


I would say that to remain on the safe side, you should assume that about 0.5lbs of a whole brisket will contain inedible connective tissue and other tough portions.
WHOLE PACKER BRISKET FULL
You should also be aware that there may be some inedible fat, particularly with a full packer brisket. Keep in mind that it isn’t just shrinkage that you have to take into account, though. If it was about 5lbs to begin with, then it could end up being about 3.5 to 3lbs once it has been smoked. Well, this would all depend on how much the beef brisket weighed originally. If you are smoking or roasting the brisket, the meat will lose more water rather than if you were braising it or cooking it in a stew. The cooking process can also impact the shrinkage.

Therefore, the flat will hold more of its weight than a whole brisket or a flat. This moisture evaporates in the smoker.Īs a general rule, lean meat doesn’t lose as much moisture as fat. In doing this, it forces water out of the meat. When the meat cooks, the protein breaks apart and contracts. It is estimated that up to 75 percent of meat is made up of water. These protein strands trap water and moisture inside the meat. Meat, including raw brisket and pork butt – is made up of many tightly packed protein molecules. Depending on the cut of meat and the cooking conditions, this shrinkage can be less or greater. So, how much does raw brisket shrink? On average, an uncooked brisket can shrink by as much 30 to 40 percent. Have you ever cooked meat to discover that the final result is a lot smaller than the raw cut? Well, this is because meat shrinks when it cooks and brisket is no different. How Much Weight is Lost When Cooking a Brisket? What’s the Best Thickness for Steak: Guide to Steak Thickness.Point vs Flat Corned Beef: Which Is Better For Corned Beef.Despite this, it is the tastier option and is used to make corned beef. As such, it doesn’t contain near as much lean meat as the flat. Keep in mind that this cut is largely made of marbling and fatty tissue. In comparison, the brisket point cut often weighs closer to 5lbs. It has a uniform shape that also makes it easier to cook. This cut is almost entirely made of lean meat. The brisket flat cut is the larger cut and can weigh between 6 and 10lbs.
