Beef brisket is one of the most popular cuts of beef, but it can be expensive. Brisket is typically used in BBQs and for tacos, so if you are looking for a new twist on your favorite dish this summer, here are some great alternatives to beef brisket.
You’ll be surprised how many other options there are to satisfy your craving for barbecue or tacos without breaking the bank.
What is beef brisket?
Brisket is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of beef. It is cooked by smoking, braising, or roasting. Beef brisket is a very popular cut of beef because it can be served in a variety of ways, but it can also be expensive.
Why are people looking for alternatives to beef brisket?
Brisket is an expensive cut of beef, so many people are looking for other options to satisfy their craving for BBQ or tacos. Furthermore, brisket is typically used in BBQs and tacos, so if you are looking for a new twist on your favorite dish this summer, here are some great alternatives.
The best alternatives to beef brisket.
1. Chuck Roast
Similar to brisket, chuck roast is a cut of beef from the shoulder area. This cut is also ideal for BBQs and tacos because it contains a lot of fat, which makes it perfect for slow-cooking or braising.
2. Flank Steak
Flank steak is a thin cut of beef taken from the underside of a cow’s belly. Flank steak has a good amount of fat and requires only a short cooking time on the grill or in a pan because it can dry out quickly if you overcook it.
3. Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is another thin cut of beef taken from near the cow’s belly area, but this cut comes from the animal’s diaphragm muscle. The best way to enjoy skirt steak is to grill or cook it quickly over high heat, as it can become tough if cooked too long or at too low of heat.
4. Flat Iron Steak
Flat iron steaks are similar to skirt steak in that they come from near the cow’s stomach muscle and will require quick cooking times, but flat iron steaks are easier to find than skirt steak because they come from one muscle instead of two muscles like skirt steak does. Flat iron steaks are tender with an interesting texture when sliced thin against the grain.
Pork shoulder
Pork shoulder is a great alternative to beef brisket because it’s just as flavorful, but it’s less expensive. Pork shoulder is typically used in pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. It’s also often used for BBQ.
Pork shoulder can be marinated in BBQ sauce, coconut milk, and lime to give it the same type of flavor you would get with beef brisket. The meat should have some time to sit in the marinade for at least an hour so that the flavors are fully absorbed.
Beef chuck roast
One of the best alternate cuts of beef is chuck roast. Chuck roast is usually less expensive than brisket, so if you are looking for a cheaper meat option, chuck is the way to go. Chuck roast is also flavorful and can be used in many different dishes, so it’s worth trying out.
Flank steak
One great alternative to beef brisket is flank steak. Flank steak is a delicious cut of beef that has a different flavor than brisket. Flank steak takes well to dry rubs, marinades, and sauces, making it a perfect option for tacos or BBQs.
There are many benefits to cooking with flank steak instead of brisket including the price tag. You can find flank steak in most grocery stores or at your local butcher for less than $10 per pound. If you are looking for something spicy and flavorful, try this recipe for Grilled Caribbean Flank Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa from The Kitchn.
Conclusion
Beef brisket is a tough cut of meat to cook, and the taste can be a little too strong for a lot of people. That’s why people are looking for alternatives to beef brisket. Here are some of the best replacements for beef brisket, in order from most recommended to least recommended.
1. Pork shoulder
3. Flank steak
4. Beef stew meat
5. Ground beef
6. Chuck steak
7. Ground chuck
8. Ground sirloin
9. Ground round