FOOD NEWS
The Important Differences Between Chuck Roast And Beef Brisket
BY MATTHEW SPINA
While chuck roast and brisket are both large cuts of beef that are usually slow-cooked, they vary quite a bit in flavor, texture, and the kind of recipes they work best in.
Beef chuck is a primal cut, meaning it's a large section that is broken down into more specific cuts. It's known for its rich flavor and is full of collagen and connective tissue.
Technically any bigger piece of beef from the chuck meant to be roasted can be called "chuck roast," so there can be some variations in their fat, and tenderness.
Brisket is the tougher of the two primal cuts. It takes much longer to cook due to the density of its muscle fibers and must be cut perpendicular to the muscle.
Despite its toughness, brisket is the more expensive cut of the two since a single cow will produce only two usable brisket cuts. It's a popular choice for barbecuing.
Ultimately, to pick the best meat, consider your purpose. Brisket is a staple for braising and barbecuing while chuck roast is more versatile and can be used in roasts and stews.