s very different from the far more common beef brisket.
What kind of meat is on a brisket?
Most commonly, the term brisket is used to refer to beef brisket. However, pork brisket is a thing.
Is Arby’s brisket beef or pork?
Arby’s brisket is made from Beef.
Is chuck roast the same as brisket?
No. These two cuts come from different places on beef cattle.
Why is brisket so expensive?
Beef prices in general have been on the rise pretty much since the Covid pandemic.
Can you pull brisket like pulled pork?
If beef brisket is cooked low and slow until it reaches the optimal temp (200 degrees-ish), then you can typically pull it apart similar to pork shoulder.
Whats the difference between beef and pork?
Beef comes from cattle and pork comes from pigs.
