Brisket is cut from the lower chest or breast of beef. It’s a tough cut of meat, as it contains the pectoral muscles. Because of this, brisket needs to cook for a long time in order to become the tender meat we enjoy. u003cbr/u003eUntrimmed beef brisket is still one of the least expensive cuts of beef you can buy. When you order the brisket, ask your butcher for a whole piece, neatly shaped, and free of much of the excess fat that is usually found on the sides.