Flat

Meat

Flat

The flat is the leaner, rectangular half of a packer brisket once the point is separated—the piece that slices into tidy, presentable sheets for Texas trays and pastrami. Grain runs lengthwise; slicing across it is mandatory. Less fat than the point means it can dry if the cook is rushed or the fat cap is removed entirely. It is prized for clean slices and deli presentation. Leave a thin fat cap, cook low until probe-tender, rest in a wrap or cambro, and slice thin. Pastrami makers often prefer the flat for even curing and slicing. Burnt ends come from the point, not the flat.

Track this ingredient

Unit

Characteristics

Preparations

BraisedCuredFreshSliced ThinSmoked

Traits

Brisket FlatCan Dry If OvercookedLeanerLeaner Than PointNeat SlicesPastrami FriendlySliceableTray Presentation

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 193

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 11.5 g
  • Saturated Fat 5.1 g
  • Trans Fat 0.2 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 5.29 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 1.02 g
  • Cholesterol 70.7 mg
  • Sodium 57.8 mg
  • Salt 0.15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 0 g
  • Complex / starch 0 g
  • Protein 22.2 g
  • Water 59.7 g
Detailed nutrients

Flat of Beef: composition reflects this culinary part relative to the whole ingredient.

Grading systems

Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.

United States

USDA

History

US

Deli and barbecue traditions distinguished the sliceable flat from the fattier point.

Competition and YouTube barbecue made flat-vs-point technique common knowledge among home smokers.

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