Corned Beef – Do You Buy Point Cut or Flat Cut?

My mother-in-law was visiting this weekend and I decided to make our St. Patrick’s day feast a bit early. She is Irish and I thought it would be fun to have the traditional Corned Beef, potatoes, carrots and cabbage while she was here.

While shopping for the corned beef it became apparent that I had not done my research. There are two cuts of corned beef;  point and flat cut. The point cut is cheaper. Not knowing what to get, I purchased both! We needed two anyways with the crowd we had.

I made the point cut in the crockpot. I just added the seasoning packet and let it cook all day. About half way through cooking, I added the cabbage.

The flat cut was placed in a roaster pan with potato chunks, carrots, the seasoning packet and water. I roasted it at 300 degrees for 6 hours.

What is the Right Beef Brisket Cut to Buy?

The Taste Test

Out of five adults the winner was the point cut! It turns out that the point cut has more fat which makes it more flavorful and juicy. Both cuts of meat were tasty, but the point cut was the clear winner in our home.

Point Cut VS Flat Cut Corned Beef

Point Cut Brisket

Point cut corned beef are rounder and has pointy end. It’s the thicker part of the brisket which generally have more marbling or fat and connective tissue. This is the reason why a lot of people find them to be more flavorful, tender and more juicy. This cut is great

Flat Cut Brisket

Flat cut corned beef or also called round cut on the other hand are lean and with fat cap. Because it’s leaner, it is easier to slice and it looks better for presentation. This cut is easier to find and cheaper, which is why it’s most used for home corned beef recipes. When well-cooked, flat cuts also offers good flavor. Just make sure to trim the fat cup before cooking or curing when you buy this cut.

How to choose the right corned beef?

For the record, corned beef is made from the brisket. If you’re going to buy the entire brisket, it has both the flat cut and point cut.

To make the corned beef, it is placed in a brine of grains and salt to cure the meat. When selecting your corned beef at the store, feel the meat. The meat should be firm. If it is soft or mushy, it contains too much fat. I thought you would all like to know that the cheaper cut of corned beef nets the best results!

Here’s a great tip from my reader Cathy. When cutting meat, make sure to cut across the grain. This would make the meat more tender and easier to chew.

FUN FACT

Although Irish corned beef and cabbage has become a beloved part of Irish-American culture on St. Patrick’s Day, it is actually not a traditional Irish dish.

In Ireland, the typical St. Patrick’s Day meal is lamb or bacon and cabbage, which consists of boiled bacon, potatoes, and cabbage.

However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Irish immigrants in America found that corned beef was more readily available and affordable than bacon, and began to substitute it in their traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal. Thus, the tradition of Irish corned beef and cabbage was born.

Corned beef is a cured beef brisket that is preserved with large grains of salt, known as “corns” of salt, and boiled until tender and flavorful.

Cabbage, a popular vegetable in Ireland, became a natural accompaniment to corned beef in America, as it was readily available and complemented the dish’s salty flavor.

While Irish corned beef and cabbage may not be a traditional Irish dish, it has become a beloved part of many Irish-Americans’ St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, serving as a delicious way to celebrate the holiday and honor their Irish heritage.

Don’t forget to check out our Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Recipe

Other Recipes That You Can Do With Your Point Cut And Flat Cut Brisket

Point Cut Brisket Recipes

Point cut brisket is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that can be used in various recipes. Other than making corned beef, here are five delicious options to consider:

Smoked Point Cut Brisket:

Rub the brisket with your favorite barbecue seasoning or a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic. Smoke it low and slow until it reaches a tender and flavorful consistency. This method imparts a rich, smoky flavor, making it a favorite for barbecue enthusiasts.

Braised Point Cut Brisket:

Brown the brisket on all sides in a hot pan, then transfer it to a Dutch oven. Add broth, onions, carrots, and herbs. Braise it in the oven until fork-tender. This method results in a succulent and savory brisket that’s perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or over rice.

Slow Cooker Point Cut Brisket Tacos:

Season the brisket with taco spices, garlic, and lime juice. Place it in a slow cooker with diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Cook on low until the meat is tender and shreds easily. Serve the flavorful brisket in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

Point Cut Brisket Chili:

Cube the brisket and brown it in a pot. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and other spices. Simmer until the brisket is tender and the flavors meld together. This hearty chili is perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Asian-Inspired Point Cut Brisket Stir-Fry:

Slice the brisket thinly and stir-fry it with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Add a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce with garlic and ginger for a delicious and quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve over rice or noodles.

These recipes showcase the versatility of point cut brisket, allowing you to explore different flavors and cooking techniques. 

Flat Cut Brisket Recipes

Flat cut brisket is a versatile cut of beef that can be used in various recipes. Here are five delicious options to consider:

Classic Oven-Baked Brisket:

Season the flat cut brisket with a rub of your favorite spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Roast it in the oven low and slow until it becomes tender and develops a flavorful crust. This traditional method results in a savory and succulent brisket.

Beef Brisket Sandwiches:

Slow-cook the flat cut brisket with onions, garlic, and beef broth until it’s fork-tender. Shred the beef and serve it on crusty rolls or bread with your favorite condiments, like barbecue sauce, pickles, or coleslaw, for a satisfying brisket sandwich.

Smoked Flat Cut Brisket:

Apply a dry rub or marinade to the brisket and smoke it over hardwood for several hours until it reaches a tender and smoky perfection. This method imparts a distinct flavor and is a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. Serve sliced with barbecue sauce on the side.

Brisket Tacos with Avocado Salsa:

Braise the flat cut brisket until tender, then shred it. Create a flavorful avocado salsa with diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and, of course, avocados. Serve the shredded brisket in taco shells topped with the refreshing avocado salsa.

Beef and Vegetable Stew:

Cube the flat cut brisket and brown it in a pot. Add broth, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, onions, and herbs. Simmer until the brisket is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. This hearty stew is perfect for a comforting and nourishing meal.

These recipes showcase the versatility of flat cut brisket, allowing you to explore different cooking methods and flavor profiles. 

St. Patrick’s Day Feast

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate Irish culture with a hearty and delicious feast. From traditional Irish dishes to creatively green treats, here’s a comprehensive list of five mouthwatering foods that will make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration a culinary delight.

Corned Beef and Cabbage:

A classic St. Patrick’s Day dish, Corned Beef and Cabbage is a flavorful and hearty meal that brings the essence of Irish cuisine to the table. Slow-cooked corned beef, tender cabbage, carrots, and potatoes make for a satisfying and traditional feast. Serve with a dollop of mustard for that extra kick.

Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe 

Irish Stew

Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with the heartiness of traditional Irish Stew, a comforting celebration of flavors and heritage. This timeless recipe combines tender lamb, root vegetables, and savory broth to create a hearty dish that embodies the warmth and culinary richness of Irish culture. 

Easy Irish Stew Recipe

Irish Soda Bread:

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a slice of warm and crusty Irish Soda Bread. This traditional bread is quick to make and features a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. With its dense texture and rustic charm, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your St. Patrick’s Day meal.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe – a St. Patrick’s Day Tradition 

Shepherd’s Pie:

A comforting and hearty Shepherd’s Pie is a staple of Irish comfort food. This savory dish features a base of seasoned ground meat (traditionally lamb, but beef works too) topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until golden brown for a delicious and filling main course.

Guinness Stew Pot Pies Recipe

Irish Dublin Coddle:

Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the savory charm of Irish Dublin Coddle. This traditional dish, hailing from Dublin, features layers of sausages, bacon, onions, and potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection, offering a taste of Irish comfort and culinary heritage. 

Irish Dublin Coddle Crock Pot Version – St. Patrick’s Day Recipe

Irish Meatloaf:

Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day feast with a twist on the classic Irish Meatloaf. This hearty dish combines ground beef, savory spices, and a touch of Irish flair, creating a flavorful homage to the Emerald Isle that will make your celebration truly special.

Irish Meatloaf an Easy Irish Recipe

Guinness Chocolate Cake:

Give your St. Patrick’s Day a sweet ending with a rich and indulgent Guinness Chocolate Cake. The addition of Guinness stout adds depth to the chocolate flavor, creating a moist and decadent dessert. Top it off with a velvety cream cheese frosting, and you have a dessert that’s as delightful as it is Irish.

Pot of Gold Cupcakes – Chocolate Cupcakes with Lemon Mousse Filling

Shamrock Shake:

For a festive and refreshing treat, whip up a Shamrock Shake. This minty green shake is a fun and delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Blend together vanilla ice cream, mint extract, and a touch of green food coloring for that iconic hue. Top with whipped cream and green sprinkles for extra flair.

Shamrock Shake Recipe 

Irish Tea Brack:

Experience the rich tapestry of Irish flavors with Irish Tea Brack, a traditional tea-soaked fruit bread that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Irish kitchens.

Irish Tea Brack Recipe

Irish Coffee:

Cap off your St. Patrick’s Day feast with a warming Irish Coffee. Combining hot coffee with Irish whiskey and sugar, and topped with a layer of cream, it’s a delightful way to toast to the celebration. Sip and savor the rich flavors as you wind down your festive day.

St. Patrick’s Day is not only a time to wear green but also a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the flavors of Ireland. Whether you’re savoring a slice of Irish Soda Bread or raising a glass of Irish Coffee, these delicious foods will make your celebration memorable and delicious. Sláinte to a feast of green and culinary joy! 

Free St. Patrick’s Day Printable Activities For Kids