Brisket is usually sold as a large, boneless slab of meat. It comes from a cow's lower chest region. Brisket is the same cut used to make corned beef and pastrami. As you may already know, corned beef is cured with salt, pepper, mustard seeds, crushed bay leaves, and other spices. It is then simmered for hours, until tender. Corned beef is traditionally served on St. Patrick's day, along with steamed cabbage and vegetables.